We were lucky to catch up with Kelly Arjen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Growing up, I always wanted to do something creative or artistic. Whether it was drawing, dancing, acting, or modeling didn’t matter. As I grew older, those kind of dreams started to die down. I grew up poor and I didn’t have the slightest clue on how to start. So an artistic career just seemed unrealistic for someone like me. I only really started working in this field when I noticed people around me who were trying to be creatives and I guess it wore off on me. It seemed possible.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an actor, producer, and model. I executive produced and acted in the mockumentary comedy series, Underdeveloped, where I played two different characters. The show is currently streaming on Tubi, Amazon Prime/Freevee and more. I most recently, also executive produced a project called A Motel which is still in production.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve always thought I was “too something” else to do the things I really wanted to do. I thought I was too ugly to be a model, too young to try to produce a film, too shy to try acting. The reality is anyone can really do it. You just need proper training and networking. Meeting people who do the things you want to do is the best way to learn.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think schools should fund the arts more. Even for people who have no interest in becoming artists themselves it can be a great therapeutic outlet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kellyarjen.com/
• Instagram: @kellyarjen
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyarjen/

Image Credits

Photographer, Gina Whiteside.
Designer Archana Soni, brand name: Mohikas.
Designer Tiara Donyale, brand name: Tiara Donyale Collection.

Designer Darez Inderez, for the brand House Of Musa.