We had the good fortune of connecting with Yexenia Vanegas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yexenia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

For the past decade I have facilitated art experiences with various groups across different contexts and I cannot remember a single participant (adult or child) regretting their participation in the creative activity. Art is ancient technology and has been a part of human history since we began to paint in caves and make tools thousands of years ago. Research in neuroscience and psychology confirm that the creative process positively impacts the brain. The mission and vision for Healing Arts Space was created from these two key reflections. We design products and services that help people access the health benefits of the creative process.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I really believe that art is for everyone. If you’re someone looking to enhance your health but traditional meditation or going to the gym is not your cup of tea- then maybe art is for you. The big picture vision of Healing Art Space is to address the huge gap between the skyrocketing need for mental health support and the minimal services/resources available. Taking care of your mental health is more accessible than one might think and it does not need to cost hundreds of dollars. The creative process is something accessible to all and has scientific proof that it changes mood and body chemistry. I started Healing Arts Space with this understanding at our core; art is a tool for mental wellness. Another core value of Healing Arts Space is that knowledge about human development and how we regulate ourselves not just physically (biology) but emotionally as well. One of the major problems in our society is that we teach too little too late about human development and the nervous system. It’s more recently that social-emotional learning and going to therapy has become more popular yet the statistics on adult and youth mental health continue to show increasing stress, depression and anxiety. I created Healing Arts Space to help people access the health benefits of the creative process, to reimagine art as a brain health enhancer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First of all, it would ideally be Summer (it’s when most of my friends and family visit me in Detroit). On day 1 we would relax in my home and have a delicious home cooked meal. The next day we would enjoy breakfast as Babo’s on Woodward then head to the Detroit Institute of Art. We would end the day on the front porch of a friend’s home drinking cold beers. Going to Belle Isle is a must; this trip would include the botanical gardens, swimming in the river and having a barbecue right on the beach watching the sunset. For a night out we would start off at the Kiesling for some cocktails then head over to Spotlite for some dancing. We would end our time together with a car ride to see murals by the likes of Sydney Green, Sheefy McFly, Bakpak and others. Then we head to the Detroit Historical Museum and dinner at Yemen cafe for some delicious middle eastern food. Before your return flight we would grab some coffee at The Congregation cafe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Inspiration came from my parents who worked together along with extended family to start a medical practice for family medicine. My father was the doctor, my mother and aunts the administrative team. I thought to myself if they could do it being new to this country, why not me? My soulfriend Natalie Pena; when I saw her launch Healing Internationale, it gave me the courage to take a chance on me. My life partner Carlos Santacruz, who challenged me to grow into my gifts and lean into the unknown. Every single child, young person or adult that has participated in my art activities, they have affirmed my vision and reminded me that art is for everyone.

Website: healingarts.space

Instagram: healingarts_space

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.