Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tatyana Fowlkes/Collins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tatyana, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Growing up, I had major gaps in my life where I was surviving on my own. I’ve been in the shoes of a homeless person with mental illness. I currently suffer from Bipolar depression and anxiety. With out help or self discipline, it is easy to lose yourself. I learned to make peace with my past and everything I’ve been through and grow from it. I learned that I find joy in helping others who need it. What people don’t quite understand is most people with mental illness see the harsh reality of the world we live in. Half of us cope with drinking and so on to escape the world, and the other half create art. Whether it’s music, painting, or even crocheting, we found an outlet that we can share with others. I overcame my battle with my mental health and learned to love every part of it and projecting it in a way where I can show the next person that everything WILL be ok!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am Tatyana and I am the creator of Único Artwork. I make clothing, household appliances, rugs, crochet art, and paintings. The most exciting part of what I do is simply showing people with mental health the beauty there is in our pain. Everything I make has emotion in it and when people find my art beautiful it makes me happy. My brand of mainly created for the people who struggle with mental illnesses and/or are suicide survivors. I purposely make my logs with the semicolon for that reason exactly. I am a survivor and I chose to turn my pain into something positive. I received a second chance at life and I chose to make the best with it. I started with drawings and paintings and eventually started making resin Art. Now I am currently adding rugs and crocheting to the mix. I make a little bit of everything. If my hands can make it, I can do it! I do plan on going to more events and putting up a website for all of the items I have for sale.
There is so much advice out 
there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
God, Strength, and love were my most impactful qualities during this journey. If I could give any advice is to “stay consistent” and “never underestimate yourself”!
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
My biggest challenge I face in life is my mental health. It’s not always bad, but it’s not always good either. When you battle with yourself and with the world, mentally, it can be very draining. However, when you are destined for greatness and have been blessed with a talent, you have to push through. I just remind myself that I can do this and everything is going to fall through. What’s most important is to not only have patience with others, but have patience with yourself!!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Unico.artwork
