Tonja Y. Sesley

About the ArTeeist

I am Tonja (Tee) Sesley, a native Memphian, reared in her beloved community… Binghampton. My journey is extensive and encompasses many experiences. Most recently, I retired as the president and CEO of a non-profit in Memphis for 10 years.

I have a heart of gratitude for my journey and deep love for my parents, siblings, family, sister-girls, those I call brothers, and mentors who consistently inspire me. I am modest at best and shy away from much fanfare that highlights my accomplishments.

My mantra is one of reflection and thanksgiving… giving thanks always for God’s Grace and Mercy.

I have a heart for empowering and inspiring others to achieve their purpose. I believe that Life is precious, a blessing, and should be lived to the fullest… completely… enjoying every Golden Moment!

LIFE IS A CANVAS

PAINT BOLDLY ... LIVE IT!!

The image is a vibrant close-up of a piece of textile art, likely a painted denim or dark fabric.

GracMerci’… My Why

GracMerci’ speaks to who I am. It is how I have made it through life, every phase of it, even when I didn’t understand my why, my journey, and my purpose. I often asked myself … Why me? Why was this my plight in life? Why was I chosen to have these experiences, and why these outcomes? The beauty of it is that I have been blessed to have outcomes!! Why … because in spite of me, Grace and Mercy has seen me through every experience, deserving or not. Each experience has been a lesson learned, some repeated, some I felt to be unfair, some (most) I brought upon myself, and others because of my disobedience to my purpose, but all for a time such as this. A time of reflection, a time to own up to the roles I played, my actions, my decisions (good or bad), and for the sum of it all… and for who I am today.

My Lifelong Support

From my early existence, throughout my formative years, those times when I thought I had all the answers, and those times when I realized I had none, to the times when I went around the mountain… Falling and repeating… It was Grace and renewed Mercies that have brought me to this place. In retrospect, though the weight of those experiences caused me trepidation at times, it was Grace and Mercy that held me up when I wanted to give up and kept me standing when my legs didn’t want to move, and my knees were weak from the pressures of it all.

The Hummingbird: A Powerful Symbol

My insignia, the hummingbird, represents and speaks to who and what GracMerci’ means to me. Did you know that the Hummingbird can lift approximately three times their body weight? They are incredibly strong and can lift a much greater proportion of their weight than eagles, pound for pound.

The Symbolism of the Hummingbird

The hummingbird symbolizes blessings, joy, healing, hope, encouragement, and, some say, they are angels in disguise. What I know is that this tiny bird is beautiful, multifaceted, in that they can fly backwards if needed and hover in place, fly straight up and down, and sideways with incredible strength and speed. Their bodies are compact and strong, with vivid color vision, energetic, intelligent, and with tenacity to survive in almost any prevailing circumstance.

Finding Strength and Beauty

Much like the hummingbird, when times were challenging, Grace and Mercy gave me the strength and wherewithal to prevail in life’s unforeseen circumstances.

The beauty and varied colors of the hummingbird are captured in the creativity of my designs. No two hummingbirds are identical; their uniqueness is captured in the eye of the beholder, which also speaks to the creativity that I have been blessed to share with you… GracMerci’.

Born from Prayer and Creative Passion

GracMerci’ was birth from supplication in prayer and the God-Given talent to create, design, and provide an apparel experience that speaks to the creativity within each of us. Bring your ideas, and together we will explore your style, your color vision palette, and celebrate your strength that has prevailed and brought you to where you are!

Let's Design Your Masterpiece