Mariah Scott aka Peculiar Hippie, is often referred to as a catalyst in the art scene. Not only does this mean she creates bridges for others, but she forms these connections without any expectation of personal benefit. Her goal has always been to see HER community thrive, and so many of us would not be where we are now without the help of this woman.
The owner of Peculiar Talks uses her platform to provide artists and individuals the tools they need to understand their self worth- the first and most important step to succeeding. For the countless days and nights she’s spent planning and executing, for all the times that she’s used her platform for the community, and for the times she simply consoled us during our darkest hours; one cannot write a biography without mentioning her name somewhere in there.
If Hippie could be described in one word: SOLID
How did getting your mother back during this quarantine impact your life? What was it like seeing her again?
Having my mom back home from prison during a pandemic has definitely been a blessing in the midst of chaos.
My mother is my best friend..my go to person for advice..she’s the person I can talk to about anything! I went
with my father & older brother to go pick her up..& I felt so anxious! So on edge to see my mom...& when she finally
came out I just hugged her and let it out... just cried ! I went without hugging my mom for two years and it felt
like an eternity. So when I hugged her I was so overwhelmed with emotions, it felt like I was hugging her and holding
onto her just to make up for all the time we lost.. Having her back home gives me so much joy! It’s like finding the
missing piece to the puzzle- I feel complete now that she’s back!
Have you ever found it hard to feel good about yourself, and if so, how did you change that?
Whew, YES!
I’ve struggled with this in the past as well as the present. Sometimes- for whatever reason- i just don’t feel my best.
I joked about this on twitter recently but I said: sometimes I feel like a stallion & other times like a potato lol..
My journey to self confidence has been long & hard! It took a long time for me to be truly happy & content with who I am
inside & out...I’m grateful to be in a place where I embrace myself with love
People can be so mean man..we really underestimate the power of our words and we don’t realize how negative words/experiences
can stick with us overtime...so the way I change things when I don’t feel good about myself is first being honest about it.
I gotta be able to identify when I don’t feel good. Then I find ways to show love, kindness & softness to myself- taking pictures,
speaking affirmations over myself. I also tell my close friends too. They always say the right things to lift me up when I’m not feeling confident, that really helps too!
When the conversation of “body types” and preferences comes up.. what would you say to the woman that feels excluded when her “body type” is never mentioned?
I would say, you are enough. I’d say, don’t stop finding ways to take up space and show up with your head held high..I’d say that you
are seen & appreciated, and I’m sorry that the world has made you feel otherwise. I see you..I feel you..and I’ll do what I can to normalize
ALL body types. I have joy that everyday all kinds of body types are being brought to the forefront of the mind of society..but more work
needs to be done & we’ll get there!
What’s the difference in your faith in Christ from when you were a kid to now? (Your place in Christianity)
whew!!! a HUGE difference between my understanding of Christ now vs when I was younger is my understanding of how HERE for me God really
is. I spent SO MUCH TIME zeroing in on my flaws & my shortcomings bc I thought that’s what God cared about the most...thinking that God
wanted nothing to do with me unless I was as perfect as possible kept me feeling disconnected & unworthy of spiritual coverage..and that’s
just not true for me or ANY of us.
My place in Christianity as it stands now is- while my confidence & faith in God remains grounded, I’m really interested in understanding, questioning, challenging & growing in my faith in Christ. I feel the body of Christ should continue to broaden perspective & talk about the hard things. I’ve been in this place where I’m acknowledging things I agree and disagree with, along with the questions I have about the culture of the world that existed when the Bible was created vs the culture of the world today..that can be scary & eye opening- all I can say is that I’m thankful for my upbringing & for the friends & loved ones in my life who mentor, teach, & empower me to stay connected to God & my faith. I MUST say this:
Its a my mission as a believer is to make sure folks know that God is accessible to them NO MATTER WHAT! I don’t know about anyone else but
as for me you can count on me to cover, pray for, advocate & hold space for you.
Not only are you often referred to as catalyst for the art scene, you’ve also been a counselor during dark times in many of our lives. Do you ever think about the positive impact you have, and does it overwhelm you?
wow! I gotta say I’m always feeling bashful when I hear people talk about any of the things I do in and for the community. I’m a
creative who saw the development of the creative scene in Charlotte, and wanted to find a way to authentically build & contribute to it,
I’m so grateful! When I think of the impact I’m making, it doesn’t necessarily overwhelm me..I’m more honored & grateful than anything.
It feels good to know that people have a good feelings about you..diving into art,music & wellness- all of that came from a genuine desire to create meaningful & enjoyable experiences that people can walk away from feeling good..I think that because my intentions are genuine & my focus is community based, I have and will continue to experience success, progression & expansion! I’m grateful to be among MANY who are contributing to the creative scene here in Charlotte, NC!
