We were lucky to catch up with Aja Nova recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aja, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

A significant life-changing risk I took was founding the mutual aid group, Nu HeART Collective. As the owner of a creative wellness studio and a passionate advocate for art as therapy, I’ve always wanted to make a positive impact beyond business. I felt compelled to create a space where I could give back to the community without the expectation of profit.

Starting Nu HeART Collective was challenging, especially since I didn’t have dedicated funds initially to support the community with supplies or food. But I didn’t let that stop me—I began by pooling resources I already had and gradually raised funds to provide meals and essentials.

This experience pushed me to collaborate with other mutual aid groups and community events, expanding our reach and impact. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, deepening my commitment to serving others and proving that meaningful change often starts with taking bold steps, even without all the resources in place.

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?

My name is Jalina Ari, also known as Aja Nova, and I’m an Afro-Caribbean creative polymath and community activist based in Atlanta. My work spans painting, writing, music, and education—all centered around helping others access peace through ascension and creativity. I believe that creativity isn’t just an outlet; it’s a powerful pathway toward healing, self-awareness, and transformation.

I first stepped into the creative space as a form of personal exploration, but over time it evolved into a mission to help others reconnect with their own inner peace. With over five years of experience as an educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand how creativity can shift perspectives, lower stress, and build confidence. This led me to found KolorMe, a Kemetic wellness studio where I offer paint-by-numbers kits and curated accessories to inspire relaxation and self-expression in accessible ways.

Through KolorMe, I aim to remind people that art isn’t reserved for the trained or the elite—it belongs to everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned creative, my offerings are designed to guide you into a meditative, empowering flow state.

In addition to my studio work, I run Nu HeART Collective, a mutual aid group committed to cultivating creative communities rooted in liberation, expression, and nourishment. We use the arts to promote food sovereignty and wellness, often organizing community events that bring together creative expression and holistic health.

What sets my work apart is the intersection of cultural heritage, creativity, and healing. I don’t just create—I create spaces for others to feel seen, heard, and held. I’m most proud of the moments when someone tells me, “I didn’t think I was creative until I tried this.” That, to me, is the core of what I do: awakening others to their own potential for peace through creativity.

I want people to know that my brand and practice are built on authenticity, intention, and care. Every brushstroke, lyric, or lesson is a thread in a much larger tapestry of healing and liberation. Whether through KolorMe or Nu HeART, my mission is to build a world where creativity is both a sanctuary and a source of power.

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

A lesson I had to unlearn was that helping others means always being available. Given the work I do, t’s easy to pour so much into everyone else that you forget to refill your own cup. For a long time, I thought saying “no” or stepping back meant I wasn’t doing enough — but I learned that boundaries are a form of care too. The backstory comes from running my various ventures, where I often took on every task myself to make sure things got done even if I was tired. Over time, I realized that constantly showing up without rest led to burnout and disconnection from my own creativity. Now, I understand that honoring my limits allows me to show up with more clarity, presence, and authenticity — and that’s what truly sustains the work.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe what’s most helpful for succeeding in my field is a balance of authenticity, adaptability, and community care. Working within mutual aid and creative wellness spaces requires more than skill — it calls for empathy, and the ability to truly overstand emotional awareness. Building genuine relationships and creating spaces rooted in trust and shared healing allow the work to stay grounded and impactful. Staying flexible and open to growth, both personally and collectively, helps me serve my community with integrity while nurturing creativity and purpose in everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ascendtoart.univer.se
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/nuheartcollective
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ascendtoart?si=s8iDjJsgudyfB329
• Other: Check out my creative wellness studio!: Instagram.com/kolormearts