We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leah. Horton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leah. below.
Leah. , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience is rooted in two unwavering forces: God and my mother, Thea Horton. As a Black woman navigating neurodivergence, artistic criticism, and spaces where I often stand out, my faith has been my fortress. God’s strength is more than comfort—it is the foundation upon which I stand, the force that has guided me through uncertainty, and the light that reminds me I am never alone. “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” — Psalm 46:5. Every challenge I have faced, every moment of doubt, has been met with His unwavering presence, shaping me into the artist and woman I am today.
Alongside my faith, my mother, Thea Horton, is the greatest source of strength in my life. She is a testament to the power, resilience, and grace of Black women. Through every challenge she has faced, she has stood firm—never wavering, never breaking, always rising. She taught me that resilience is not just about enduring, but about thriving, about facing the world with dignity, wisdom, and an unshakable belief in oneself. She nurtured my creativity, encouraged my voice, and showed me that my presence in this world matters. Through her, I learned that strength is not just about pushing forward but also about embracing self-care, faith, and healing.
My mother’s wisdom and love have been my foundation, just as God’s presence has been my guide. She has shown me that true resilience is rooted in faith, in knowing that even in the face of adversity, I am held, I am seen, and I am capable. My art is a reflection of this truth—a sanctuary, a testament to survival, and an extension of the love and strength that both God and my mother have instilled in me.
The Human Collection is more than a brand—it is an embodiment of the faith, creativity, and perseverance that my mother and God have cultivated within me. Every brushstroke, every design, every piece I create carries the essence of their influence, a tribute to the resilience they have given me. Through their guidance, I will continue to create, to heal, and to inspire—honoring the unshakable foundation that both God and Thea Horton have built within me.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At The Human Collection, we specialize in creating art that transcends traditional boundaries and transforms spaces into healing atmospheres. My work is centered on the belief that fabric prints, colors, and patterns have a unique ability to uplift mental well-being. Using nature-inspired motifs and fluid watercolor techniques, I craft portraits that reflect the intricacies of the human psyche, blurring the line between humans and nature in a dreamlike, harmonious world.
What makes us stand out is our commitment to turning art into atmosphere. We offer products that integrate art into daily life—home décor, custom art pieces, greeting cards, clothing—all designed to create an environment that sparks joy, inspires creativity, and enhances mental wellness. This concept, “Art to Atmosphere,” is at the heart of everything we do.
At The Human Collection, we specialize in creating art that transcends traditional boundaries and transforms spaces into healing atmospheres. My work is centered on the belief that fabric prints, colors, and patterns have a profound ability to uplift mental well-being. Using nature-inspired motifs and fluid watercolor techniques, I craft portraits that reflect the intricacies of the human psyche, blurring the line between humans and nature in a dreamlike, harmonious world.
What makes us stand out is our commitment to turning art into atmosphere. We offer products that seamlessly integrate art into daily life—home décor, custom art pieces, greeting cards, and clothing—all designed to create environments that spark joy, inspire creativity, and enhance mental wellness. This concept, Art to Atmosphere, is at the heart of everything we do.
What truly sets The Human Collection apart is our deep-rooted dedication to mental health. Having personally experienced the healing power of art—especially through fabric prints and patterns—I’ve made it my mission to share this journey with others. Our products are not just visually captivating; they are carefully designed tools for emotional well-being. Through the intentional selection of vibrant colors and intricate designs, we aim to elevate spaces, brighten moods, and promote a sense of peace and positivity.
As a neurodivergent woman of color, my path has not always been easy. Navigating predominantly white spaces, proving my competence to male counterparts, and challenging societal expectations were obstacles I had to overcome. But those experiences shaped my resilience and fueled my determination. I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and The Human Collection stands as a testament to that evolution. It is more than just a brand—it is a movement that champions mental health through creativity, representation, and empowerment.
Looking ahead, I am excited about expanding The Human Collection’s offerings, including new product launches that further merge art with everyday life. Whether it’s through upcoming collaborations, immersive experiences, or exclusive limited-edition prints, my goal remains the same: to continue creating spaces that nurture the mind and soul.
I want readers to know that The Human Collection is about more than aesthetics—it’s about embracing the healing power of creativity. I invite everyone to explore our collection and experience firsthand how art can transform not only their space but also their mindset and overall well-being.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities have shaped my path: adaptability, the power of self-advocacy, and having a greater mission.
Adaptability has been my guiding force, teaching me that growth comes not from resisting change but from embracing it. Living with neurodivergence, I’ve had to navigate a world that wasn’t always built for minds like mine. But instead of seeing my differences as roadblocks, I learned to embrace them as my greatest strengths. The most fulfilling paths are often unplanned, requiring a willingness to evolve, pivot, and trust the unknown. Some of my biggest breakthroughs—both in art and in life—have come from moments of discomfort, where I had to let go of expectations and simply create.
The power of self-advocacy has been equally transformative. For years, I struggled to make my voice heard in spaces where I often felt like an outsider—whether as a neurodivergent creative, a Black woman in predominantly white rooms, or an artist pushing boundaries. I learned that if I didn’t advocate for myself, my ideas, and my worth, no one else would do it for me. Finding my voice, demanding a seat at the table, and believing in my own value changed everything. My advice to those on their journey: never shrink yourself to fit someone else’s mold. Speak up, take up space, and fight for the opportunities you deserve.
A greater mission has been my anchor through it all. My journey with mental health has not only shaped who I am but also my purpose. Art became my sanctuary, a place where I could pour my emotions, process my struggles, and find healing. It was through this deeply personal journey that I realized my calling: to create art that doesn’t just exist but transforms. The Human Collection is more than a brand; it’s an extension of my heart, built to inspire, uplift, and offer solace to those who need it. I want my work to be a reminder that beauty can rise from struggle, that healing is possible, and that no one is alone in their journey. As Viktor Frankl wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how.’” My “why” is clear—to use my art as a bridge to mental well-being, to spark joy, and to help others feel seen.
For those just beginning their journey, embrace adaptability, advocate fiercely for yourself, and stay grounded in a deeper purpose. The magic lies not in controlling every outcome but in allowing growth, transformation, and creativity to flourish—even in the storm. Your struggles are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones leading you to something extraordinary. Keep going. Keep creating. Keep believing.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
A book that has deeply impacted my development is The Black Unicorn by Audre Lorde, a powerful collection of poetry and reflections. Lorde’s work delves into identity, self-expression, and the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality, all of which resonated with me on a profound level. One of the most valuable insights I gained from her writing is the belief that, “Your silence will not protect you.” This phrase serves as a powerful reminder to embrace my voice and truth, even when doing so feels uncomfortable or challenging. As an artist and designer, Lorde’s work teaches me that our art should be a tool to disrupt societal norms, heal, and push boundaries. Her unapologetic self-advocacy as a Black queer woman is a courageous example of how to use one’s creative voice to challenge systems of oppression. Lorde’s words inspire me to not only use my art for personal healing but to amplify voices that are often marginalized, reflecting the beauty and strength found in our most authentic expressions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the-human-collection.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoparificpinkgirl/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-horton
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.human.collection
https://linktr.ee/thehumancollection
Image Credits
The Human Collection LLC, Leah Horton
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