Boldly Brewing Culture in Spartanburg

A Creative Brew of Culture: Taste of Black Spartanburg 2025

This year’s Taste of Black Spartanburg was more than just a celebration of flavor, it was a feast for the eyes, heart, and spirit. Amid the soulful sounds, sizzling bites, and spirited conversations, something new brewed its way into the spotlight: the GetJOECoffeeOn Mobile Art Gallery, presented by Studio22x2 featuring a curated collection of art by Blaq Picasso & Hannah A St. James.

Parked proudly between vendor booths and bustling foot traffic, the mobile gallery wasn’t just a backdrop, it was an experience. Designed as a traveling exhibit and community touchpoint, it featured rotating visual art inspired by the richness of Black creativity, the ritual of coffee, and the healing power of self-expression. Visitors walked through a sensory journey - bold brushstrokes, affirming quotes, and coffee-scented art made from real grounds, set the tone for meaningful connection.

The highlight of the day? A live painting session by local artist Blaq Picasso, whose portrait work is phenomenal! Positioned right inside the gallery, he transformed a blank canvas into a vivid image of Michael B Jordan as cast in Sinners. Children gathered close, elders nodded in approval, and passersby lingered, mesmerized.

A visitor chimed in: “I didn’t expect to come here and feel something, but this pulled me in. I’m leaving inspired.”

[Be sure to check out our video recap here by SLAH Nation TV] you’ll see faces light up, hear voices lifted in celebration, and get a closer look at Blaq Picasso’s process, the art gallery display, and the collaborative energy that made it all possible.

Events like Taste of Black Spartanburg remind us that supporting Black businesses goes beyond transactions - it’s about investing in stories, spaces, and shared joy. By partnering with local creatives through Studio22x2, we’re proving that when art, entrepreneurship, and community meet, something powerful happens.

The success of this event wasn’t just in the foot traffic; it was in the feeling. That deep breath people took as they viewed art full of texture and color. The way strangers laughed together while resonating with visuals they liked. The boldness of Blaq Picasso’s strokes blending with the beat of the crowd.

“I want this in my neighborhood,” someone said. “This kind of beauty should be everywhere.”

We agree! This is just the beginning. The Mobile Art Gallery is rolling on, the collaboration is expanding, and there’s much more to come. Stay tuned for our upcoming stops, new featured artists, and community activations that put Black art and imagination at the center.

Want to be a part of what’s next? Follow @Studio22x2 and @GetJOECoffeeOn to catch our next pop-up, artist collab, or call for creatives.

Together, we’re building more than art. We’re boldly brewing culture.

DST, Inc.

This past weekend, I had the joy of being in the room as Brown Girls Read took part in the Regional Spring Meeting hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - and let me tell you, the energy was unmatched.

The space was filled with DST Sisters from all over, and middle & high school girls from the upstate, many of them just beginning to explore who they are and who they want to become. Together, we got to witness something powerful: Black women modeling excellence, leadership, sisterhood, and service - not just in words, but in presence.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women at Howard University to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need. The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta envisioned an organization committed to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and addressing the social issues of the time.

There were so many memorable moments, but one that stayed with me was when a chapter president from Bermuda spoke about connection. She reminded us that no matter where you are in the world, there is always a Delta near you - always a sister, always a resource. That hit deep. In a time when so many of us are searching for belonging, mentorship, and meaning, hearing that kind of rooted assurance felt like a warm hug and a push forward all at once.

The young girls in attendance were encouraged to set a higher standard for themselves - not out of pressure, but out of love. Love for who they are now and love for who they’re becoming. It was beautiful to watch their eyes light up as they saw what sisterhood and service could look like: not just fancy titles or events, but a lifetime of support and impact.

As for me? I left inspired. Inspired to keep showing up. Inspired to keep building spaces where our girls can feel seen and celebrated. And yes - inspired to learn more about joining this legacy of powerful women who’ve been doing the work for generations.

To Delta Sigma Theta and every woman who made this event so intentional - thank you. You lit a spark, and I plan to carry it forward.

Behind the Seams

How Art, Fashion, and Community Came Together at Spartanburg Art Museum’s 1907 Society Event

Last night, I had the honor of attending a remarkable event hosted by the Spartanburg Art Museum’s 1907 Society at the historic Piedmont Club on Main Street.

Shout out to our Board President and Events Committee! As a new board member, it was inspiring to witness our community come together in support of accessible art for all.

The evening was filled with meaningful conversations and a shared appreciation for the arts. Dr. Ryan Teten, our dedicated Executive Director, spoke passionately about the museum’s mission to make art accessible to everyone in our community. His words resonated deeply, reminding us all of the transformative power of art.

One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to connect with individuals I’ve built relationships with throughout Spartanburg. It was heartening to see familiar faces and to introduce them to the vital work we’re doing at the museum.

Adding a personal touch to the night, I wore a dress I handmade for the occasion. It was a reflection of my own artistic journey and a conversation starter that led to deeper discussions about creativity and self-expression.

