Please introduce yourself. What do you do? Why? What do you want people to know about you?
My full name is Mene Tovi Lewis (Tovi Lew), I was born on November 17 2001 in the Bronx, USA, to parents of Caribbean origin. I was raised on the small Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda where I received most of my schooling and eventually relocated to Georgia to further my studies as a Biology Major at the Georgia State University. Now you might be wondering why my study was a STEM major as opposed to a creative field. What I want my people to know is, sometimes we have to go down the wrong path to discover the right path. I first started my creative journey when I was age 7 where I dappled in music and dance. However I’ve also always had an interest for Biology. What I didn’t realize until recent is that I am alot more passionate about my creative fields and some of my Biology interest came from the traditional idea that STEM fields are the way to go. In the span of only a year I’ve grown to become an author, recording artist and award winning visual artist who just got accepted into the Savannah College of Art & Design to pursue 3D Animation and minoring in acting/performing arts. I actually give credit to Covid 19 for the unleashing of skills for it was during the lockdown I discovered added abilities. Transferring from a Biology Major to pursue my art career was a huge switch to make but when your passion is calling you, its calling you. I can’t settle for using my creativity as only a hobby, so I’m taking it to the next level and I’m so excited about my new chapter at SCAD. This phase in my life has taught me what it truly means to do what makes you happy. Besides, who doesn’t like a rebel from time to time? I aspire to inspire.
What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry?
I think what makes me unique is my versatility, vivid art style and activism that is shown through my art.
Im extremely open-minded and enjoy coming up with avant-garde ideas. Everything that I create comes from within, there are no copy and pastes and I’m definitely not seeking validation or approval for the way I chose to do what I do.
I also think that my cultural background and household upbringing, being raised by a creative parent while the other a politician, makes me unique.
My mission is to change the world through my work and I think this mission was greatly influenced by having parents from the previously stated fields. It led me to put creativity and activism together.
Describe THAT moment when you realized you’re doing what you were born to do.
The moment I realized I was doing what I was born to do was when I was being told by my peers and friends that I inspire them. After winning a regional painting contest for my country Antigua, I had many approach me saying that I inspired them to enter contests themselves. I’ve inspired people to try new things and to take the next step. Being able to inspire is my goal, and to see it happening before my eyes is amazing!
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to go through and how did you grow through it?
My biggest challenge is my social anxiety and I’m still overcoming it. I am getting better at it by doing things that make me uncomfortable. For the fields I want to work in, I have to do what I have to do.
Who are the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could elevate your career or business? Why these specific individuals?
Music- Rihanna: Rihanna is a Caribbean Gal herself and It’s good to have people in the industry with similar cultural backgrounds like you to look up to.
Animation- Literally anyone who works at the top Animation Studios!
Acting- Storm Reid has this energy, style and acting roles that I think would totally match mine. There’s alot to learn from and relate to being in the same age group.
Drop your social media links.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tovilew