Meet Leah Horton | Artist, Designer and Creator of The Human Collection LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leah Horton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leah, what do you want your legacy to be?
When contemplating my legacy, my ultimate aspiration is to be remembered as someone who positively impacted the lives of others. I aim to leave a mark through both my creative work and the way I engage with people. At the core of my mission is the desire to promote mental well-being and boost individuals’ self-esteem. I want to be remembered as the person who inspired others to embark on their journey toward healing and mental positivity. I believe that our creativity is a powerful tool for transformation, and I am passionate about using it to create pieces that can change people’s mindsets, helping them see the world in a new light. Whether it’s through my creative endeavors or the genuine connections I form with people, I hope to leave a lasting impression that brings about positive change in the lives of those I encounter. I also aspire to establish a strong foundation for young black girls worldwide and inspire them to pursue their dreams, to move through life with unwavering faith, and to never allow anyone to set limitations on their futures. My goal is to create meaningful pieces that can reshape mindsets, instill hope, and make individuals feel better about themselves.

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 an exploration of fabric prints, aiming to enhance mental well-being through colors, patterns, and nature-inspired motifs. It reflects the free-spirit and carefree essence of nature, using watercolors’ fluidity to create unique portraits surrounded by intricate patterns and elements of nature. These faces symbolize the complex human psyche, encased in a protective clear coat, blurring the line between humans and nature in a dreamlike world. My art celebrates vibrant patterns and forms, offering therapeutic engagement and a reminder of life’s interconnectedness. It has been a powerful tool in my own healing journey, and I aspire to support others facing mental health challenges. At The Human Collection, we are not just a lifestyle brand; we are creators of a transformative concept called “Art to Atmosphere.” We believe that art has the power to shape the world around us, and we’ve dedicated ourselves to turning this belief into a reality. Our brand is built upon the idea of taking a piece of artwork and turning it into your world. Through an array of meticulously crafted products, we aim to breathe life into your surroundings, creating an atmosphere that resonates with the vibrant colors and positivity found in our art. We offer a wide range of items, from home decor and dinner party essentials to custom art pieces, greeting cards, and clothing. Our mission goes beyond aesthetics; it’s rooted in the promotion of mental wellness. We recognize the profound psychological powers of color, pattern, and texture and how these elements can impact our mental and emotional states. The Human Collection harnesses these powers to create products that brighten your environment and elevate your mood. Our vibrant colors and intricate patterns are carefully chosen to spark joy, inspire creativity, and promote positivity. We aim to demonstrate that the art you surround yourself with has the potential to transform your mindset and enhance your overall well-being. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home, a lively dinner party with friends, or the clothes you wear, our products infuse a sense of mental wellness into every aspect of your life.
The Human Collection is not just a brand; it’s a movement towards better mental health. We invite you to explore our collection, immerse yourself in our art, and experience the positive psychological powers that our products bring into your life. Join us in creating an atmosphere of joy, creativity, and mental well-being, one piece of art at a time.
My professional journey, creating The Human Collection, wasn’t easy. Being one of the few brown faces in predominantly white settings and navigating life as a neurodivergent individual presented its share of challenges. Many people imposed limitations on me based on preconceptions. However, I discovered that these limitations didn’t define my potential. I’ve also embarked on a mental health journey, and through my work and faith, I found strength and resilience. My nomadic lifestyle had its highs and lows but taught me adaptability and the value of embracing change. It’s been a journey of personal growth, and I’m proud of my ongoing evolution toward a more stable and power self. A huge lesson is self aligment. Nothing in the world happens by accident . We all have a purpose in the world and our experience are valid

I want the world to know that my brand, “The Human Collection LLC,” is deeply rooted in the belief that art has the power to transform and heal. My story is one of overcoming challenges and limitations, including being neurodivergent and encountering social barriers. Through my art, I’ve discovered the therapeutic potential of fabric prints, colors, and patterns in promoting mental wellness. My brand is a celebration of vibrant patterns and the interconnectedness of life, a reminder that everything happens for a reason. I aim to use my creativity to support those facing mental health challenges and inspire others to embark on their own healing journeys..

