Meet Tobi Liston

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

Tobi, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I’ve moved around to different cities for most of my life. From early childhood, my single mom did her best to provide for me, and while she cared for me deeply, stability was something that often felt just out of reach. As a result, I switched schools frequently—private, public, even boarding school. From one city to the next, I was constantly thrust into new environments, meeting different groups of people.

In the beginning, it was a huge challenge to feel accepted in these new social settings, where friendships and cliques were already firmly established. But over time, I learned to adapt. I developed the ability to connect with people quickly, to bring warmth and comfort to strangers. It became my superpower.

I started to see the beauty in meeting people from all walks of life, each with their own story, shaped by unique passions, talents, and struggles. I found myself drawn to people who didn’t fully believe in themselves—people with incredible potential but lacking confidence. It became second nature for me to encourage and support them, nurturing the parts of themselves they had yet to water.

Through my own exploration of creative pursuits, I eventually opened an art studio. It felt only natural to share the space with other artists, giving them a platform to showcase their work. I helped organize exhibits and events, providing opportunities for artists to share their talents with the Sacramento community. Over time, the studio evolved into an event space where creatives could come together to share their art and connect with others.

The sense of community I’ve built and the support I’ve offered to others have shaped my purpose. As my own artistic journey evolved into music, so too has my drive to uplift musicians. Recently, we launched a YouTube channel showcasing Sacramento’s local DJs and coffee culture—a project that combines my passion for music and my commitment to fostering community.

My ability to blend music, art, and connection has become the foundation of my purpose. By uplifting others and creating spaces where they can share their talents with the world, I’ve found my own fulfillment.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am the founder of Lifestyle Art Space (LAS), an intimate event and content creation hub located in Sacramento. Our mission is to uplift and empower the city’s creative community while putting Sacramento on the global map.

LAS serves as both a platform for connection and a springboard for artists to share their talents. We aim to nurture creativity and collaboration, whether through hosting local events or producing online content that amplifies the voices of Sacramento’s talent.

What excites me most about LAS is its role as a community builder. It’s more than just a space—it’s a movement. From hosting art exhibits and listening parties to recording DJ sets for our YouTube channel, we’re creating opportunities for artists to connect with local audiences and gain global exposure. Our YouTube channel, for example, is a new venture blending Sacramento’s DJ culture with its vibrant coffee scene, showcasing the city’s unique vibe to the world.

In addition to providing a professional and welcoming atmosphere for creators, LAS thrives on the idea of building a supportive network. It’s not just about renting space—it’s about fostering meaningful relationships and creating a home-like environment where people feel connected and inspired.

Looking ahead, we’re expanding our offerings to include more community events, workshops, collaborations with local creatives, and digital content aimed at reaching audiences far beyond Sacramento. Our goal is to redefine what it means to be a successful creative in this city, challenging the idea that you need to leave Sacramento to make an impact.

For anyone who believes in the power of art and community, LAS is a space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported. Together, we’re crafting connections and creating content that transcends boundaries.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Kindness
Kindness and compassion may seem simple, but they are powerful tools for building a community rooted in upliftment. Throughout my journey, kindness has opened countless doors—both for me and for those around me. By leading with empathy and genuine care for others, I’ve created connections that extend far beyond transactional relationships. There have been moments when I didn’t have the financial resources to push forward, but because I prioritized kindness, I had a community willing to step in and support me. They believed in me as much as I believed in them, and that mutual trust has been invaluable.

Advice: Practice intentional kindness daily. Show interest in others’ journeys, lend a hand when you can, and express gratitude often. The connections you build through kindness will be your greatest asset.

Community
Community has been the foundation of my work. Whether it’s a group of artists collaborating on an event or local creatives coming together to support a larger cause, the sense of belonging and shared purpose fuels everything I do. My art studio, Lifestyle Art Space, thrives because of the community it serves. People think of my space for their events, share resources, and extend opportunities—all because we’ve built something meaningful together.

Advice: Don’t underestimate the value of connecting with others authentically. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and be willing to contribute to their success as much as your own. Strong communities grow from genuine collaboration and mutual respect.

Purpose
Having a purpose bigger than myself has been the compass guiding my decisions. My focus on uplifting and empowering creatives in Sacramento has given me the clarity and drive to take on leadership roles within my community. Purpose has also allowed me to remain grounded during challenges—it reminds me of the “why” behind everything I do.

Advice: Spend time reflecting on what truly motivates you. What impact do you want to have on the world or your community? When you align your actions with a purpose, you’ll find it easier to persevere and inspire others to join your vision.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! We’re actively looking for collaborators to grow our YouTube channel, Drip Decks, which celebrates Sacramento’s unique blend of DJ talent and coffee culture. Specifically, we’re seeking:

DJs – We’d love to feature more DJs who are passionate about sharing their music and connecting with a wider audience. If you’re a DJ looking to showcase your talent, we want to hear from you!

Coffee Shops – We’re also eager to partner with coffee shops that want to be highlighted as part of Sacramento’s vibrant culture. If you’re a coffee shop owner or manager interested in collaborating, let’s connect!

Beyond these partnerships, we’re open to exploring other ways to collaborate. Whether you’re an artist, creative, business owner, or someone with ideas to amplify Sacramento’s creative community, we’d love to brainstorm and work together.

How to Connect
If you’re interested in collaborating or learning more, feel free to reach out via Instagram: @Lifestyle.Art.Space .Let’s create something incredible together and put creatives on the global map!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lifestyleartspace.com
• Instagram: @lifestyle.art.space
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DripDecks

Image Credits

Sharon Watson
Alexia Sage
Doug Cupid
Alexis Arriaga
Mel Franco
Marquis Lawson