Zemorah Yisrael shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Zemorah, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Surprisingly, I am being called to be more vulnerable. I always worried about feeling embarrassed or exposed if I shared too much, though I now know that vulnerability can lead to connection in the right spaces. When it comes to my creative goals, my vision is to be more vulnerable by showing what’s “behind the scenes.” I also want to start creating artwork that I may have been afraid to create before, when I was worried about others judging me. In my personal life, I’m also getting used to expressing sides of myself that I used to feel more shame around, like my sensuality. I’ve noticed that the more comfortable I feel in my own body, the better my artwork becomes.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Zemorah, a visual artist. I dance through life knowing that my life is art. My main form of expression is acrylic painting, but I also enjoy creating jewelry, drawings, and music visuals. I am very grateful to have this gift because it’s healing for both myself and others. My paintings usually evoke feelings of calm, happiness, and curiosity in those who view them.
Right now, I am working on creating as many paintings as possible. In fact, I hope that in 2026, I will create more paintings than I’ve ever made in any other year. So far, my record is around 40 paintings in one year, so I think I can challenge myself to beat that goal.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As children, we’re always asked what we want to be when we grow up. Our answers are usually centered around one career path, so that’s exactly what I thought adulthood would be like. I remember being in first grade visualizing my future, and I saw myself with one really good, well-paying job. I didn’t know I would grow up to be so limitless. I am currently a Travel Agent, Hairstylist, Artist, and more. I’m sure my inner child is amazed at how capable I am today. Not to be funny, but I was definitely small-minded when it came to the path I thought I would take in life. Though I am grateful to be using multiple talents to live a life that is much more abundant than I ever imagined.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
Honestly, I started turning my pain into power after a major heartbreak during my senior year of high school. Before that breakup, it was easier for me to hide my pain by focusing on schoolwork and going out with friends. Though this time, it was different. I remember seeing one of my friends before class, and she asked if I was okay. I just looked at her and started crying right there in the middle of the hallway. I had never felt so sad and alone.
This moment in my life was transformative because I realized how badly I craved true connection. I was so focused on my studies in high school that I automatically chose friends and relationships for superficial reasons. Let me be clear, it’s amazing to focus on good grades and getting your work done, but at the end of the day, if you never have someone to lean on, there will always be an empty space in your heart. Not only did this situation influence how I choose romantic partners, but it also led to deeper creations.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
Whew! That’s definitely a loaded question for me. Life has shown me more than once that I don’t know everything… even during the years when I was convinced I did. Since I promised myself I’d be more open, I’ll say it plainly: I used to believe there was only one true religion, and looking back, that was pretty naive.
As I explored different belief systems, it felt like I was collecting little spiritual puzzle pieces. I found truths in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Native American traditions, and so many other paths. The more I learned, the more I realized that the most important part of spirituality is having your own personal relationship with God, or Source, depending on what you call it.
I know religion is a sensitive topic for a lot of people, which I completely understand. I just also know that my friends come from all kinds of backgrounds and belief systems, and I love accepting people exactly as they are. It makes life much more colorful.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m happy to say that I’m doing what I was born to do in this world. I’m confidently living in my purpose, and I’m proud of myself for that. I think the shift happened around age 21, when I finally understood what I truly desired in life. Before that, I did what I was told to do because I thought following other people’s instructions would take me farther. I assumed the adults around me knew me better than I knew myself, and that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
Looking back, I also realize that some people were trying to live through me. But this is my life. If I could give anyone advice, I’d say choose yourself. You never want to reach the end of your life feeling bitter because you spent it living someone else’s story.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.am.zemorah?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zemorah.yisrael
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