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

Hi Christy, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
I have 2 kiddos (11 and 8 years old), so I think the most important thing I’ve done is go to therapy. Working to unlearn harmful habits and relearn healthy coping mechanisms not only benefits me, but helps me to be a better parent.

In our home, we talk openly about mental health and how taking care of your mind is as important as taking care of your body. We talk about race, privilege and social justice. We talk about body and sex positivity.

We also talk about how learning is a life-long journey, if you choose to engage in it. So I am open with my kids about what I used to think, what I learned and how my views have changed as I’ve grown older.

Removing the need to have all of life’s answers has allowed us to learn and grow together.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is floral illustration and lettering. infused with Floriography (the language of flowers). The language of flowers was made popular in the Victorian era when feelings were not readily shared. Instead people would create bouquets of “coded messages” with the floral elements they were made up of.

While I was learning how to draw flowers, I was finding so much symbolism imbedded into the botanicals. From cultural significance to medicinal benefits, I began to realize that the beauty of the flower goes far beneath the surface that we see. I started to see life’s lessons reflected in the nature that I was learning about so I started to tuck these lessons into my work.

Each piece of my artwork tells the story of the heart work that I have done to realize that I am enough, I am radiant. I am worthy. The story isn’t unique to me, and I’m determined to remind others of the beauty that resides within them.

A key part of my story involves falling in love with the natural state of my curly hair. As a Black woman, hair is such a key part of my identity. I wanted to share this love of my hair along with the unsung heroes of Black history that I was also learning about and so began my Black History Floral Crown Series. Creating floral crowns to adorn these women was a way to celebrate our rich history by giving them their flowers. It also provided an opportunity to amplify the voices of the Black women in my community to share who inspires them. I am really proud of the collection of art in the series and also the collective learning that we did as a community.

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.
Rochester is best enjoyed during the spring and summer months. Every thing is in full bloom and it feels like everyone is out enjoying the weather.

If my best friend was visiting, we would take in the Lilac Festival, observing the scenery in Highland Park, stopping only for lunch at Neno’s Gourmet Mexican for their Tacos Birria!

We would have to spend the day shopping at Peppermint, Ritual Clay, Cleo & Kin and Stacy K Floral complete with a sweet treat from Scratch Bakeshop.

And we would finish the visit with time spent by the lake at Webster Park searching for beach glass and taking in the view.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that deserve recognition. Being an artist is like giving birth time and time again, so when they say “it takes a village”, the sentiment holds true for my creative pursuits.

My family are my biggest cheerleaders. My spouse, Ben, has been extremely supportive in this journey of creative exploration. My kiddos, Maddie and Jackson, lend insight, critique and encouragement when I need it most.

My friends – Aimee, Anna, Heather, Laura, Molly and Sara – being my sounding boards, providing opportunities for growth and being incredible support a long the way. I am grateful for each of you!

Website: https://www.thehouseofroushey.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.house.of.roushey/

Other: TikTok @thehouseofroushey

Image Credits
Anne McGrath Photography (all images of me) Hayden Welch of Hinterland Studio (tattoo artist that I partner with to create tattoo designs)

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