An Inspired Chat with Ras SaanRose of Bridgetown Barbados

Ras SaanRose shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

SaanRose, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I feel like I’m being called to live in full truth — to stop hiding behind anything that doesn’t serve my higher self. For a long time, I was afraid to really face myself, and alcohol was one of the ways I avoided that. Stopping drinking was a major turning point. It forced me to sit with who I am, and in that quiet, I started to reconnect with my spirit — with Rastafari, with nature, and with that deep sense of peace I used to only glimpse in moments.

Now, I’m learning to show up as my real self — unfiltered, unmasked, and honest. To speak what I feel, create what’s true to me, and live from that place every day. It’s a journey of coming home to myself, and even though it’s not always easy, it feels right. I used to fear being fully seen. Now, I see it as freedom.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My artist name is Saan Rose. I’m a Barbadian artist and creative who’s been doing art in different forms for most of my life. For a long time, most of my work has been more on the commercial side — painting murals, creating visuals for businesses, and doing pieces that fit what clients needed. But lately, I’ve been feeling a strong pull to go deeper — to focus on what I call belief-based art.

It’s art that comes from within, that reflects emotion, spirit, and truth — not just something to decorate a wall but something that speaks to the soul. I’ve been exploring that more and allowing myself to express things I used to hold back. That shift has been powerful, and it’s led me to start working toward my first solo exhibition, which will be a more personal collection — pieces that represent freedom, identity, and spiritual growth.

So right now, I’m in that space between what I used to do and what I’m becoming. It’s about growth, honesty, and trusting that the art will lead the way.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think the part of me that always felt I wasn’t good enough to be seen has finally served its purpose. For a long time, I played it small — staying in the background, being quiet, reserved, and telling myself that I didn’t need the spotlight. But I’ve realized that hiding doesn’t serve me or my purpose anymore.

That shy, private version of me helped me survive and stay grounded, but now it’s time to let that go and allow my light to shine fully. I’ve done the work, I’ve grown, and I’ve earned the right to take up space — not from ego, but from truth. So this new chapter is about standing tall, being seen, and walking confidently in who I really am.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience and faith — that no matter what happens, I’m still me, and I’m still here. It showed me that even in the hardest moments, there’s growth taking place, even if I can’t see it right away. Sometimes you can do everything right and still not get the result you hoped for, but it doesn’t mean you failed — it just means it wasn’t your time yet.

Pain taught me to trust the process and to stay grounded in who I am, even when things don’t go as planned. Success can make you feel proud, but struggle teaches you who you really are.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to using my art as energy — a living message that spreads love, truth, and higher vibration. I want my work to feel like early reggae or hip hop — raw, honest, and full of spirit. The same way Bob Marley’s music still reaches people across generations, I want my art to carry that kind of energy — something you don’t just see, but feel.

For me, it’s not just about paint or color; it’s about vibration and connection. Every piece I create is meant to move energy — to heal, to awaken, to remind people of love and oneness. That’s what I’m building toward, and I’m willing to take as long as it takes, because real energy never dies — it just keeps spreading.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to remember who I really was — not just what I did, but what I believed in. Even if I didn’t get to finish everything I dreamed of, I want them to feel the heart and intention behind it all. I hope they say I was someone who tried to bring light, who stood for love, truth, and spirit, and who used art to say something real.

I want people to look at my work and feel like they know me — that they can see my journey, my growth, my faith, and my love for life and people in every piece.

I just want to be remembered for being genuine and for trying to leave good energy behind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.saanrose.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saanrosebarbados/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RasSaanRose/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Saanrose