Meet Akayla Irving

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Akayla Irving a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Akayla, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism comes from within, shaped by my spiritual journey. Throughout this journey, I consistently reassure and affirm myself. Whenever I feel doubt or uncertainty, I remind myself that everything is always working out in my favor. I strongly believe that our mindset shapes our outcomes, so uplifting myself is what keeps me optimistic.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Akayla Irving, a 20-year-old artist from Florida who’s spent nearly a decade in Georgia. I’m passionate about exploring and mastering various artistic mediums—primarily acrylic, oil, and Prismacolors—to create unique, commissioned pieces for my audience. My journey as an artist is about constant growth; there’s always a new technique or perspective to discover, and my goal is to reach new heights in my craft continually.

What excites me most about my work is the connection it creates with others. I love hearing from people who feel drawn to my pieces, especially when they say, ‘I want one!’ It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my art resonates and brings joy to those who see it.

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?

Looking back, three key areas that truly shaped my journey were learning to let go of perfection, developing the ability to embrace constructive criticism, and understanding the value of not taking things personally. Each of these has allowed me to grow as an artist and as a person, releasing the pressure to be flawless and instead focusing on authentic progress.

For those starting their journey, my advice would be to give yourself grace. Acknowledge yourself for the courage it takes to try and be kind to yourself along the way. Embracing constructive feedback without taking it personally can be transformative; often, it can reveal new perspectives and insights you may not have noticed. Trust that the journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about growth, learning, and finding joy in the process.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to journaling as a way to release whatever is taking me out of my element, putting my feelings into words to let go of stress. Meditation and affirmations are also key practices, helping me reconnect with a calm mindset and strengthen my inner peace. Finally, I find that taking walks and exercising allow me to release any lingering tension, leaving me refreshed and centered. Together, these three activities create my personal blueprint for complete bliss.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @akaylaa.a @akaylasartistry

Image Credits

Acacia Ramos, Akayla Irving