Meet Zoya Aly of Zoya Love Art in Edgewood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoya Aly.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was raised in a Muslim household with immigrant parents. I’m a first-generation American, so the expectations my parents (like many foreign parents) had of me was to grow up a young scholar and become a doctor or a lawyer. Creativity or individuality was never characteristics that were encouraged. I feel like even though my artistic talents were downplayed and overlooked… they still flourished.

My parents were very strict, and I was very sheltered from the outside world. Art became my escape and my way to express my thoughts and feelings. Art became my way to explore. I am also very grateful for my roots because from it comes a form of art that celebrates women and their beauty. There is a form of body art called Henna. We do a lot of this in my culture during weddings and celebrations and it is truly beautiful.

Throughout my teenage years and young adulthood, I always found it difficult to mind my niche in life, even with my own family. I would always sort of “turn down” my personality to fit in and so others could accept me. (Yeah, I was the weird chick that didn’t really ever talk to anybody) I would also hoard my artwork, I was super sensitive and never was ready for true feedback on my art. I even remember in school, I was teased when I had henna on my hands.

In my later 20s, I was more comfortable showcasing my art and really let my soul shine. I participated in my first art show in 2018 with Pancakes and Booze, even my parents came… it was a huge deal for me. I also now take commissions on custom paintings and take clients for henna. It’s been an interesting journey, but I am manifesting my wild art dreams.

Has it been a smooth road?
Further elaborating from my journey… it definitely wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. My parents were very strict, I was allowed to play outside much and even participate in any extracurriculars. I was always that weird girl who wasn’t allowed to do anything. Many times my hobbies (painting, drawing, creating) were considered distractions and were discouraged. I remember sneaking by a night light at night to read Harry Potter books and draw. As I grew older and started working, it seemed like I had less and less time to actually work on my craft. Getting over the fear of failure has been the biggest challenge. Naturally, I am very sensitive about my work.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Each piece of my art is a piece of my soul. I incorporate a lot of magic, dare I say it into each of my pieces. Some of my pieces may be coated with magical moon water, have natural elements hidden in them, healing gold flakes. When you see my art you feel something inside you. It’s not just art, it’s a whole vibe and experience. The henna that I do is also all-natural, with no harmful chemicals. It’s a beautiful, one of a kind stain that no one else will ever have.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is such an amazing place to be if you are an creative. I feel like we have the best support system in the creative community. We truly push each other to truly unleash ourselves to the maximum potential. Atlanta truly influences everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: Zoyalove.com
• Phone: 678-984-5598
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Instagram.com/zoyaloveart

Image Credit:
Natey Nukes

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