Mashonda Tifrere who founded ArtLeadHER in 2016 is known in the Art world for curating opportunities for marginalized womxn artists and curators from around the world. As an author, singer/songwriter, and activist her company ArtLeadHER combats gender bias by providing resources and opportunities for women and girls to exhibit their art in prominent exhibition spaces.
Since its inception, ArtLeadHer has shown over 250 artists and curated over 40 exhibitions globally. For Women’s History Month, ArtLeadHer presented a panel for its 8th annual event, in collaboration with Peloton, titled The Modern Woman: Wellness and Creativity followed by a private dinner at Casa Cirpriani. A special cocktail menu was created for the panel featuring Bisquit & Dubouché V.S.O.P And X.O Collection of Cognac, as well as IBest Wines Red & White Blend. The panelists included jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher, Mama Glow founder Latham Thomas, gallerist Hannah Traore, Peloton instructor Marcel Dinkins, and IBest Wines founder Ingrid Best.
Photo courtesy of ArtLeadHer
The panelists brought together a wealth of experience and shared their insights as businesswomen and the practices they’ve cultivated to ground themselves. Many of the women described the balancing act of being both a woman and a business owner, emphasizing the importance of finding community and standing firm in the face of challenges. “It takes a lot to grow into that woman, and that is not something achieved easily,” they said.
Photo courtesy of ArtLeadHer
Glow founder, Latham provided a fresh perspective on wellness during the panel, reflecting on her childhood interactions with plants and botany. She emphasized the transformative experience of nurturing living things, stating, “Watching something move through a lifecycle and taking care of something—it’s a different thing to watch something and move with the seasons.” Latham encouraged embracing nature, even in urban settings, advising, “Put your feet in some soil and find a way to connect with the earth.” She stressed the importance of slowing down and connecting with nature, noting, “It reminds us we have a liveness we are connected to all living things.”
Ingrid Best, founder of IBest Wines, echoed a similar sentiment, stating, “I love starting my days with walks. It’s free, it doesn’t cost you anything. You don’t have to think about what you’re putting on; just get up and go outside.”
Photo courtesy of ArtLeadHer
Following the panel, we spoke with Mashonda about her wellness practices, highlights from the evening, and how she navigates the Creative Industry as a Black woman.
The Knockturnal: What inspired you to initiate this conversation about wellness and creativity, particularly focusing on Black women?
Mashonda: It’s important to have conversations that are usually undermined. My goal is to bring wellness to the forefront in rooms of creatives. This particular panel is more important than all of the others I’ve ever had. I acknowledge the many reasons why I must put my health first and I want other women to feel the same way.
The Knockturnal: As the founder of ArtLeadHer, how do you envision the organization’s role in promoting wellness and empowerment for women in the arts?
Mashonda: My goal is to infuse wellness into unusual spaces that would normally only focus on various genres of creativity, i.e. exhibitions, workshops, and networking summits.
The Knockturnal: When it comes to your wellness practices, what are some things that you do to ground yourself?
Mashonda: I meditate a lot. I immerse myself in nature and even though I’m not vegan, I eat plant-based twice a week. That works wonders for my digestive system which in turn enhances my overall daily performance.
The Knockturnal: Working in the Art industry does not come without its faults, how have you navigated this space as a Black woman?
Mashonda: I don’t think there’s one way to answer that question. Navigating this space optimally depends on having solid connections and being in a constant space of flow. Setting ego to the side and also knowing how and when to ask for help. As a Black woman who has been very successful as an independent curator and art advisor, my number one advice to myself and other women who aspire to do this is- to be graceful with yourself and others but also know when to put your foot down and stand in your power.
The Knockturnal: Looking ahead, what do you hope to see in terms of progress and representation for Black women in the wellness and creative spaces?
Mashonda: We need more voices. We need more empowerment towards each other and we have to make and take up more space.
The Knockturnal: What were some of your favorite highlights from the panel discussion?
Mashonda: I love speaking to honest, empowering women and each woman shared from her heart. My favorite part was witnessing the crowd receive the information.
Visit ArtLeadHer to learn more about the organization and its mission, and follow them on Instagram for updates and new exhibitions.
