Life & Work with Veronica Rogers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Rogers.

Hi Veronica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After receiving the news in 2021 about the tragic loss of my oldest daughter, I wanted to figure out a way to survive and keep her legacy alive. I knew I had to figure out a way to move forward and figure out who I was without her. I found I was not able to be as reliable as an employer would need me to be anymore after my horrible loss. My emotions were scattered and my life was derailed. In this case, I was unsure of what steps I needed to take to survive. I had many years of experience in a wide variety of areas ranging from customer service to sales. Because of this, I was able to harness this experience and turn it into a business where I could work on my terms. My prior experience always had everything to do with helping others.

So, I started a DBA where I was able to begin my new journey. I started my “Life After Loss” collection in memory of my beautiful girl. I created artwork, making not only original artwork in paintings but a clothing line as well. I not only began healing through my artwork, but I also have been able to continue my healing by helping others with everything I do. It is crucial for me to be able to spread awareness about the dangers of addiction and at the same time help others who have had loss heal as well. My business has everything to do with spreading love.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. It has been a major struggle due to the mental challenges of this process. There are days when I feel strong enough to continue with my artwork, while others I feel I can’t budge. There are times I feel like I am dragging a heavy weight due to the reality of what happened to my daughter.

My artwork is a reminder of the pain at times, so it can be unbearable. However, I know how much of a positive impact it can make in the lives of others who are also suffering from grief. So, I find the strength within myself to push forward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a novice artist and have created a collection called, “Life After Loss.” My collection consists of paintings, sketches, and a clothing line all geared toward healing through the stages of grief. Currently, my work is being shown at the Florida Grecco Fine Art Gallery in Laughlin, NV.

I also have an Instagram page where I show my work and a website where I show my clothing line. 100% of all proceeds go back into the community in order to promote love and well-being.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
In 1992, I met my biological for the first time on the Sally Jesse Raphael show in New York. It was a reunion called, “Home for the Holidays.”

It always shocks people when I tell them this. Also, my biological grandfather was a famous bass violinist in New York NBC Philharmonic Orchestra. He worked with Arturo Toscanini as well as Leonard Bernstein. He also was the music manager in the remake of “West Side Story.” Just a few fun facts!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ashleyrissicharities.org
• Instagram: @artbyveronicahazel
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veronicahazelrogers