We’re looking forward to introducing you to Oréan Collier. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Oréan , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Just being in a creative space and for me that’s when I’m painting.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Oréan Collier — an artist, children’s book author, digital creator, and all-around creative at heart. My creative journey weaves together a lot of different passions: I wrote and became a published children’s book author in my late 50’s titled “Lasko the Artist” I create bold and textured art pieces using unique materials like denim and sometimes resin,I love doing abstract realism paintings and design digital products.
What makes my brand unique is that it reflects both creativity and resilience. I’ve transformed my personal experiences —to the loss of a child, to an 80 lb. weight loss and rediscovery — into art, writing, and tools that inspire others to keep going, dream bigger, and embrace new chapters.
Right now, I’m expanding into content creation on YouTube and TikTok to share my digital products in fresh, accessible ways, while also continuing to build my art and publishing journey. At the heart of everything I do is a desire to inspire people , be here for my two beautiful granddaughters and pick up where my child left off — whether through a children’s story that sparks imagination, (to leave a legacy) a piece of art that makes someone pause, or a tool that helps them take control of their wellbeing.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was very shy and often believed I wasn’t good enough. That lack of confidence caused me to hold back and question my own abilities. Over the years, I’ve grown past those untruths and learned to fully embrace who I am and what I bring to the world.
There was even a time when I didn’t call myself an artist because I hadn’t gone to school for it. Today, I proudly own my identity as an artist, author, and designer. I’ve come to understand that you don’t need outside validation to step into your purpose — your gifts are already enough, and the courage to use them is what makes the difference.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — many times. I came close to quitting more than once, and each near-miss left me raw and rethinking my path. Early in my design career I won a national contest, through “Marie Claire Magazine” (chosen from 300 entries) and was flown to New York. The article read “ You a Handbag Designer , Your Design could be sold in stores the following season. — I believed that moment was my big break. When the exposure didn’t translate into the opportunity I expected I was crushed.They did not honor following up with having my winning design manufactured and sold in stores. Complete devastation!
I pivoted, and opened my own handbag boutique and poured my heart into it, only to close its doors when the recession hit. I entered another major retail contest, drove to the headquarters to pitch, and froze onstage — another chance slipped away. Each setback felt like a door closing.
The hardest test, though, was personal. When I lost my daughter London at 24, the grief threatened to stop me entirely. The idea of continuing felt impossible. But I found a reason to keep going — for her, for her daughters, and for the work she encouraged me to never abandon. That promise carried me back into creating: my children’s book was published in 2021, and I’ve kept showing up even when results didn’t match my hopes.
Those near-gives taught me invaluable lessons: resilience is a practice, not a one-time choice; success rarely follows a straight line; and sometimes you have to pivot, learn new skills (especially in marketing), and keep putting your work into the world. I don’t romanticize the struggle — it still stings — but each defeat has sharpened my resolve and clarified my purpose.
Today I’m still here, still creating, and still learning how to make my work reach the people it’s meant to serve. I’ve learned to celebrate the small wins, to treat every setback as a lesson, and to keep moving forward with intention and courage.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real, but it’s also a curated expression of who I choose to share. I show up honestly—my art, my books, and my work are true reflections of my voice, values, and lived experience—but I also protect parts of myself that are private, tender, or still healing. After years of growing from a shy, unsure child into a confident creator, I’ve learned the power of vulnerability and boundaries: being authentic doesn’t mean sharing everything, it means sharing what will serve others and preserve my inner life.
I aim to be transparent about my process and my struggles because those stories connect with people, but I’m intentional about what I reveal. Sometimes I create faceless content or keep certain moments private so the focus stays on the work and the message, not just me. In short: what people see is real — it’s the best, most considered version of me — and I’m always working to make that version kinder, braver, and more generous.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m creating—whether it’s painting, designing, or writing. There’s something grounding about pouring emotion into art and letting creativity flow. I also find deep peace in moments with my granddaughters, creating lasting memories, simply enjoying their laughter and imagination, and in the quiet comfort of being with family and my little Yorkie, Onyx. Those are the spaces where my heart feels full and centered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stan.store/ocbyoreancollier
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/oreancollier_artist
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ocbyoreancollier
- Other: https://Stan.store/ocbyoreancollier
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