Meet Suly Florian | Artist/Muralist

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

Hi Suly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was actually a short and necessary one. I had been laid off from my first job as a muralist, and necessity prompted me to start my own business. I didn’t have much time to think about it because I had many bills with only a small savings. Once I began the process of starting my own business however, I knew this was the right path for me. I’ve never worked harder in my life, and also have never have been more fulfilled.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I began this art journey early, about 4 years old and really never stopped. I thought everyone knew how to draw until I went to school and realized, wait, people don’t really know how to transfer on to paper what they see in their presence. I continued to draw, and eventually evolved into painting, which has led to my career in murals and gallery work. It has been a very uphill journey. Had it not been for my passion for art, I definitely would have quit! But alas, I am cruising right along, working hard, and enjoying the fruits of my labor. I learned that if you’re going to risk your life, whether it be staying complacent or jumping in, might as well jump into your passions and see where it leads you. You need your creative mental elements to make it anywhere, make sure they are sharp. Listen to those who’ve gone before you and are successful, and push for your success. People will talk about you no matter what so just do what feels right for you! I love to focus on the reactions of my clients, that’s really what keeps me going. I love to see them so excited about the work I’ve put forth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were to visit anywhere in Houston, it would definitely be The Museum of Fine Arts! Absolutely stunning. I would also recommend a bike ride at Buffalo Bayou. There are wonderful places to eat along the Montrose area, as well as east down town or Eado. While you are in Eado, I would definitely visit Graffiti Park and take some pictures in front of the wildly beautiful murals!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Lee Washingtion aka The One Lee (fellow artist) has been monumental in helping to carve out my business mind along with helping me build my confidence. He has and still is pushing me to become a better version of myself everyday. Vanessa Cole from Cole Klein Builders has also been essential to my growth in the networking and marketing of my work and business. She has believed in my ability since day one. And I read the book Girlboss by: Sofia Amoruso over and over again at the beginning of my journey in business. I related to her very much because just like me, she was an outsider and didn’t know anything about the business world, and with grit and a little street smarts, built a $100 million company debt free.

Website: www.acephoenixart.com

Instagram: @acephoenixart

Image Credits
Lee Washington