Daily Inspiration: Meet Darrion Holland

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrion Holland. 

Hi Darrion, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Darrion Holland. I am 29 years old, and I was born in Columbus, Ohio. I have always loved to create things and have always considered myself to be an artist. Art has been a big part of my life, and I come from a long line of artists. My grandmother taught me how to draw, and her mother taught her. My great-aunt paints and use to be an art teacher. I remember growing up being in awe over their talents, so I would practice a lot. Whenever I had a bad day, I threw myself into my art. It became my getaway. However, as I got older and started to venture off to search for art colleges, I was intimated by how good everyone there was. So naturally, I took a step back from it. 

Life went on, and I had my son in March of 2017, which was one of the happiest times of my life and six months later, I was hit with a stray bullet in my dominant arm while sitting on my couch in my living room which was one of the most devastating times of my life. It changed my everything. Luckily, I survived, but the bullet got infected, which led me to being really sick. For months I couldn’t even move my arm and wasn’t sure I ever would. During that time, I learned the things that were important to me, and it bothered me that I didn’t know if I would even be able to draw or paint again. Time went on, and I was blessed enough to be able to use my arm and hand again. Due to my accident, I lost my job, so money was tight. I also was diagnosed with PTSD and Anxiety. So, I started my healing journey. I started researching crystals and the healing properties they have. I got a spiritual mentor and attended classes which led to me wanting to help heal others and share my journey with others. I started a business in 2021 called StainedEssence which is now known as Gaias Garden. I sell crystals, handmade/custom jewelry items, canvas paintings, handmade beard oils, and intention candles. Eventually, I want to offer art classes and healing classes of my own. It is important to me to share what has helped me over the years with people in my community. It also is an outlet for me and what I’ve been through. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I love going to pop-up shops and supporting other entrepreneurs and artists like myself. I want Gaias Garden to be more than a place to shop. I want it to be an experience. The garden is open to anyone; it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you look like. I try really hard to make sure my business represents me to the fullest. I stopped comparing myself to others and just started doing it. I’m thankful for the success I’ve had so far, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say having your own business is ever really a smooth road. I went into my first year of business honestly expecting to spend more money than I received. Which I did, and some would consider that a loss or would take that as a sign to stop. I had moments where I ran outta product and had an order to fill. I’ve dealt with people who felt we were in “competition” try to tell people not to shop with me. I’ve dealt with paying to set up for an event that turned out to be a scam. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a successful year. I went to my first pop-up event, I met new people, I sold items to more than 10 different states. I sold my first painting. It’s all about perspective. All of these things prepared me for an even better year following. I think it’s really important when starting out not to be too hard on yourself. Fall in love with the process not just the finished result. Once you fall in love with the process those times where business isn’t going exactly how you want it to won’t be so bad. I take those moments as a time to reflect. Is there anything that can be changed? I could take that time to clear inventory or make more inventory. As long as you’re doing something you genuinely love the struggles are always worth it. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a self-taught artist for the most part. I do a lot of acrylic paintings, but I also use watercolor from time to time. I like to sketch a lot as well. I just recently picked up jewelry making a couple of years ago. I’m most proud of the progress I’ve made over the years. I’ve come a long way with my artwork. It’s always fun to go back through old sketchbooks to see my progress. What sets me apart from others is my variety in art styles. I like when two different people see two different images in one of my paintings. I genuinely love to learn new styles and techniques, so it’s hard to pinpoint or categorize me as an artist. 

Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can support me by shopping with me at www.ShopwithGaia.com. Following me on Instagram and Facebook and being interactive. Checking out my pop-up events and artwork. I always love to hear feedback and learn from other artist so I’m definitely open to collaborations. I can be contacted at GaiasGarden2220@gmail.com. You can also find my business page on Instagram @Gaias.Garden_ or my art page @___LisaMariie___. I also have a page on Facebook @GaiasGarden. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ShopwithGaia.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Gaias.garden_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stainedessence