We’re proud to share that we’ve reached 60% of our fundraising goal for the 1907 Society campaign. As we approach that goal, we’re calling on our community to help us cross the finish line. Every contribution brings us closer to expanding our educational programs, preserving our collections, and ensuring that art remains a vibrant part of Spartanburg’s cultural landscape.

If you believe in the power of art to inspire and unite, please consider supporting the Spartanburg Art Museum. Together, we can continue to make art accessible to all.

Click HERE to donate. Peace, Love & Art!

She’s A Boss

This Spring, I had the joy of participating in the She’s A Boss Career Fair at Bloom Upstate - and let me tell you, it was more than just a career fair. It was a reminder of why I do this work.

As an artist and entrepreneur, my mission has always been about more than business. It’s about visibility. It’s about expression. And most of all, it’s about showing the next generation - especially young girls - that they can build something beautiful out of their dreams.

Throughout the day, I met girls with bright eyes and bold questions, ready to explore what’s possible. I brought my art, some business materials, and an open heart - but what stood out most was the shared canvas we created together. Each girl who visited my table left a mark, quite literally - contributing brushstrokes to a collaborative piece that captured their voices, their colors, and their creativity. It’s a memory I’ll carry with me.

In between the paint and conversations, I even connected with a couple of wonderful art collectors who resonated with my work and vision. Moments like that remind me that showing up as yourself has real power.

This event wasn’t just about career paths - it was about reminding these girls (and us) that we’re allowed to take up space, change our minds, follow what lights us up, and own our stories. Being a boss isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about believing in your own voice - and using it to uplift others.

Here’s to every young girl who showed up with curiosity and courage. Keep creating, keep dreaming, and know this: you already have what it takes.

Back at It

Returning to College with Purpose: Follow My Journey Through Spartanburg’s Re:Degree Program at SMC

I never imagined I’d be going back to college at this stage in my life — and yet, here I am, returning with more intention, grace, and support than I ever thought possible.

Through the Re:Degree program, I’ve been given the opportunity to finish what I started, and I’m doing it in a way that truly aligns with who I am today. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Business and Psychology at Spartanburg Methodist College — a combination that speaks to both the creative and compassionate parts of me.

The Re:Degree team has created such a supportive place to land for people like me — those who had to pause their educational journey for any number of reasons. Instead of judgment, there's encouragement. Instead of pressure, there's guidance. When Dr. Erin looked me in the eyes and told me “I’m here for you!”, I knew I was in good hands. Celebrating its one-year anniversary, this program is actively helping adults in Spartanburg pick their dreams back up with both hands.

“I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills gained through this program to make a positive impact in my community. ”

— Hannah A St. James

What makes this experience even more meaningful is the way it’s rooted in community. I’m not just going back to school for a piece of paper — I’m learning how to make a sustainable impact, how to support others, and how to lead from a place of wholeness. Every class, every conversation, is helping me grow into someone who can pour back into the spaces that have poured into me.

If you’ve been thinking about finishing your degree, this is your reminder: it’s not too late. There’s still room for your goals. There’s still time for your growth. And with the Re:Degree team’s support, you don’t have to do it alone.

For more information on the Re:Degree program, visit ReDegreeSpartanburg.com.

Here’s to starting again — this time, with purpose.

Starting Over, Starting Here:

“Grow Where You Are Planted”

That’s it. That’s the post.

Just Kidding! You know I have a lot to say about a lot of things.

They say home is where the heart is - but what happens when your heart has lived in a dozen places? What happens when you’ve had to begin again, again and again?

For me, that’s where this mural was born.

Grow Where You Are Planted started as a quiet mantra during hard seasons. Now, it’s 60 square feet of paint, purpose, and love on a wall tucked behind Arcadia Lofts @ Mayfair Arts Studio on Spartanburg’s West Side - a place rich with untold stories and unrealized potential.

As I paint, neighbors walk by slowly. Some wave. A couple stop and ask what it’s about. One woman said, “I needed to see this today.” That alone makes it worth it.

This isn’t just about art. It’s about legacy. It’s about visibility. It’s about planting something beautiful in a place where we’ve often only been expected to survive.

I’ve thought about my mother, my grandmother, my daughter. About the Black women who carry so much and are still expected to bloom without being watered. This is for us.

But it’s also for all of us; everyone who’s ever felt uprooted, forgotten, or like they didn’t belong. You do. You can grow here. Right here. Just as you are.

I hope this mural makes you stop. I hope it makes you breathe. And more than anything, I hope it reminds you that beauty is always possible, especially in the soil we’ve been given.

Earnest Desire

There will always be a day of reckoning

What do we do in our darkest time?

What are we called to cling to?

There is mire and there is darkness.

There is blood between a rock and a hard place.

What lies beneath is buries inside;

We place our trust in earnest desire.

See me, ground down before you. I am life.

I am an example. I’m the only thing you need.

I am love. Every moment is love.

