BSB Feature: Whitney Austin- NC Belle Makes Gorgeous Afrocentric Art
Black Southern Belle sends love and support to every BSB working hard at their dreams. We would like to take a moment to highlight a Black Southern Belle that is making major strides. Meet Whitney Austin, artist and owner of her own galleria in Charlotte, North Carolina.I followed Whitney on IG, drawn in by her beautiful afrocentric art. Not even three months later, she was opening her very own galleria featuring her gorgeous paintings. Quickly and like a quiet storm, the artist reportedly made over 6 figures in profit and continues the success.
Name: Whitney Austin
Title: Founder/Owner/Artist
Company/Org: Whitney Austin Collection Galleria of Art
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Alma Mater: Columbus College of Art & Design
What makes you a black southern belle?:
What is your personal life passion?: ART !
The greatest obstacle faced to date?: The biggest challenge since I started my business has been to still be able to create artwork, along with the daily challenges of owning an art gallery, processing & shipping orders, managing social media accounts & traveling for live painting events.
If you could do any job, what would that be?: If I could do any job, I would still be doing exactly what I’m doing, which is creating black artwork that matters to my community & inspiring other artists during my journey.
Who inspired her?: My father motivated and challenged her through his own talent. Her grandfather passing away also inspired Whitney to get back to art.
What advice would you give your younger college self?: If I could talk to my younger self, I would have told her to follow her dreams at any age and that art can be a successful career regardless of what society portrays artists to be.
How can we contact you?:
Whitney Austin Collection Galleria of Art location: 2026 Ayrsley Town Blvd Charlotte NC 28273
IG: @whitney_austin
Website: www.whitneyaustin.com
