Meet Debi Boyette

We recently connected with Debi Boyette and have shared our conversation below.

Debi, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? 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.

“Throughout my life, I have faced significant mental health challenges, particularly since 2017, when I survived a traumatic drive-by shooting. Over time, I’ve relied on various strategies to navigate these difficulties, including meditation, gratitude practices, and mindfulness. However, I’ve discovered that art has been the most transformative and healing outlet for me. It serves as a constant reminder that even the darkest storms pass, and that I carry a light within that drives me forward. I often reflect on my younger self and remind myself that it’s her strength and spirit that I continue to fight for.”

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m an artist, mother, and entrepreneur, having founded five different creative projects since 2002. My first venture was Crawlspace Gallery, a women’s collective in Seattle. I was 27 at the time, and after a couple of years, I paused to focus on my son. In 2012, I co-founded Scribble Studios, an art gallery where we taught students of all ages, followed by Le Merde in 2014—an art gallery and vintage lifestyle shop promoting sustainability and supporting local artists. I’ve been passionate about teaching art for over 20 years, from private lessons to volunteering as an art docent for 12 years.

In 2020, I had to close Le Merde due to the pandemic, which was devastating. Alongside the PTSD I was managing after a traumatic event in 2017, the closure hit me hard, leading to a deep depression. In 2022, I sought help, which became a turning point. That experience lit a fire in me to advocate for women’s mental health, after witnessing firsthand how broken the system can be.

Art has always been my healing outlet, and in 2022 dedicated myself to learning how to heal and choosing joy over fear. I reignited my passion, and began proactively showing my work again. In 2023, I launched No Bad Days, a concept gallery. This year, I opened Le Merde, aka petite Le Merde, a smaller version of my shop, with plans to mentor young artists and entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, I hope to carry that mentorship and establish an art center and creative retreat within the next five years, where people can reconnect with themselves through art and nature.

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

1. creating my own world
2. follow what brings you joy
3. seek kindness and gratitude

As adults, we often lose touch with the magic we once lived by so naturally. It’s still there, but we’ve been conditioned to ignore or suppress it, and we forget what it felt like. For me, the little girl I once was—fierce, fearless, and full of wonder—dreamed about becoming who I am today. When life overwhelms me, I stop to remember her and the magic she held within, reminding myself to keep going. I’m not sure if I’m saving her or if she’s saving me, but I know I don’t want to let her down.

Sometimes, I also look to my future self and wonder what she would think of me now, and that motivates me too. The magic inside us is gentle and beautiful, full of love, imagination, and joy. That’s why I focus on creating my own world, following my heart, and surrounding myself with people who uplift me—those who encourage gratitude, kindness, and positivity. I’d rather be alone, in the world I create for myself, than be around others who pull me down.

Meditation, mindfulness, being in nature, and creating art every day keep me grounded and connected to that magic.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am looking for people who want to help collaborate and build a healing artist community outside of major cities across the US. As well, as an inner city program to bridge the two communities. Here’s a brief rough draft concept:

The Art Farm Collective is a healing and creative space where art and nature come together to help individuals reconnect with their inner selves. Through art mentorship, art therapy, and life coaching, we offer a retreat for those seeking personal growth and rejuvenation.

Our city-based location will provide workshops, shared art spaces, and a gallery to showcase local talent, making art accessible to all. We also envision a rural retreat where artists can recharge in nature, with opportunities for artists residencies and community programs.

The Art Farm aims to foster healing and inspiration, create jobs for teaching artists and wellness workers, and build a supportive, creative community.

Contact Info:

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