Meet Hazel Imperial – Tan. She recently began dipping her paintbrushes to create vibrant paintings for spaces that need them the most. Hazel shares a remarkable story of how life’s complexities mixed with creativity can lead you to some place beautiful.
“I’ve always worn multiple hats being a working mom of two young boys,” she narrates. “But the start of early last year, 2024, proved to be a lot more than I could mentally and emotionally handle—from looking for a new house to moving out all within two months; some other personal struggles that took me to a rollercoaster ride of stages of grief.”
It was through this moment Hazel decided to dig up her old art materials, her canvasses and acrylics and found an outlet for her to express herself. “Needless to say, the first stroke I made was such an emotional release for me, that I actually cried,” she recalls. “I had the interest, but never had the confidence to make a “mistake” on the canvass having no formal background.” Nonetheless, this didn’t stop her from taking the leap to self-improvement, “That moment told me to just breathe, let go. It was literally an “art of letting go” moment for me and I’ve been unstoppable since.”
She attributes her family as her number one inspiration for her paintings and found that it was her way to be the best version of herself to them as she explains, “I had to make sure I wasn’t pouring from an empty cup.” What began as a personal outlet to center her thoughts and emotions, became somewhat contagious and had inspired fellow art lovers and enthusiasts among friends online. Posting her first few creations via social media sparked other friends and acquaintances to pursue art themselves or simply send an encouraging message to cheer Hazel on and keep going.
She was eventually invited to join art communities and attend shows, which then led her to receive invitations to publicly showcase her art. It wasn’t long until Hazel began to meet her first few customers, willing to purchase her paintings. Others had also begun to commission her for art pieces to embellish their own homes or commercial spaces. “March 2025 actually marks my first anniversary as a visual artist!” she exclaims.
What she loves most about this new-found profession are the mental health benefits she reaps from creative productivity, and how she sparks inspiration in others through her pieces. Though there were a few setbacks Hazel faced like feelings of uncertainty brought about by imposter syndrome, she managed to fight her self-doubt and push on. “But I persevered, she exclaims, “and here I am now one year into my journey, and I have at least three shows lined up with a major one in June!” Hazel’s art journey is a testament to how creativity and personal development can turn difficult moments into a work of art – literally!
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