Meet LaDonna Oby | Artist and Creator

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

Hi LaDonna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My main though process about starting my business was sharing my passion and leaving a legacy behind my daughters could be proud of. Being my own boss is living a dream. I been working since the age of sixteen and found myself in the regular day to day of normal for many. I never wanted that for myself. I went to college worked two jobs but then I found out my grandmother who practically raised me was sick. I moved back home still trying to attend school and work two jobs but after her death life really took over and years went by. My first daughter came. More years went by I got married and had my second daughter. When that didn’t work out again life took over. Being a single mom of two put me in survivor mode but still wanting to leave a mark on the world. Mind you I haven’t created anything for years until I was challenged by a friend. When he asked ” What are you doing? Your talent deserves better than to be a part of your past.” From there I started drawing, then painting. A few friends commissioned work but one asked how far did I want to go and had I thought about starting a business. The Weeks went by with thoughts about what I had to offer and what name would I use. I felt comfort in being able to stand behind
what I create and so sharing it with the world along with my name became the dream manifested into forwishen.
My art offers versatility and I want to see it in its variety everywhere.
The thought of having something I created
in someone’s home or apart of an outfit confirms my choice of starting business was what I was meant to do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is a reflection of a mood, an idea or sometimes a personal challenge. And what sets me a part is thinking out side of the norm or the expected. Being versatile helps as well. I am most proud of not being confined to a style each piece is different whether its a drawing, jewelry, design, logo etc. Most what I’ve done is freestyled with a touch of structure or the fundamentals of art. But my passion got me were I am. Meeting people that share the passion kept me vibrant. I’ve been drawing since the age of six and can’t let it go. Honestly I’m still overcoming the challenges, you know life. Raising two daughters alone a still keeping a creative vibe was complicated. I took a few college courses to test my technique and realized the gift given to me was still there and ready to emerge. What I’ve learned is everybody that offers help have no intentions of being helpful. Especially nowadays with technology. So I stay praying. I would like the world know how my creativity is not just for a gallery. It’s creativity that has a story and or purpose. And it comes from a place that makes sparks a moment or mostly a memory.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
On days I would not be cooking I would have an itinerary to venture black owned business and restaurants in the Dallas Ft Worth area but won’t limit ourselves to only black owned. We would seek out our favorite foods and foods we are willing to try.
The best places for scenery and spots to eat are mostly in downtown areas or hidden in neighborhoods I haven’t ventured in as of yet. I would start at home in FT Worth. Juicy’s Soul food or Nana’s Kitchen would be the best for down home cooking give us a chance to relax and catch up. Then the next day we can head to Dallas in the
Bishops Arts District area for shopping and trying out Kessler Baking Studio. After hours of walking around and window shopping we’ll check out this vegan spot called Casa del vegano. Afterwards we can ride through Deep Ellum for the artistic sites. Now for the next day we’ll head back to Dallas and see what South Dallas has to offer. Aunt Irene’s Kitchen will be the pick of the day. But the day has to end with 3d Daiquiri Bar and Grill for drinks. Now days I cook at home so going out my not always be an option but take-outis sometimes a must. Especially if I got projects to work on. So picking up some BBQ from Smoke-A -Holics in Ft Worth gives is time to rest. But pick up some Amorino Gelato for something sweet and lite. So end the week a night on the town at The Rayleigh Underground is a nice spot for dinner, drinks, and live music with friends

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to show a special thanks to my two daughters that have been the drive behind my determination. My late grandmother that was my number one supporter. Those that purchased my work supporting me from day one and their words of wisdom. Clients that challenged my creativity by providing a vision and allowing me to bring it to existence. Friends and family that helped with events and showing up when least expected. Those that I’ve gifted, and have appreciation for my craft by displaying it in homes or including it in their outfit. I thank you all for your support to my business and my life.

Instagram: @obyladonna

Linkedin: LaDonna Oby

Facebook: LaDonna Oby

Other: Tiktok @ladonnaoby