Check Out Blair Toney’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Blair Toney.

Hi Blair, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As far as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be an artist in a bigger city. As a little girl, I dreamed of living in the hustle and bustle while doing what I love. It has been an absolute honor and privilege to be in a position today where I can say I have accomplished that but it didn’t come without its obstacles. My background comes with 7 years of experience in design, marketing, social media and PR. I knew I always wanted to start my own business but it wasn’t until a couple of years ago when I got a clear idea for what I wanted my business to represent. Bair was started and founded upon the idea of authenticity and women empowerment.

The name Bair is a playoff of my name, yes, but also of the word “bare”, which speaks to the authenticity of the brand, stripping down to the bare essentials of who you are. I began custom illustrations for friends and clients that more than not featured nude women and the response was overwhelming. I had women, and men, reaching out saying the art had brought lost confidence back into their lives. One of my favorite responses I’ve ever received was from a client’s husband who Facetimed me upon receiving a piece for their anniversary. He said the piece brought so much joy to them both and brought light back to his wife that he hadn’t seen in a while. This is MY why. If I can make one woman, or anyone, feel empowered in their own skin then I’ve done my job.

In addition to custom illustrations, Bair has grown to become a full-service creative agency. We offer all graphic design needs, branding, website design, print design, wedding invitations, save the dates, social media content creation, content management, social management, video production, and more. If you have a design need, we can fulfill it!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m not sure there’s ever a success story without obstacles or challenges and mine has certainly not been without either. Moving to a city where I knew no one and had only visited once was probably one of the most terrifying but insanely rewarding decisions I’ve ever made to date. As a young girl from Mississippi, I had my fair share of doubters when I moved to Chicago the day after college graduation.

It’s strange and surprising to me that adults still have a stereotype of people from the south; aren’t we all over shit like that? Throughout my career, I’ve dealt with normal challenges like jobs I’ve hated, bosses who were the worst people to be around, and not feeling respected or valued but I can honestly say I’m extremely grateful for every speed bump God has thrown in my way because each one has pushed me to the limit and ultimately lead me to start my own business.

Growth and comfort can’t coexist together. That isn’t how life works so start getting uncomfortable and do something that scares you.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My business started out primarily as an illustrative art business and offered custom illustrations but has now grown into a full-service creative studio. We offer all these design and marketing.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Apart from my design world, I am a certified yoga instructor and extremely passionate about fitness and music. I’m obsessed with my dog and spicy margaritas. I love meeting new people who force me to have new perspectives and you’ll never find me without iced coffee no matter what the temperature is outside.

I’m always open to new conversations so please feel free to drop a DM or email!

Pricing:

• Custom Illustrations 11×14 $50
• Hourly pricing and flat rate fees are available for services

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.blairtoney.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baircreativestudio/?hl=en
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/user/blair1014

Image Credits:
Sharon Coker