My Story

Hello there, I’m Donna Gentile, traveling designer, muralist, teaching artist, musician, mother of magical miss Kira (a young adult now), and the founder of Community Mandala Project.

Kira and I converted our vehicles in the summer of 2021 and headed west to write a new chapter in our lives. She settled for a bit in the mountains where she learned to live independently and start several new business pursuits. I headed south, discovered workaway and began working on homesteads and family farms learning the old ways and sharing my skills in exchange for room and board. I’m still on the road and on a mission.

My life and work are driven by a strong passion to inspire, empower, strengthen and transform people, communities, spaces and brands. I provide experiences to help people connect to who they are (divine beings connected to our Creator) and what the Soul came here to do.

Music and mandala art came to me during the trauma of domestic violence, and helped me process difficult emotions, move past limiting beliefs, take back my power, heal, and move on to live a full life, free from abuse and control.

It’s part of my past story, but it doesn’t define me. It derailed my life and my daughter’s life for awhile, but it didn’t break my spirit (or hers).

On the contrary, it has been a teacher and brought many gifts, new friends, stories and songs — like This Is Me. It informs my work and advances personal growth. It introduces me to opportunities to meet people who I never would have met otherwise… people like you!

My lived experiences are how I came to understand the healing benefits of art and music.

In 2002, I began teaching Mandala Art Workshops for healing and empowerment at incredible organizations and groups in CT and around New England (See Client List). In 2006, music began pouring out of me, and in 2009, I began singing, playing guitar and telling stories of triumph.

When I share stories and songs, my goal is to inspire people to let go of limiting beliefs, connect to inner power and write new stories. It’s not always easy, but I have learned that when I speak up, people are profoundly impacted. This is what keeps me doing this work.

If you’re looking to connect your community or group with a strong, positive, uplifting and inspirational singer/songwriter or speaker, please contact me to discuss your needs and booking. Thank you!

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