“I was a stay-at-home mom with four beautiful girls. I’m going through a divorce and just opened this art gallery and coffee shop to provide for my family. I’ve wanted my own art gallery for almost twenty years, but my girls were my main focus. They don’t need me as much now, so I can think about this. Two of my daughters will work here, and all have art here.

The name of the gallery is Wild Tribe. I am big on women returning to their roots and intuition, claiming their spiritual connection and no longer hiding in the world. Women are usually raised to be nice, generous, humble, small, and quiet. Pleasing others while disregarding our own needs.  Men are told to be stoic and strong, never asking for help. It’s exhausting. Wild means self-expression–not tamed by societal expectations. Tribe means community–a feeling of belonging.   

My father was an artist; I learned to draw and paint when I was young. Everyone is an artist, but we’ve been told we’re not good at it, so we give up. I’m passionate about creating a place where people feel safe to express themselves and connect with their natural gifts. Community feels like a foreign word right now as people hide behind their screens. But we need each other. Wild Tribe is about being around good people and good music. Exploring the arts and exploring your own talents. Meeting your tribe of people and feeling free.”

Neeka

Wild Tribe is located in Mary Esther, Florida. It opened yesterday.