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Adventure and Sports Breakfast: Start your day at The Flying Biscuit Cafe.
Morning: Experience life through death at Wander Through Historic Oakwood Cemetery
Frankies Fun Park
Lunch: Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh
Afternoon: Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
Evening: Go Cheer on UNC Chapel hill game

Day 2: Gardens and Science
Morning: Paint at the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden and the WRAL Azalea Gardens
Breakfast/Brunch: Beasly Chicken and Waffles
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Lunch: Have lunch at Morgan Street Food Hall to go to Oak City Fish and Chips
Afternoon: Glow in the dark ropes course at TreeRunner Raleigh Adventure Park
Dinner: Dine at Death and Taxes

Day 3: Art and Expressions
Early Morning: stroll with a local parsty through the Free Expression Tunne
Morning at class at Pullen Park then ride the carousel and rent patle boats
Lunch at North Carolina Museum of Art then expanse the current exhibits and art being shown.
Cloud Chamber for Trees and Sky at the North Carolina Museum of Art
Afternoon: Visit Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh before a Paint and Sip
Evening: Go eat dinner at M Sushi for an omakase culinary experience

Day 4: Watersports and Adventure
Early Breakfast: Lucettegrace
Morning Go to Jordan Lake for a boat ride and swim.
Water sports at Robertson Millpond Preserve
Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at a Transfer Co. Food Hall
Afternoon: Rock Climbning at Triangle Rock Club – Raleigh
Dinner: Have dinner at The Oak
Night: Indoor skydiving

Day 5: Local Vibes
Morning:See the future of fresh fruits and vegetables at The Green Blue Market Place
Breakfast: Cocoa and Cinnamon
Go to Crazy Axe
Lunch: Gonza Tacos y Tequila
Afternoon: Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Dinner: Parts & Labor
Evening: Go to a concert at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

Day 6: Nature and Nigh-life
Early Morning: Hike through Historic Yates Mill County Park
Morning: Go to the States Farmers Market and collect local goods for a picnic
Lrunch:Picnic In Dorothea Dix Park and play games
Night: Bar hop on Glenwood South
Late night: Imperse in a rave atmosphere in custom outfits at The Ritz Theater and fall in love with new artist
Snack at Cook out

Day 7: Fellowship and Frolicking
Morning: Praise and Worship before having brunch at The Flying Biscuit Cafe
Go for a after meal Stroll Through 10-Acres Of Gardens At JC Raulston Arboretum
Have a pieceful paint at Juniper Level Botanic Gardens
Lunch: small lunch at Transfer Co. Food Hall
Grab a environmentally ethical souvenir at The Zen Succulent
Sunset photoshoot at Saint Agnes Hospital

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, I would be honored to share my gratitude and give credit where it’s truly due. My journey has been shaped profoundly by the unwavering support and love I’ve received from my incredible support system – my family. I am immensely blessed to have an amazing network of friends, parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, godparents, and my fiancé, who have been the bedrock of my success. Without their constant love, guidance, and encouragement, I wouldn’t be the person I am today, nor would I have achieved the things I have. This village of mine is not just strong in the worldly sense, but also in faith. Their faith in me mirrors the strength of my own faith, and together, they inspire me to keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges. In the Christian Bible, Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” I truly believe in the power of these words – the continuous, positive influence we have on one another, making us stronger together than we could ever be alone.
Above all, I attribute my strength, my talents, and every opportunity I’ve been given to my faith in God. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” It’s this trust and faith that have given me the resilience to overcome obstacles and the courage to chase my dreams.
In my story, the praise and glory truly go to my God. My faith isn’t just a belief system; it’s my source of strength and the reason I feel safe even in life’s uncertainties. I’m immensely grateful for this foundation of faith, and it’s the driving force behind my determination and perseverance. Without it, I wouldn’t be standing where I am today, and for that, I am eternally thankful.

Website: https://the-human-collection.square.site

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoparificpinkgirl/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-horton-966a75156/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Other: https://linktr.ee/thehumancollection

Image Credits
Leah Horton