Today we’d like to introduce you to Thais Mills and share her story with you below:
A blur of fairy-tale happenings make up the early chapters of Thais’ life. Though she first displayed artistic talent at age nine, Thais` Mills believes her birth name preconditioned her for the spotlight. Her late mom, Louise Doley being a Pharmacist for VA Medical Center in Downtown New Orleans would bring home medical writing tablets and new pens daily and Thais would see them as actual gifts. Doodling evolved into writing short stories and eventually poetry.
“When my parents divorced Mom moved next door to Sally Ann Roberts, our city’s most treasured morning anchor. The entire Roberts` family poured an authentic love into my little sister and I. That connection sparked something inside me and I typed my first poem at Mrs. Roberts` home. Mom didn’t have a computer then. So grateful to Sally Ann for finding unique ways to fuel my passion for writing. Inviting me to read at her swanky dinner parties and simply being there to take time for me. Mom was instrumental in ensuring she kept healthy role models close to her girls and now that she is gone I understand why. So many strong women called her friend and those women are still there to guide me with wisdom and love.
When evacuating for Hurricane Katrina, Thais remembered to grab all of her poetry books filled with hand-written poems instead of baby pictures that would end up being destroyed. Even then Essence Magazine Editor, Susan Taylor confirmed something-special lived in Thais by sharing thoughts on her “very interesting name,” when they met in Thais` pre-teen years.
Poetry aided in the materialization of her childhood dream. Her first business, Da’ Poet’s Tree, LLC, launched before Thais turned 20 years old. Da’ Poet’s Tree offered a diverse catalog of over 4,500 poems. Special Event Hosting, Personalized Poetry and Private Poetry Readings were her unique services.
Thais has performed her eloquent poems on stage, in private screenings and for commissioned personalized poetry projects. Thais produced a fun-spirited open mic at a popular Jazz Club in New Orleans. The name of her poetry production that ran 3 years up until the week before Hurricane Katrina was called ( you guessed it ) Lip Service Ink. The name of her former famed open mic is now the name of her Literary Magazine.
Developing her already savvy writing skills at Southern University in New Orleans, Thais began transposing her words in three prominent publications, Data News Weekly, Offline and Sisterhood Magazine with original columns spanning from romance to entertainment. She now utilizes those skills on LipServiceInk.com. An eclectic portal fusing her custom columns with innovative interviews and fun literacy education.
Sporting her passion with a purpose Thais uses a single bookmark as her promotional tool to connect with new readers and brands. To date more than 4 million FREE bookmarks have been distributed across the globe. No one has ever paid for a bookmark or the shipping of a bookmark and Thais prides herself in keeping it that way.
“Painting is how I relax, it’ll never feel like work.”
Thais’s first dot-com venture, Enticing Objects emerged in 2000 spotlighting her hand-painted crafts which today have expanded to include Office Art, Couture Magnets, Photo Clips and Canvas Collections with charity beneficiaries attached. While in high school Thai` taught Arts n Crafts at a Summer Camp to 5-6 yr olds and through Word of Mouth orders started coming in for her Original painted creations. Now everyone from Fashion Icon, Kimora Lee Simmons, Grammy Nominated R&B star Kelly Price to countless stars and loyal art buyers have Thais’s art in their home. It all still overwhelms Ms. Mills that thousands of her pieces have been sold from a single website that now ranks #1 on Google.
The artistic ” grind ” never stops for Thais Mills – with the launch of the “Bibby Gumbo Book Club”, a cutting-edge fun book club / book drive series where parents are invited to engage virtually with their babies (bibby).
Inspired by her 8yr old daughter Iyla Grace, Bibby Gumbo Book Club celebrates literacy for pregnant moms to school-age kids specializing with kids who learn at their own awesome pace. Thais will also produce & host alongside her daughter a fun-themed TV Show, ” Under The Bookshelf ” to assist parents with resources and keep kids engaged in new books & fun crafts.
Find Thais painting in her cozy Art Gallery / Paint Studio tucked away in the forest.. A real forest in Fayetteville, Georgia.
Thais Flowers are hand-crafted works of Original Art made for the walking canvas. Every Couture Flower design is created / hand-painted by Thais Mills to be shipped around the world. From Dubai to Dallas #ThaisFlowers are finding their way to a vanity table near you! Add Home Decor items to her exclusive collection and there’s no stopping Ms. Mills as she carves her own path as a modern day Renaissance Woman.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Transitioning to Georgia post the close of a 9yr relationship and the death of my mom is something I still struggle with. Weight Loss surgery has also altered my lifestyle and can be humbling to know I will never look at food the same. I’ve had people who mean a lot to me say I’m not ” as funny ” anymore post my weight loss surgery which I find insensitive. So much pain and emotional distress lives within overeating. It’s something I will always work towards overcoming. It all leaves me even more grateful for who simply remains consistent in me and my daughter’s ever changing life.
Of all the professions you’ve taken on, which has been the most challenging?
Writing poetry. Even though it comes super easy I’m always second guessing myself. When I come close to saying what I want to, I’m over the moon. Even if it’s just six lines, I pull out the champagne. But until then, my goodness, those lines worry me like a mosquito in the ear.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Writer, Poet an Abstract Expressionist with a collection of hand-painted hair flowers, accessories and Home Decor pieces waiting for you at www.ThaisFlowers.com
What were you like growing up?
Outspoken. To this day I do believe my level of hospitality is embedded in my DNA due to my hometown of New Orleans.
Pricing:
- A Large Flower Design is $5504
- A Small Flower Design is $45.04
- Throw Pillow $45.04
- Socks $15.04
- Mug $25.04
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ThaisFlowers.com
- Instagram: @ThaisFlowers
- Facebook: @ThaisFlowersStore
- Twitter: @LipServiceInk
- Youtube: @LipServiceInk
- Other: www.BibbyGumbo.com & www.LipServiceInk.com
