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

Hi Zheila, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My journey as an illustrator started back in 2019 when I decided I wanted to pursue the things that brought me the most joy. I was really unhappy with the “lifestyle” I was living and the mindset that I had around how my life was supposed to look. I started watercoloring and from there, I got super into digital art and design and everything in between and I finally had the courage to invest and buy an ipad and apple pencil, that’s what I use to create all of my illustrations. I opened my instagram account for the sole purpose of sharing my art, mostly for my friends and loved ones. And fast forward to July of 2020 I quit my job and opened up my online shop and here we are!

Zhei Zhei Art is an online shop where I offer a selection of products like prints, stickers, and cards, magnets that are inspired by female empowerment, imagination, nature, colors and just having fun!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m Zheila/ zhei zhei and the illustrator behind all of this art. Self taught, passionate, and very much muddling through it all with the occasional (maybe bi-weekly) mental breakdown, but who isn’t! I put my whole self into everything I do and will forever be a work in progress💫⁣ ⁣
If you were to ask me a year ago where I’d be today, UMM I would have told you something very different to where I am right now, and thank God that’s the case. With time, I’ve learned to trust my intuition and follow those dreams I thought I never could’ve. I’m still not exactly where I want to be, but I’m not where I was before, and that is so much better🤍⁣
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I just want to say that I really hope you have the courage to believe that you are deserving of everything you desire, and that you are capable of curating the kind of life for yourself that sparks something within you. I hope you find what you’re looking for out there (and if not, create it)✨🦋⁣

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.
I’m based in Austin! I would take them hiking at the Greenbelt, take a stroll down South Congress, visit the small shops and a farmers market and end up at Zilker Park to watch the sunset.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My sisters, parents and closest friends have been a guiding light for me! Their support and encouragement means the world to me. So grateful to have my own support system that pushes me to reach my fullest potential.

Website: https://www.zhei-zhei.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zheizhei.art/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zheila-cervantes-5183298a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zhei-zhei-art-104362621466254

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