Meet Trailblazer Yoshi (Ryleigh) Evangeline

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yoshi (Ryleigh) Evangeline.

Yoshi (Ryleigh), can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My artistic journey started when I was really young, as far back as I can remember actually. Some of my first memories are drawing and painting in my daycare classroom. I struggled a lot with following instructions from teachers and I wanted to do everything my way. I got in trouble for drawing on my hands and doodling on my homework a lot. I even had trouble in art class sometimes, because while I was considered artistically inclined I was not interested in performing the same piece as everyone else in the class. I’ve always been so attracted to arts because its meant to be completely in your control. I like that the only person to boss me around about my work is me when it comes to my art. Being able to work on my own terms as an entrepreneur has gotten me through nearly a decade of severe anxiety because when everything else feels out of my hands I can always lean on my creative strength.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Teaching myself how to build in the art world definitely has not been easy. Trying to turn your passions into a career can be a struggle, financially and emotionally. A lot of people will shoot your work down, especially if you want to make it your full-time job. It’s easy to lose a handful of friendships/relationships from the people you care about feeling entitled to your abilities or trying to change your way of doing things. Sometimes you will feel insecure or manipulated. I learned the hard way that you’ll only find peace with people who support you as much as you support yourself, and to never accept defeat from other people when it comes to your dream. Whether you work for money, praise or even just the warm feeling of making someone happy, you need to do it for you. Not because other people make you feel guilty for doing things your way. Your real loved ones would never do anything to stand in the way of your success and growth. And if that means going into it alone, then be your own biggest supporter until someone else can be worthy to grow with you.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m mostly known for my widespread artistic mediums. This includes painting, crafting, fashion, beauty, and theatre. I create a lot of original makeup looks ranging from glam to body paint, and special effects makeup. I also picked up painting about a year ago and started making original art for my friends. I’m hoping to eventually start several self-made businesses in all of my artistic realms to keep myself busy and creatively motivated.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I owe every ounce of my success to my extremely loving and supportive family. They always let me express myself growing up and have always done everything to make sure I was growing as an individual. I was never expected to conform and I don’t think anything could’ve made me more independent than the trust and pride they gave me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/yawshum
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yawshum/
• Other: instagram.com/glamyoshi

                Image Credit:
Kelsie Gerlach, Nicholas Sebring, Yoshi (Ryleigh) Evangeline

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