We were lucky to catch up with Deshonna Buchanan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Deshonna, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
First and foremost, I get my resilience from God. Because he has shown me despite what challenges or obstacles come my way, he’s always there to guide me through it. When I was unfairly laid off last year, God showed me that all would be ok, and still provided income through my business. He brought people in my life to help me along the way that would help build my business, as well as myself. He also removed people that were holding me back or not meant to continue on this journey with me. Second, I get my resilience from my parents, they both come from a childhood that was not easy. They both had to struggle, before they were able to have the success they have now. As I’ve grown, now understanding the trials that they have overcome, even still while raising me, has only made me go harder for them. They have sacrificed so much of themselves, so that I can have an easier road. Although, my journey has not been easy, and I have dealt with my own trials and tribulations, just knowing if they can make it, so can I. Now that I have my own child, I plan to make his journey so much easier for him. So I’m continuing to be resilient for him.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hello! My name is Deshonna, but my artist name is Sunflower Soul. I’m a multi-gifted artist who began this journey of stepping back into my artist self as a way of healing myself. But that led me into building a business. I’m the owner of Sunflower Soul Studios, which is a Production Company. My business began with just photography (events/nature/concerts/family photos/street photography and more), but has now grown into a Production Company. Currently, my team and I are working on my Podcast entitled “MissUnderstood,” where we dive deep into self love and self healing. We speak on tough topics, for the sole purpose of growth. You can take a look at our channel on YouTube at @missunderstood904.
I also have begun the journey of creating Music Videos, so hit me up if you’re a musician who wants to make videos for your music. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I myself have now begun creating my own music, I write, rap and sing my own music. I create music that is for the sole purpose of healing, spreading love, and talking about God. I feel like there is too much negativity in today’s music especially in the hip hop world. Violence and sex can’t be the only thing hot on the radio, it’s time for love, healing, and God to be spread more. But what better way to do that over some amazing beats that still makes you want to dance. I plan on having all music or anything at all that comes out of Sunflower Soul Studios, to be just that for the people. It’s time to change the narrative.
I mentioned that I write, I have always been a writer since I was in my early teen years. I write music, poetry, short stories, and hopefully one day soon films.
I am literally learning as I grow. But I am remembering to allow myself time to be in the little moments and to rest when needed. In my past I was the person who constantly stayed busy, never allowing myself time to check in with myself. So, I had a major learning lesson, after a spiral and going into a very bad depression phase, that forced me to stop. It made me realize that I need to take care of myself first, before I can help or be there for anybody else. It’s time to show up for me! So I learned to say no to a lot of things, which was very difficult for me. Saying no also caused me to lose a lot of people that I still care about, and have nothing but love for, but I have to focus on what God has for me in this season. I’m on nobody else’s time, but God’s.
So I guess if I was to have a brand, it would be on Self-Love and Self-Healing….and Growth.
I received a message from God last year, he said “Self-Love is the Cure.” And I’ve been leading with that.
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?
Three qualities I learned…
- Put God first
- Lead with love and grace for yourself and others
- Don’t let anybody, no matter the relationship, hold you back from growing as an individual or from your purpose. Step in your gifts, because everyone has a gift or gifts. Your gifts are what you’re supposed to be doing in your life. Not just working and depending on a job for income. Use that job, until you are able to succeed in your gift without it.
I guess that’s more than 3 huh?…
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collaborate with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
We are always looking for people to collaborate with, we always could use people as guests on the podcast, or if you would like to be a part of the team. If you are a photographer or videographer and would like to be a part of the team that way feel free to contact us. If you are a musician, whether you play an instrument or are looking into getting into rapping or singing please reach out, but I will say, we are not talking about violence, sex, or drugs over here, unless you’re speaking on recovering from it. So you have to want to make music that is good for the SOUL. Also, if you are in the legal field and would like to be a part of the team in that way, that would be amazing as well.
We also are always looking for Sponsors.
You can connect with us through our social media page @sunflowersoulstudios or by email sunflowersoulstudios22@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunflowersoulstudios.com/
- Instagram: @sunflowersoulstudios
- Facebook: @sunflowersoulstudios
- Youtube: @missunderstood904
- Other: Podcast Instagram: @missunderstood904 Airs every first and last Sunday of the month
