Today, we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Rogers.
Hi Veronica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When my oldest daughter passed away in 2019, to say I was grief-stricken is an understatement. I did not know how I would live without her in my life. I could barely breathe. There were many times I was not sure I was breathing. Losing her has led me through the darkest places.
After I summoned my faith and conjured up a glimmer of hope, I wanted to try to move forward. I knew it was important to come together with others who had been through tragedy and learn to live again. I wanted to help others who were going through these dark places. I knew I was not alone in this and understood the power of numbers.
Slowly, I started creating art. I intuitively created my, “Life After Loss” collection. My collection includes watercolor, acrylic, and sketch art. I also started a t-shirt and merchandise line with inspirational sayings. I quickly found that so many people resonated with me and loved my work and my mission to help save lives from addiction.
My artwork has since been accepted and showcased at a local art gallery, The Florida Grecco Art Gallery in Laughlin, NV. Because of this, I have been able to build awareness and bring all of us who are grieving together. I love helping others with their healing journeys.
I have learned that working together and being of service is the answer to healing for me. I have since formed a charity in memory of my beautiful daughter, Ashley Rissi Charities, where I have been giving all proceeds back to the community to bring healing, strength, and hope.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story. Has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The road has been full of obstacles. I even created a mountain scene called “The Climb.” Money has been a challenge. I am self-funded and have been giving all of my proceeds back to the community. Because of this, it has been slow-moving. I am also unsure of what road to take to make my charity grow.
I see a bright future where I would like to create sober living homes and help the community through my charity. I can even see partnerships. I am just not sure how to financially how to make it work. I want to see it grow and help save lives.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work with watercolor, acrylic, and sketching. I have also created a T-shirt and merchandise line. I am known for building awareness of mental illness and addiction. My passion is to spread love and healing. I am proud of how far I have come.
The fact that I have been able to start a charity in my daughter’s honor has been wonderful. It gives me purpose and a way to have her spirit continue here with me. These first few steps have been life-changing for me. Now, it’s time for me to pick up the pace!
I do not believe anything sets me apart from others. I believe we are all in this thing called life together, and we need to help one another rise. I am not better than anyone. I simply have made different choices through the dark and created a new me.
Do you have any big plans?
I would love to see my charity grow! I want to help others thrive and heal. I would love to have a sober living home and be more involved with my community. I want to save lives and bring healing and awareness to mental illnesses and addiction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleyrissicharities.org/
- Instagram: @artbyveronicahazel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veronicahazelrogers
