Meet Chaya Toron | Painter & Judaica Artist

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

Hi Chaya, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I think most impactful things in life come to you, vs. being planned about your process. A few years into my salary-based job, I realized that I saw so much more for myself. I never foresaw that change or those realizations. But when they came, I realized that I had a dream to be successful and do what I love.

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.
I’m a painter who deeply believes that intention is important. I paint subjects that matter to me, with ideology and faith-based ideas that play a big part in my life. I am a Judaica artist, which categories me as a creative that creates with Jewish themes. Stories from my heritage, and Kabbalistic inspiration takes the stage for the bulk of my themes, but in the past two years, I have delved into the abstract expressionism space too.

I am most proud of my business that is seeing so much change in this season. After working from a home studio for years, I received my keys and signed a lease to a beautiful store-front located in Hollywood Lakes, Florida. I am knee deep in renovations, and just can’t imagine what this new space will do for my creativity. Environment is important, and I’ve grown enough to know that and own it.

Getting to this point of exposure, and recognition has not been easy. Rejection from others, and self-doubt have met me practically at every stage you could imagine. With time, this becomes part of the process as a creative, and being able to understand that does wonder’s for your work ethic. It’s okay if the opportunity doesn’t pan out. Try again, elsewhere, and it will come to you.

Some key words that can be summed up into important lessons:

Dream: Dreaming is the framework of the world. This land and all great people that are in our story books were dreamers. They aspired for more, and imagined what they could do outside of themselves. I’ve always been a dreamer, and make sure to nurture that part.

Consistency: Dreaming leads into consistency, which means being practical. That one was a hard one for me to swallow, especially at the beginning of my business. You mean I have to take action and put my big-girl-pants on in the scary workforce and world? YES! Small steps will lead you to great destinations. Being consistent with creating art has allowed me to grow so much.

Acceptance: Acceptance that you are doing the best that you could with the tools that you have. In a world full of toxic work culture and hustle mentality, accept that you are human and have your limitations. Your business will be better for it.

Trust : As a religious person, this is a big key for me. I trust in God, or the universe if that speaks to you more. What goes around, comes around. I repeat mantras of abundance and success to myself each morning. I see this play out in amazing ways. Be open to receiving goodness, and then it will come.

The most important thing I’d love to convey to the world, is how special it to have real impact. Do what you love, and share it with others. The rules society has created about work and sustenance don’t work for everybody, and you can be momentarily abundant while following your dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a fun one!

I’m a nature person, and a foodie.

I’d take them to our gorgeous local beaches, and spend some time in the sun because Vitamind D is the most underrated gift we have here in Florida. As someone who moved from the mid-west, I saw my health and overall mood stabilize along with the consistent sun ( and the occasional rain shower or two ). Vizcaya Gardens would also be a must see. What a hidden gem we have here!

Next, I’d head down to Wynwood/Art District for some exploration. There’s some pretty epic street art and murals. Zak the Baker is nearby, and makes some killer pastries and sourdough. Extra plus because it’s a Kosher establishment.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think my biggest shoutout goes to my partner who supported me through it all. During this phase of growth, we both changed careers, expanded our family, and made a cross-country move to South Florida. Practical support and action goes a long way when you’re working on making your dream’s reality. I couldn’t have done it without him.

Website: Www.chayatoronstudio.com

Instagram: @paintsbychaya

Linkedin: Chaya Toron

Image Credits
Lauren Neal Photography