Story & Lesson Highlights with Nassybah Touriño of Chiapas. MX

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nassybah Touriño . Check out our conversation below.

Nassybah, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Painting with watercolors while my favorite music plays allows me to slip away from the world. Hours can pass without notice, and in that quiet, colorful space, I reconnect with myself and the joy of creating.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Nassybah Touriño, a watercolor artist who specializes in insect portraits. I chose to focus on insects because they are often overlooked and misunderstood, yet they are incredibly important—and, if you take a closer look, truly beautiful. I love showing them in a way that invites people to see them with fresh eyes, leaving behind childhood fears or what they’ve been told about these creatures.

Lately, in between painting insects and nature, I decided to create something really fun: Zodiac Sign Creation Charts inspired by insects and botanical elements. I’m also proud to share that I’ve written and illustrated a book on watercolor tutorials, which is one of my most meaningful achievements—and it’s available now. Through my work, I aim to inspire curiosity, wonder, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
When I was a child, I wasn’t always cared for by my parents, but there was one person who truly shaped who I am today. He always encouraged me, telling me that I could achieve almost anything I set my mind to. He taught me so many things, and even though he has passed, I think of him every day—not just the lessons he gave me, but also the guidance he shared for things I have yet to do. His voice and advice are still with me, inspiring me to keep moving forward and accomplish what I’ve dreamed of.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
This is such a tricky question. I don’t think I’ve healed everything—and I don’t think anyone can ever fully say they are healed. Healing, to me, is a lifelong process. One of the defining wounds of my life has been feeling very small, almost invisible, and being afraid to show myself in any way. For a long time, I worried endlessly about what others might think of me.

Sharing my art with others has been a big part of my healing. It has given me the courage to put myself out there, to be vulnerable, and to face criticism without letting it define me. It’s been a process of learning to express myself and trust in my own value, even when it feels scary or uncomfortable. Art has become both my voice and my sanctuary, helping me grow and embrace who I truly am

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is a part of who I am, but not all of me. We always hide things that are true, but I try to be as honest as possible and share my reality. I love showing people that it’s important to create with what you have, wherever you are—don’t wait for the perfect studio, the perfect supplies, or the perfect conditions. When I started, I definitely didn’t have much, and I still don’t always have everything. At the same time, privacy is important; nowadays, we have to protect what we have.

I’m also someone who has always romanticized life, long before Instagram and before showing off what you have was a thing. I’ve always loved eating at a beautiful table or living in a beautiful space—not to impress anyone, but because it brings me joy. That’s what I show in my public life: not for the gram, but for myself. The public version of me is about being truthful, sharing my process, and celebrating the beauty in life and creation, even amidst imperfection.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
As someone who’s gone through cancer, I’ve actually thought about this a lot—and I’ve tried to live a life that truly aligns with what I want. I know it might sound selfish, but I wouldn’t want a strict schedule or feel like I have to own anyone’s time or attention. If I only had ten years left, I would spend them fully with the people I love and doing the things that make me happy. I know it’s a cliché answer, but it’s the truth—there’s really no other way to put it

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