We had the good fortune of connecting with Anique Frederick Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anique, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Being a creative has become one of the most fulfilling accomplishments in my life! It’s something I started as a teenager and having that non-verbal avenue of expression was very important to me because at that point in my life I was really shy. Finding out it was something I was good at, was the icing on the cake. In my mind, persuing something that I loved as my career was really exciting!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is Afro-Caribbean themed. It incorporates bright colors, vivid patterns and diverse topics. I’m most proud and excited about the fact that I’m a Caribbean woman from the island of Antigua and sharing my culture means alot to me. I got where I am today through the grace of God, being obedient to his word and learning to take every loss as a lesson so that I could keep growing. It definitely wasn’t easy because alot of times I made expensive mistakes, trusted the wrong people, wasted time doing the wrong things but I never gave up. One of the most important things I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is that it takes a village. I literally cannot become successful on my own. Referrals, encouragement and people I can trust are exceptionally important to one’s success. I learned being open to change is wise because it is inevitable. I’ve also learned that no matter how hard things may seem running away is never an option. I want the world to know that through my culture ill always be inspired and also I want to share with the world the transformative power of self-love in conquering anxiety especially through creative expression .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week long trip we would most definitely check out the most picturesque locations in the city. The highest ranked restaurants and historical sites. We are more foodies than anything else so it would most likely be different restaurants daily!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God, my mom, my daughters, my husband, my brothers and my sister. My culture as it is a huge inspiration in all I do.

Website: www.ayabaart.com

Instagram: Artbyayaba

Facebook: Ayaba Art

Youtube: Ayaba Art

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