Life & Work with Ayanna Elston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayanna Elston.

Hi Ayanna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born on September 12th, 1995 in Bellflower California at 3:33 PM. I am a Virgo. My name was passed down from my grandmother meaning beautiful flower and has a Swahili origin. I love learning about art and teaching others how to create and grow in the most natural ways possible.

I love my family and where I come from. My dad is a painter. From cars to houses, he showed me what it meant to be creative and how to hustle. My mother is an Army vet who did two tours overseas. She taught me what it means to be inspired and to do whatever I put my mind to.

I love going on adventures, creating whatever comes to mind, studying astrology, reading books, journaling my life experience, singing, dancing, and practicing all the things that make me feel happy and at peace. I have a free spirit, Gypsy-traveler kinda vibe.

Growing up, I moved from California at a young age to Gurley, AL. There I graduated high school in 2013 and finally found myself in Atlanta, GA the following year.

I attended the Art Institute of Atlanta and graduated in 2016 with an Associate’s degree in Digital Photography. Photography gave me an outlet to capture and create in the most technical yet expressive ways possible. I gained a whole new perspective to life and I will be forever grateful.

After graduation, my life kinda took a turn and I experienced deep depression, anxiety and the true importance of awareness in mental health. I started going to school online for Psychology and moved back to Alabama where massage therapy found me.

Instead of getting a degree in psychology, I went through a 9- month program and was certified in 2018 as a Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in stress management, relaxation, and wellness of the mind, body, and spirit.

Fast forward to today, I now have a business that has been operating for two years called Earthly & Divine LLC where we provide art and massage products and services to the community. I received a vision in art school of a space for all ages to come heal and grow through self-care and art.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This road has been challenging to say the least. I experienced anxiety, depression, physical, mental, and emotional abuse that left me with PTSD & shattered my sense of self. It took a lot of healing, courage, and support from family, teachers, friends, therapists, and spiritual guides to get to where I am today. My journey of healing will take a lifetime. The best piece of advice I can give to someone that has had a challenging life is to not allow fears of the past and inadequacy to hold you back from living the life you deserve.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I consider myself an intuitive artist. I am the founder and owner of Earthly & Divine so I do many things & wear many hats in work. I specialize in self-development through art and massage. From creating and selling my artwork to teaching photography, developing massage techniques, and guiding others through their own spiritual journey, I love helping people grow. I have touched many peoples’ lives in my line of work. I am proud to be of service, to make a difference, and aid someone in feeling more relaxed and empowered within themselves. I am a vibe infused with an essence made to give and support through wisdom and knowledge passed down from those before me. Your experience with someone else will not be the same experience with me because I am a unique individual.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Favorite Books: The Alchemist, The Four Agreements, the Mastery of Love, and the Power of Now.

Favorite Apps: YouTube & Pinterest

Contact Info:

• Email: Earthlydivinellc
• Website: https://linktr.ee/earthlydivinellc
• Instagram: @ayannaelston
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopearthlydivine/shop/?ref_code=share_shop&ref_surface=share_shop
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCBLc_HX4ne3ed_NnKXQM1ZA

Image Credits
@ayannaelston