Rooted In Resilience

On this day I woke up and saw my world had been uprooted (physically & metaphorically). As a person who has endured huge chasms of loss and displacement, the visual of uprooted trees all over my community filled me with dread, grief and awe. Hurricane Helene.

An overwhelming sense of panic began to grow as I attempted to get food for my two children. The unsettled energy radiating from others was palpable. Relief!! We’re 4 towns over, still no traffic lights, but people are gathering and being vocal and encouraging and there’s a food truck.

It’s been 15 minutes in the queue, and I’m next in line. I hear, “So sorry we just ran out”. Immediate panic. This was the 3rd time we’d ventured out and the 2nd time we barely got out of the maze of downed trees.

I decided we can’t stay here. On the way back home, we incorrectly ended up in the next state over since GPS and cell service were nil. As we packed our things, I kept thinking about everything we’d been through just to get here! I NEEDED this to work out. Although we safely made it to shelter in Atlanta, the panic attacks were only beginning. 11 days later they’d show up after being on hold with FEMA (multiple times) for an hour and the line hangs up. When the rent was due and LATE. When the money I used to get us shelter and food was QUICKLY running out. When I got biopsy results that meant surgery in a few weeks. And again, when my engine blew. (I honestly could keep going.)

School started for my littles again, but I still couldn’t sleep. My resources were extremely limited, I had no safety net (we JUST moved) I couldn’t get enough rest, AND I had to figure it out. The world did not stop, neither did the bills. No mercy, the ship was sinking but as our ancestors know, the will to love and be free to live is in the DNA. I was going to make it come hell or high water. I am loved. I am safe. I am supported.

Day after day, passing by these uprooted trees, seeing the homes crushed beneath them was painful to my soul. When I heard about the bodies being found as roots were unearthed all through the Carolinas, I cried. My soul could feel the anguish and sadness and pain. I could never fathom the level of cruelty required to mock someone and have a meal as they were beaten and tortured WHILE being hung from a rope by the neck. I did what I always do when I don’t understand. I read. I research.

The more I read, the more I grieved. As I began to grieve the lives stolen, the opportunities to breathe violently snatched away, something unexpected happened. I also began to celebrate. One can never escape the TRUTH. You can choose to ignore it, but we ALL have agency.

I choose to honor my ancestors by creating more art, nurturing my family, and living a life of joy, love, and ease. A revolutionary life. One that shows despite the circumstances, faith, curiosity, and creativity will lay the foundations for our new world. As our good nap bishop Tricia Hersey has proclaimed, “We will REST!” I celebrate their sacrifice and resilience in the face of horror and terrorism with my art, my determination, and with my joy.

Coming down from this elevated place of stress to feel safe again took months, and truthfully, I’m still making my way to safety in my body and circumstances. Thankfully as an artist, my healing comes from creating and experiencing art.

Experiencing an exhibit of Spartanburg artist Winston Wingo’s work made me exhale in a way that released an angst I could never put a name to. As a black woman in America, of British and Jamaican descent, to thrive I had integrated a general lens of wariness in my perceptions.

The relief of seeing us solidified with such great permanence in the future gave me a doorway to live out loud creatively and with joy. It affirmed me in my efforts to encourage others to do the same.

We are resilient because we KNOW that we will remain. Once you can recognize AND utilize the tools you have as resources, you will begin to understand that you too, are resilient.

All you have is all you need and as life keeps lifing, check the facts. You’re here at this point. You made it. You said “NO, I will not give up”. You… Me… We… are rooted in resilience and that’s on our ancestors.

We got this!

The Coming Light

Life is all about perspective.

Is it an oncoming train? or is it a rescue? Is it a warm fire? Or is the house burning down?

It happens the way it happens. Every shift in mindset comes with 20/20 hindsight.

This is the first time I’m tracking an inspired collection LIVE based on some clarifying experiences.

The last two weeks I’ve been LABORING and internally almost torturing myself to work on some content. I had my assignment, and realistically it wasn’t a hard ask.

I hadn’t left space for the integration. I knew what I had to do conceptually. It all made sense, but the next step that HAD to happen was integration. This has been on my to do list for 3 weeks now. A bold and domineering task for some reason. The integration is the space between. The time between when the seed is planted and germination. What I tend to do in that season is berate myself for all I should’ve done, or what I should’ve known.

I still got here! Precisely, to the opportunity to observe the process of my inspiration. My lesson learned: “Trust that it will happen again. Trust that the opportunity you’re ready for is what’s coming.”

Instead of being hard on yourself, in the meantime prepare. It’s ok to not know the how. Put it in action by preparing because it’s coming. Every day is brand new, and the gift of life is an opportunity to be inspired.

Put that bow ON. Get cute & Get Inspired!

Put That Bow ON.

Ways to prepare for the next opportunity:

- Allow time for a regulating self - care routine

- Reframe your current systems when you’re at rest/ease

- Define & Review Your Values

- Prioritize Finding Your Balance

- Use Your Toolbelt to Express Your Feelings

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