Turning Pages & Turning Points...

By: Justin Williams; Founder of Taino Studios

There’s a quiet moment that happens before every big shift in life—a pause between who you were and who you're becoming. Lately, I’ve been living in that pause. Some of you know I’ve been balancing a lot—building Taino Studios, boxing at the gym, finishing my M.Ed at Coppin, and preparing to begin the low-residency MFA program at MICA. Life has been full, unpredictable, and often messy in the most instructive ways.

Last week, I found myself sitting on a quiet bench on Federal Hill in Baltimore, a sketchbook in one hand and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho in the other. If you haven’t read it yet, this is my recommendation to you. It’s a simple yet profound story of a shepherd boy named Santiago who follows his dream, literally. Along the way, he’s met with detours, disappointments, and moments of magic that can only happen when you fully commit to your journey.

What struck me most is how much Santiago’s journey mirrored my own creative and professional path. Whether it’s missed appointments at the boxing gym, the hustle of book sales, or the mental blocks that come with building something from scratch—it all reminds me that detours are not denials. They’re redirections.

Here’s what I’ve learned lately:

• You don’t need permission to evolve.

• Small steps matter.

• Protecting your peace is a radical act of self-respect.

• The journey will always be uncomfortable before it’s meaningful.

So, whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, educator, or just someone trying to stay grounded—let this be your reminder to honor where you are. The page you’re on matters, even if it’s not the chapter you thought you’d be reading by now.

New things are blooming. My restorative art program Life Is Art launches July 19th. I’m hunting for a new Taino Studios location in Baltimore. And I’m stepping deeper into the identity work, memory work, and dream work that comes with being both artist and ancestor-in-training.

In the spirit of The Alchemist, I encourage you to chase your personal legend—even if the map is incomplete.

With love and progress,

Justin