Meet Awa Diouf | Artist & Coach

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

Hi Awa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting AwaWorldArt was deeply rooted in my love for art and creative expression. I’ve always felt a strong desire to connect with people on a deeper level and to inspire them to become the best versions of themselves. Through my art, I aim to spread positivity and empowerment, whether it’s through vibrant colors or powerful words like “expand,” “love,” and “freedom.” My vision extends beyond just creating art—I wanted to craft pieces that could touch people’s lives, even subconsciously, as they interact with my work.

I also have a profound passion for exploring the world, both physically and from my home, and I envisioned my art as a way to reach out and connect with people across the globe. Whether someone is wearing my brand or displaying one of my paintings, I hope that it brings a sense of joy, inspiration, and transformation to their lives.

Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my journey!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a vibrant and colorful reflection of my inner world. What sets it apart is its dynamic nature—each piece offers a different perspective depending on the angle from which it’s viewed. Many people find that they see different figures or animals within the doodles and details, adding a unique and personal touch to each artwork. This diversity in interpretation is something I truly cherish.

I am incredibly proud of several milestones in my journey. Launching my website on my dad’s birthday was a significant achievement, symbolizing both a personal and professional milestone. Additionally, I now have my art featured on a clothing line and various accessories online, which has allowed me to share my art with a broader audience. What began as giving away my art to friends and family has evolved into a venture where I can reach and inspire more people.

Another accomplishment that fills me with pride is creating my first-ever Art Gratitude Journal. (=Artitude !) This project combines two concepts I’ve cherished for years, and seeing it come to life in print has been truly amazing. I never imagined I’d have a book for sale one day, especially one that merges gratitude and art in such a meaningful way.

Reaching this point has been a journey marked by perseverance and support. My accountability group has played a crucial role in helping me navigate the steps necessary to grow my business. Balancing a regular job with my art was challenging, and there were times I felt like giving up. However, I learned that obstacles are part of the process, and the key is to keep moving forward, even if it’s just a small step at a time.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of believing in myself. For years, I struggled to identify as an artist because I compared myself to others with formal training. My art is abstract and inspirational rather than traditional, and it took time for me to embrace this uniqueness. Overcoming self-doubt and accepting that my art is valuable in its own right has been a significant personal growth.

The journey has also taught me that challenges are part of the path, and sometimes a change in direction or perspective can lead to breakthroughs. I want the world to know that anyone can become an artist with dedication and effort, regardless of formal education. I started doodling in the margins of my schoolwork, and the positive feedback I received led me to pursue art more seriously.

Ultimately, the most challenging part has been building my self-esteem and finding the courage to put myself out there. I’ve learned that my art is most authentic when it comes from personal inspiration rather than external expectations. My hope is that by sharing my story, others will feel encouraged to follow their passions and embrace their unique talents, knowing that their journey, with all its ups and downs, can lead to something truly extraordinary.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I moved to Miami in October 2020, I’ve discovered a lot, but there’s still so much more to explore. Here’s how I’d plan a week-long itinerary to give my best friend an unforgettable experience:

Day 1:

• Morning: Start with a visit to the Wynwood Walls to enjoy the vibrant street art.
• Afternoon: Head to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for some historical charm and beautiful views.
• Evening: Explore the Bayside Marketplace for shopping and dining with waterfront views.

Day 2:

• Morning: Visit the Frost Museum of Science for an immersive science experience.
• Afternoon: Walk around the Miami Design District to appreciate high-end art and design.
• Evening: Relax at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach and enjoy dinner at one of its acclaimed restaurants.

Day 3:

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Everglades for an airboat tour and wildlife spotting.
• Afternoon: Visit Oleta River State Park for kayaking or biking.
• Evening: Dine at Love Life Cafe for a healthy and vibrant meal.

Day 4:

• Morning: Enjoy the serene beauty of the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.
• Afternoon: Check out the Lincoln Road Mall for shopping and people-watching.
• Evening: Experience rooftop drinks at Sugar in downtown.

Day 5:

• Morning: Head to Las Olas Beach for sun and sand.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a boat tour in Fort Lauderdale to see famous houses.
• Evening: Have dinner at Raishadar in Wynwood for some flavorful Indian cuisine.

Day 6:

• Morning: Take a yoga class on a rooftop or attend a full moon yoga session on South Beach.
• Afternoon: Visit the Yellow Green Farmers Market for local treats and crafts.
• Evening: Enjoy karaoke at the Sunset Club in Hollywood.

Day 7:

• Morning: Start with breakfast at Sandbar-Newport Pier in Sunny Isles Beach.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a meal at Bellino Pizzeria in downtown or Aguacate Sanctuary of Love, a restaurant and farm.
• Evening: End the week with a fun night at Roundup in Davie for some dancing to cowboy music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shoutout is deeply dedicated to my father, who passed away in 2015. He was my biggest supporter, always encouraging me to go bigger with my art, to experiment with colors, and to explore different mediums. Whether it was painting on tables, phone cases, or eventually on canvas, his belief in me was unwavering. His passing inspired me to pursue my art with even more passion, as I strive to make him proud every day.

I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my best friend, Jeannette, known as MsFitVegan. She has been a constant source of empowerment and motivation, always believing in me and pushing me to chase my dreams. My cousin Mary also deserves recognition for her unwavering support and inspiration; she’s been a guiding force in my life, helping me to see the potential within myself.

In terms of mentorship, I’m deeply influenced by Teal Swan. Her teachings and her frequency paintings have been a significant inspiration for my own work. Her focus on healing deeply resonates with me, as I believe my art carries the same intention—to offer healing and positivity to those who encounter it.

I’m also grateful for the support of my accountability group, DIAS (Dreams, Inspiration, Ambition, and Strategy). Meeting with them once a week has been instrumental in keeping me on track with my goals and personal growth. We also like to refer to it as “Do It Anyway, Son” for fun.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the School of Greatness podcast by Lewis Howes and the Summit of Greatness event, which I’ve been attending for six years. The community and speakers I’ve encountered through this event have continually inspired me to grow and evolve. And I must give credit to the abundance of information available on YouTube. The countless content creators who inspire and help us become the greatest version of ourselves—whether they know it or not—have been a tremendous help on my journey.

Website: https://www.awaworldart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awaworldart/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awaworldart

Other: My Art Gratitude Journal on Amazon: https://amzn.to/478srCZ

My Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/583lzs4OEu01lRol2Cws1E?si=66f55c84801b4c91

My Podcast on Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-enough-awa-world-arts-podcast/id1707918211

Image Credits
Jose Ricon, Jeannette Donofrio, Jobsonn Laurent.