We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexander Ladd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexander below.

Alright, Alexander thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s go back in time a bit – can you share a story of a time when you learned an important lesson during your education?

I grew up as what most would call, an “army brat”, so it was very common to go to a school for a year or two only to move somewhere else afterwards. It was mentally overwhelming at times trying to make new friends, forget about the old ones, and get use to a new culture. My mother raised me and my older brother while working active duty in the army, so she didn’t really have a lot of time for us emotionally. Despite that, she knew a thing or two about therapeutic exercises that help manage stress.

It was in later in middle school that she introduced me to journalism. I had been having very deep dreams/nightmares that seemed to be conveying certain messages to me. To the point where it was very difficult to connect with people my age. I felt strange amongst my peers, only connecting with those who consider themselves broken.

It wasn’t until I began to truly reflect on my art, (which I had already been doing therapeutic reasons for years), and my journal writings that it became clear what I was dealing with. I started to see patterns in my writings and my art that illustrated why I felt so unwanted and unwelcome. I learned that I didn’t love myself nor accept who I was, therefore I couldn’t really see who I wanted to become. I began illustrating what kind of person I wanted to be, while reflecting on who I was, and who I didn’t want to be. I learned how to admire the thoughts/behaviors that inspired me to be my best self, and reject the ones that didn’t.

After a few years of practicing reflection, the nightmares suddenly stopped, and I began to dream of things that I can only describe as Heavenly. I still illustrate myself every few weeks to see how I’ve grown, and the unseen condition of my heart.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

So my Business is called Self Known LLC, and I’m an Artist & Designer, so I offer a wide range of services. From: murals, painting, logo design, illustrations for comic books or events, clothing design, to art classes for the youth. I even got a few certificates in Life Coaching in Therapeutic Arts and Health/Nutrition to better understand my own well-being and therefore be better at helping others understand there’s. I’ve made it my business to think ahead and plan with intention, so I didn’t want to limit myself to just what I can do now.

I’m currently working on two original comics, and attending local art events.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I am an artist by nature, so it’s only normal that I’d have many things that have significantly impacted me. But as corny as it might sound to others, The Bible has been the greatest impact on my philosophy and entrepreneurial thinking. In it are countless examples of what it means to be a good steward and manage your household, which can be seen as a business.

I honestly can’t say I would be still pursuing Art as a career if it wasn’t for the influence of The Bible. I’m still not where I want to be as far as success goes, but I have no doubt that I’ll see it one day. I’ve had very unsettling responses to people in regards to this topic, but it’s what I believe. It’s difficult to understand something you’re not interested in.

Even my business name was inspired by the Bible, as it explains that one of the best ways to understand God is by understanding who He made you to be. I’ve spent most my childhood trying to be everyone other than myself, and I was miserable. Doing any and everything to “fit in”, only to feel rejected and lost. I’m now more happier then I’ve ever been, even when I’m still working hard to get to where I want to be and people reject me because of my beliefs. That’s their decision, which they are allowed to take. I don’t have to stop what I’m doing just because people don’t get it. I have peace on this path, and it doesn’t come from the destination, but by focusing on The One who is leading me there.

I’ll see what I’m looking for, and you will too if you believe.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bio.site/selfknownllc?fbclid=PAAaaaLKwp_cbW7cCCmA1u7ZoANuQEtKeKhl-FXSGSpEmQG70MyeCW3YPg1lE
• Instagram: @selfknown_llc
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/home.php?stype=phs&sk=live&eav=AfYsDkyEtUCMeHYWu8QoM8RwMhWwJRYeHKP9gr5r02ni1dUErHUPL2QsxbuBq64I4pI&gfid=AQCml4QyDawBYV4vrKc&paipv=0&wtsid=rdr_0ZJAV10vEWebZ1xCT&_rdr#!/trace.blue.3?eav=AfZLfaVOOdZZI8IHRhiJZdqheDtt7UfaVeTHdnVGZwJ4CZd0RYzi48q3VA7mE0LUIzs&paipv=0
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@selfknownllc8843