Meet Canessa Thomas

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

Canessa, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I overcame imposter syndrome by continuing to show up—even when I questioned my place in the art world. I kept creating and sharing my work. What began as therapy—an outlet for what I couldn’t put into words—became a journey of healing, expression, and self-trust.

I realized that as long as I’m true to myself and what I believe in, as long as I enjoy the work I create, that’s what truly matters. When you create from the heart and build what lights your soul on fire, your audience—your people—will find you.

There’s also great power in accepting that you’re not for everyone. Not everyone will like you or your work, and that’s okay. They don’t have to. But you do. You have to believe in yourself. That’s how I moved through the doubt—not by trying to guess what everyone else wanted to see, but by honoring what I needed to say.

I trust that I’m guided. I trust that my work is meant to be seen and felt. And I believe in myself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a self-taught, intuitive visual artist specializing in digital, mixed media, and collage artwork. As an intuitive creator, I let my inner guidance lead the way—allowing each piece to unfold organically. My work is rooted in healing and connection. I begin with a spark—an idea, a feeling, or even a single color—and follow it as it transforms into something greater.

There’s magic in that process, in watching art become a mirror not just of my spirit, but of others’. It’s especially meaningful when someone sees themselves, bits and pieces of their life and/or their dreams in my work—when they feel so deeply connected that they invite it into their home.

My work is rich with symbolism, and those who resonate with it often feel like family. There’s a spiritual thread that runs through it all—expansive, sacred, and priceless.

I’m not just creating art—I’m walking in my purpose.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Determination, consistency, and unwavering belief—in myself and in God’s ability to use me and my work to uplift the collective—have been the most impactful parts of my journey.

To anyone just starting out: show up for yourself every single day. Self-belief is contagious. When you pour into yourself, others will begin to see your light too.

Invest in your craft. Invest in your growth. And as you rise, reach back and help others along the way. There’s room for all of us.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My dad, Wayne Cody, instilled in me the core values that helped me overcome challenges and achieve success. In his eyes, there was nothing my siblings and I couldn’t accomplish. Quitting was never an option just because something was hard or uncomfortable. If we signed up for a six-week course, we finished that course—no excuses. We were taught to find resources, ask for help, and push through, but above all, to honor our commitments and give our absolute best. I wasn’t even allowed to say “I can’t” without trying first. His belief in us—and the discipline he modeled—laid the foundation for who I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://phloart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phlo.bella/