Meet Daisha

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daisha. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daisha below.

Daisha , sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

From 2021 to 2023, I went through one of the most difficult seasons of my life—a mental breakdown that ultimately led to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. It was during this time that I also realized the condition had been triggered by a PTSD episode stemming from unresolved childhood trauma. Coming to terms with both the trauma and the diagnosis was overwhelming, but it marked the beginning of a long and necessary journey toward healing.

One of the most transformative parts of that journey was discovering painting and art. What began as a simple outlet gradually became a sense of purpose. When I’m depressed, art gives me something to look forward to; when I’m manic, it becomes a safe and meaningful way to channel my creative energy.

Though the road hasn’t been easy, and the symptoms didn’t disappear overnight, I’ve learned how to manage them with time, support, and faith. I truly believe that God allowed my weaknesses to become my strengths—turning a deeply painful period into one filled with growth, resilience, and new purpose. I’ve come to see my mental health not as a limitation, but as part of the story that’s shaped who I am today.

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 originally from Jersey City, New Jersey, but I moved around a lot as a military kid, which exposed me to a wide range of cultures, communities, and perspectives from an early age. I’ve always had a love for the arts—my first “production” was a homemade rendition of Rugrats in Paris when I was just six years old (I played Angelica and directed the whole thing for an audience of preschoolers!). While I once dreamed of being a journalist, author, choreographer, or fashion designer, I ended up pursuing a more stable path through business and education. I earned an associate’s degree in Business Administration, a bachelor’s in Communication, and a master’s in Executive Leadership.

After going through a divorce in 2020, I relocated to Kansas City to be closer to family where they retired. I was working in the nonprofit sector when a mental health crisis in 2021—later diagnosed as bipolar disorder triggered by childhood trauma—forced me to pause everything. During that time, I discovered painting. At first, I kept my work hidden in my closet, unsure if it was worth sharing. It was actually my mom who encouraged me to start showing my art publicly. That push led to my first show on April 7, 2023, during one of Kansas City’s First Fridays—and I haven’t looked back since.

Since then, I’ve had the honor of showing in several local galleries and participating in what feels like an art show or festival every other weekend. My art is deeply personal and often explores themes around Black and Puerto Rican culture (I’m both), mental health, and self-love. Right now, I’m especially focused on pushing my creative boundaries and using my work as a tool for storytelling and healing.

This August, I’ll be debuting a new solo show titled Sabbatical, which reflects the raw and unfiltered results of a manic episode after taking a three-month break to explore my creative limits. I’m also looking forward to being a part of the KC 816 Day Festival in August (pending), and the 18th & Vine Art Festival in September.

At the end of the day, my work is about transformation—turning pain into power, identity into expression, and survival into something beautiful and meaningful. I’m excited to continue growing, experimenting, and connecting with others through my art.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful forces in my journey have been God, family, and courage. Each one played a vital role in helping me step outside of my comfort zone and into my purpose.

God gave me the foundation and vision, even when I couldn’t see it for myself. My family gave me unwavering support—especially in the moments when I wanted to give up. And courage allowed me to keep moving, even when I was scared, uncertain, or feeling unworthy.

For those who are early in their journey, my biggest advice is this: Understand that your purpose is a gift from God, but it’s your responsibility to own it—even when it’s intimidating. You don’t have to have all the answers. I still don’t know exactly where art will take me, but I’m learning to trust God, trust myself, and trust the process.

It’s also okay to be wrong, to make mistakes, and to fail—as long as you fail forward. Every misstep is part of your growth, and every setback is preparing you for something greater. Don’t let the fear of others’ opinions drown out your passion. Art, creativity, purpose—these things are deeply personal and beautifully objective. If you love it, pursue it like it matters—because it does.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was remind me—especially during my lowest moments—that I am loved, I am worthy, and I am here for a purpose. That kind of affirmation may seem simple, but when you’re struggling with your mental health and questioning everything about yourself, it becomes life-giving.

They supported me emotionally and spiritually, but also in practical ways—like helping with paint supplies when I couldn’t work during my breakdown. That kind of quiet, consistent support helped lay the foundation for the artist and person I’m becoming. Their belief in me gave me the courage to believe in myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_daisha.mb?igsh=YXdtbW82ZGQ2anAw&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daisha.gaines.9?

Image Credits

First 3 photos (graffiti pics) are by Mohanie Cheek