Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to MKODJ. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

MKODJ, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

As an artist, I’ve always been intrigued by the concept of risk-taking, and I firmly believe that pursuing a career in the arts itself embodies a significant risk, given societal expectations.

I decided to embark on a different path as soon as I had the option and dropped out of college to attend beauty school. Before fully committing to my passion for art, I enjoyed a successful 15-year career as a cosmetologist. This step was my first significant risk—a leap of faith that ultimately paid off.

While doing well in the beauty industry, I was faced with news in 2018 that I couldn’t conceive children naturally. This unexpected revelation prompted me to reassess my life and explore new opportunities. I ventured into another salon business with trusted partners, only to find out that I was pregnant shortly after its launch. Thus, my son and business were born on the same day in 2019—a moment of profound significance.

As fate would have it, I confronted yet another challenge with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced to close all my salon businesses, I found myself at home with my newborn son, grappling with financial uncertainties. It was during this period of uncertainty that I sought solace in painting—a creative outlet that brought me back to life.

Throughout this tumultuous time, I taught myself various essential skills, including social media management, marketing, branding, and business strategies. As my passion for art grew, I began showcasing my work on Instagram, leveraging my newfound marketing expertise. The positive response was overwhelming, leading to art sales and commissions that rivaled my salon income—an inspiring turning point in my journey.

In a moment of profound validation, my artwork was recognized through a prestigious SunChips competition, and my pieces were featured on billboards and murals across the country in 2022. This remarkable recognition, coupled with my appointment as the artist in residence at the esteemed Ambassador Hotel, solidified my conviction to fully embrace my artistic calling.

Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and artistic pursuits, I have learned the power of perseverance and self-belief. My son’s unwavering support and presence at my gallery openings and studio have been a constant source of inspiration.

As I continue to evolve as an artist, I am determined to push boundaries and collaborate with international brands and galleries to further amplify my artistic message. Each of my creations is a profound journal entry—a visual expression that evokes emotions and encourages introspection.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it serves as a source of inspiration to never shy away from taking risks and following one’s true calling.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Allow me to introduce myself as MKODJ, a visual artist whose business and painting name reflects gender neutrality through the use of initials. As we witness progress for women in the arts, the prevailing notion that our work remains inferior to men’s creations persists. My steadfast goal is to challenge such stereotypes by diligently setting a different precedent.

In my eyes, women embody the very essence of the circle of life—a force of nature, powerful and innately creative. Too often, societal pressures sway us away from our true selves, prompting a quest for authenticity in our artistic pursuits.

Primarily an abstract painter, I derive great meaning from leading with emotions, crafting movements that allure and captivate viewers. From my formative years, I nurtured a unique language of symbols, still present in my art and murals today—a testament to the enduring power of creativity in shaping my identity.

In my artistic process, empathy reigns supreme. I derive immense satisfaction from crafting commissioned works that resonate with individuals, embodying their distinct energy and essence. Each brushstroke becomes an esteemed expression of reverence.

Beyond creating art, my purpose lies in pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, striving to inspire change and foster personal growth. Looking forward, my aspirations extend to collaborations with international brands and galleries, allowing my art to evolve its compelling message on a global stage.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

In my years of experience in the beauty industry, I came to a pivotal moment where I wanted to redefine how I presented myself in a competitive market. It was about making small yet impactful choices that reflected who I truly am. From experimenting with new hairstyles to taking fashion risks, I decided to embrace my authentic self.

Showing up fully in every room became my motto. You never know who you might meet, and the world is smaller than you think, especially in bustling cities like Chicago, LA, or NYC. During my residency at the Ambassador Hotel, I made a point to connect with locals and visitors, engaging in conversations and discovering the art of effortless communication.

Surprisingly, these changes didn’t just resonate with me but also garnered recognition from others. People noticed and appreciated my unique style, my work, and the way I express myself. As a result, doors to exciting opportunities swung open—simply by being true to myself and connecting with others authentically.

My journey of self-discovery and transformation was even featured on the “I am consciously curious” podcast, hosted by Victor Chan. It was a remarkable moment to explore the significance of these visual changes and how they aligned with my true artistic identity.

In a world that values authenticity, I’ve learned that being unapologetically myself is the key to success. So, let’s remember to embrace our true selves, confidently stepping into our own light and embracing the endless possibilities that await us on this artistic adventure.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media is a double-edged sword—it offers immense potential and challenges alike. Having delved deep into its workings during my time in the salon business and the Covid era, I gained valuable insights for promoting my art effectively. However, the ever-changing algorithm keeps us on our toes.

To navigate this digital landscape, I found consistency and boosting posts to be effective strategies, along with creating reels featuring studio time with trending sounds. Moreover, connecting with fellow artists has been invaluable—exchanging knowledge on sourcing materials and supporting each other’s endeavors.

Social media serves as a public look book, a platform to showcase our work, our true selves, and our potential—providing a virtual stage for networking, especially when being physically present is not an option. Post-Covid, many still prefer online interactions to explore an artist’s portfolio.

The beauty of art lies in the humanity and raw emotions it brings to the world. While attending every event might be challenging, social media enables us to showcase ourselves and our creations, giving people insight into our artistic journey. Make the most of this opportunity—showing the world who we are and the art we create.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MKODJ.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/emkayohdeej

Image Credits
Victor Chan Joseph Mietus