Meet Marissa Tolliver

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marissa Tolliver. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marissa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my purpose was not a single moment of clarity but rather a journey that unfolded over time. Art has always been my refuge, my outlet, and the quiet sanctuary where I could truly express myself. As a shy child, I was fascinated by people but struggled to connect with them. Instead of speaking, I would observe and draw. When I wasn’t sketching I was crocheting or singing, but I was always creating.

As I grew older, art remained my passion, but I didn’t see it as a viable career. I thought I needed something more practical, so I turned to fashion, thinking it would be a safer bet. In hindsight, fashion was probably just as risky as pursuing art, but as a teenager, I had no idea. When that didn’t work out, I ended up in project management. I was good at it, but it left me feeling empty and disconnected from the creativity that once fueled me.

It was during this time of confusion and dissatisfaction that I sought help from a therapist. I told her I had no idea what I wanted from life anymore. Her advice was simple but powerful: reconnect with the things I loved doing as a child. At first, I felt hesitant. Could something so simple really bring back my passion? But I decided to give it a try.

I started drawing again, though I was reluctant to dive fully into it. What if I didn’t remember how? What if it didn’t go anywhere? I didn’t want to invest in expensive supplies only to give up. So, I used whatever I had—scratch paper from work for sketches and coffee for paint. It was raw and imperfect, but it was a start. The more I painted, the more I felt alive. I rediscovered the joy and peace that art had always given me. Slowly, it started to transform not just my days but my entire perspective on life.

It was then that I realized: art was my purpose. It had always been my purpose. Not just for personal healing, but for helping others connect with their own creativity and find peace through it. I knew that this was my calling: to make the healing power of art accessible to anyone who needed it, regardless of their background or resources.

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?

As a mixed media artist and designer, I specialize in creating art from reclaimed materials, breathing new life into forgotten objects and giving them a second purpose. My work is more than just about aesthetics—it’s about making art that serves as a vehicle for healing, connection, and self-reflection. Through my pieces, I strive to create images that inspire rest, rejuvenation, hope, and a deeper connection to both self and nature.

In a world that often feels chaotic, I believe that being surrounded by restorative, uplifting visuals can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. That’s why I aim to make my artwork as accessible as possible. Whether through selling prints at local markets, offering downloadable art PDFs online, or showcasing my pieces in spaces like local coffee shops and libraries, I want as many people as possible to experience the peace and inspiration that art can provide.

More important to me than simply sharing my own work, is inspiring others to create the art they want to see in the world. I want people to feel empowered to tap into their own creativity, regardless of their background or experience. In an effort to support this mission, I document and share my artist journey on YouTube, providing insights into my process, the challenges I face, and the joy that art brings to my life.

I also offer creative workshops within my community, engaging with individuals at cultural events, the library, and schools. These workshops are designed to show that art isn’t just for professionals or those with formal training—it’s for everyone. Transparency is at the core of my philosophy. I believe that by opening up about my creative process, I can help demystify art-making and make it feel more approachable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses.

Through my workshops and content, I aim to foster an environment where people feel confident in their ability to create, knowing that their voices and their creativity are valid. Art, in my view, is a universal language—a way for individuals to connect with themselves, others, and the world around them. By making this language accessible to everyone, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive, supportive, and creative community.

If you’d like to add some uplifting art to your space and support my work—helping me to offer more art education—please check out my online gallery and purchase a printable PDF of my art. Your support makes it possible for me to continue sharing the healing power of creativity with others.

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

Every creative journey is unique, but for me, three key skills have been particularly impactful in shaping where I am today. These skills have not only helped me navigate the challenges along the way but have also propelled me forward with a sense of purpose and direction.

1. Having a Clear Purpose and Values
Having a clear sense of purpose has been the foundation of my journey as an artist. It’s what anchors me during moments of doubt or fear. When the path feels uncertain or the challenges feel overwhelming, knowing the deeper value of my work helps me push forward. My purpose—to make the healing power of art accessible to everyone—reminds me that the work I do is meaningful beyond the daily grind or the obstacles in front of me.

Clarity around my purpose also keeps me focused. Every piece I create, every opportunity I pursue, I ask myself: Is this helping make the healing power of art more accessible? This question guides me in making decisions and ensures that I stay true to my mission, limiting confusion and helping me prioritize what truly matters.

2. Being a Lifelong Learner
As a self-taught artist, instructor, and business owner, I’ve come to embrace the fact that there is always something new to learn. The creative process is ever-evolving, and I truly enjoy being open to lessons wherever they come from—whether through mentorship, mistakes, or books. This mindset has been essential in my growth, both as an artist and as a professional.

The willingness to continuously learn has allowed me to expand my skill set, adapt to changes in the industry, and find new ways to improve my craft. It’s also fostered a sense of curiosity and excitement in my journey. Each lesson, big or small, adds value to my work, making the process of creation even more rewarding.

3. Tapping into Community
While personal dedication and self-discipline are important, I could have never gotten my career to where it is today without the support of a strong community. Whether it’s the online community of fellow artists or my local network, the people around me have been instrumental in my growth. From offering encouragement and sending opportunities my way to collaborating with me and holding me accountable, their support has been invaluable.

My community shows up for me in so many ways—attending my events, cheering me on, and sharing their own experiences and wisdom. This mutual exchange of support and inspiration has kept me motivated and reminded me that I’m not on this journey alone. The impact of community is profound; I pour into them just as much as they pour into me, creating a cycle of growth and shared inspiration.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

As an avid reader, narrowing down the book that has had the most impact on my life is no easy task. There have been many that have shaped my journey, but one book that I revisit over and over again is The Power of Awareness by Neville Goddard. This book has had a profound influence on both my personal and creative life, offering insights that have shaped how I approach my art and my purpose in the world.

In The Power of Awareness, Goddard teaches the importance of defining a definite purpose in life and pursuing it with relentless determination. He emphasizes that our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality, and by consciously aligning our inner vision with our goals, we can bring about transformation in both our lives and the world around us. This message resonated deeply with me, especially as I was carving out my path as an artist and designer.

The ideas in this book helped me understand the power I hold as an artist to create not just images, but realities that inspire and heal. I realized that through my artwork, I have the ability to shift perceptions, evoke emotions, and even create a sense of peace and hope in the world. This realization empowered me to approach my creative process with confidence, knowing that the work I do has the potential to impact others in meaningful ways.

More than just a book about manifesting personal goals, The Power of Awareness taught me to recognize the responsibility I have as an artist to not only create for myself but also to inspire others to tap into their own power. It reinforced the idea that we all have the ability to shape our world, and as an artist, I can empower others to see their own potential for transformation through creative expression.

I return to this book regularly because its lessons continue to evolve with me. Every time I read it, I discover new layers of understanding and new ways to apply its principles to my work. It reminds me to stay focused on my purpose and to trust in the power of my creative vision to make a positive difference in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www. ENUFbyMNT.com
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ENUFbyMNT

Image Credits

Image 8 (Photo by Iyana Esters)