We’re looking forward to introducing you to LaSha’ Rockymore-Mitchell. Check out our conversation below.
LaSha’, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d say I’m walking a path—one that I’ve been paving intentionally with creativity, purpose, and a deep belief in community. Every project and partnership we build through The SmArt Oasis and the Music, Fashion & Arts Foundation is another step toward creating spaces that nurture artistic freedom and innovation. My path may have twists, but it’s guided by vision.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder and Executive Director of the Music, Fashion & Arts Foundation and the co-owner of The SmArt Oasis, two creative platforms working together to empower artists and communities through innovation, education, and expression.
The MFA Foundation is our nonprofit branch focused on community development—offering youth and adult workshops, creative resources, outreach events, and conferences that help individuals grow both personally and professionally. We believe creativity can be a powerful tool for healing, opportunity, and leadership, so our programs are designed to equip people with real-world skills while celebrating their artistic identity. One of our most anticipated initiatives is Tennessee Statewide 2.0, happening February 27–28, 2026, in Murfreesboro, TN. It’s a two-day experience that will unite creatives from across the state through panels, performances, and collaborative showcases.
Our second branch, The SmArt Oasis, serves as the creative home for our vision—a studio and cultural hub where art, business, and wellness intersect. It’s a space where collaboration thrives, creativity is celebrated, and ideas are brought to life through pop-ups, capsule releases, and community-centered experiences.
What makes our work special is the way we merge purpose with creativity. Whether through community outreach or innovative brand projects, both The SmArt Oasis and the MFA Foundation exist to uplift voices, expand opportunities, and remind people that art can change lives when it’s rooted in connection.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My brother. He saw something in me long before I recognized it in myself. He believed in my potential and spoke so highly of me—at times when I was still learning to believe in who I was becoming. I was his go-to person for advice and life talks, but in truth, he was one of my greatest teachers. Even though he’s no longer here, his words and faith in me continue to guide how I move, create, and pour into others.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The loss of my brother in 2018 changed everything. It was the kind of pain that shakes your foundation and forces you to see life differently. For a while, I was just trying to find my balance again—but over time, that pain transformed into purpose. His passing lit a fire in me that ultimately birthed the Music, Fashion & Arts Foundation and everything that’s grown from it.
What started as grief became a mission—to build something that uplifts others, creates opportunities, and gives people the kind of belief and encouragement he always gave me. In many ways, this work has been my healing. Every workshop, event, and creative project is a piece of that journey—a way of turning loss into legacy and love into lasting impact.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! What you see is truly who I am. I’ve learned that authenticity is one of the strongest forms of leadership. Whether I’m hosting an event, teaching a workshop, or simply connecting with people in the community, I show up as my full self—creative, passionate, and purpose-driven. I believe in being transparent about both the wins and the lessons, because that’s what keeps my work—and my message—real.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
People may see the events, the creative projects, or the brand growth and think it all came from ambition—but my legacy isn’t about success, it’s about service. Everything I’ve built through The SmArt Oasis and the Music, Fashion & Arts Foundation was born from a place of healing and heart. It’s about creating space for others to rise, to be seen, and to believe in their own power.
Some may not realize that what drives me isn’t the spotlight—it’s the impact. My legacy is meant to outlive me through the people, the communities, and the creativity we’ve helped nurture along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mfafest.com
- Instagram: instargram.com/mfafest
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mfafest
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mfafest
- Youtube: MFAFEST
- Soundcloud: mfafest
Image Credits
2025 Staff pictures by Moet Films
TN Statewide Event Photos by Millicent Photography
