Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisha Belden.
Hi Elisha; thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
Our sister company, Twistid Ink, worked very closely with the Citrus High School Arts Departments and, in our time working with these students, we realized that several things were true:
1. The creative youth of this community had limited exposure to successful arts-based career individuals, companies, etc.
2. The starving artist myth was alive and active in Citrus County, even down to the adults guiding these students’ career paths.
3. There need to be more high-quality arts-related activities in Citrus County, especially for the youth.
4. Many students and adults need to be aware of the different career opportunities in the arts industries.
After we, as Twistid Ink, hosted the inaugural Walk of Arts Festival in 2022 based solely on the remarks and comments made by community members – we realized quickly that the community was eager for more art-related events, support, and education. And so, Twistid Arts Initiative was born!
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Twistid Arts Initiative is currently in the early stages of the start-up process. Now a legal entity and recognized non-profit in the State of Florida, the organization is awaiting approval from the US IRS department for its national 501(c)3 status. However, the current estimated wait time is approximately 6 months, so we are currently self-funding until our status is approved.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Through high school, I focused on theater, dance, and music. I graduated as a double honor Thespian with many awards for my theater performances. After high school, I attended college intending to major in Musical Theater, but I left collegiate life early to start my career in theater. I have worked in every aspect of the theater, from choreography and directing to set design and acting. After becoming pregnant with my son, I left the theater world and went into retail. After a decade in retail management, I left the industry to start my business with my husband, Twistid Ink. Five years in, we’ve found ourselves as an advocate for the arts in Citrus County and decided to launch Twistid Arts Initiative to put his art skillset and my theater skillset to work for the benefit of the community.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Drive! When I know something needs to be done, I’ll make sure it gets done, and I won’t stop until it’s accomplished.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.twistidartsinitiative.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twistidartsinitiative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twistidartsinitiative
Image Credits
-Madison Pensinger (image 1) -Amanda Crawford (image 3)
