Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashlie Kègo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Ashlie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is using my art to raise awareness for sickle cell disease. This cause is incredibly close to my heart, as it affects so many individuals and families who often feel overlooked. Through my paintings, I aim to educate others about the challenges and resilience of those living with this condition.
A portion of all my artwork sales is donated to Sickle Cell 101, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and support for those impacted by sickle cell.
This project is meaningful because it combines my passion for art with my commitment to making a positive impact. Knowing that my work not only touches people emotionally but also contributes to a cause that saves lives is deeply fulfilling. It’s a reminder of how creativity can be a powerful tool for change and connection.
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.
I am an artist, educator and advocate who believes in the power of discovering, nurturing and sharing our unique gifts. My journey into painting began during the pandemic—a time when the world slowed down, and I was forced to look within myself. It was during this introspective period that I discovered my gift for painting. Through this process, I learned that everyone has a gift. It’s our responsibility to discover it, nurture it, and share it with the world.
My artwork is deeply rooted in African culture and personal experiences. I create paintings that celebrate the beauty, resilience, and richness of African heritage, while also advocating for causes like sickle cell disease awareness. My work has been featured at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, Macy’s, West Elm, and numerous galleries and it is designed to spark conversations, inspire reflection and connect people to meaningful stories.
What sets me apart is the intentionality behind my work. Each piece I create tells a story, celebrates identity, and serves a greater purpose. My art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a connection, empowering others, and making a positive impact on the world.
I’m most proud of how I’ve been able to transform a deeply personal journey into something that resonates with others. Whether it’s through my artwork, motivational speaking or teaching, my goal is to inspire people to find their own gifts and share them with the world. I want my clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand is built on passion, purpose, and a commitment to uplifting humanity through creativity.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is when individuals who either live with sickle cell or have close family members affected by it approach me to express their gratitude. Hearing a heartfelt “thank you” reaffirms the importance of raising awareness about this often-overlooked disease. Sickle cell is not widely understood and educating people about the significance of knowing their genotype is critical in fostering awareness and prevention. Moments like these fuel my passion and commitment to this.
Another is, having my artwork acknowledged and purchased by others. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that something I’ve created resonates with someone so deeply that they want to make it a part of their life. It’s not just about the transaction—it’s about the connection, the recognition of the story, emotion, or meaning behind the piece. Seeing my art valued and appreciated in this way reinforces my purpose as a creative and motivates me to keep sharing my vision with the world.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was caring about what other people think. Early in my journey as an artist, I would constantly critique my own work, fearing how others might perceive it. I would compare my creations to others and second-guess whether my art was “good enough.” It was exhausting and, honestly, stifling.
One day, I had to stop and ask myself: Why do I care so much about their opinions? Most of the people I was worried about weren’t even producing any art themselves, let alone being brave enough to share their own gifts. That realization was liberating. I had been giving too much power to the wrong voices and not enough to my own.
Unlearning this mindset allowed me to embrace my creativity without fear of judgment. I began to focus on why I create in the first place—to tell stories, share my culture, and inspire others to discover and share their own gifts. Letting go of that unnecessary pressure was one of the most freeing and transformative moments of my journey as an artist. Now, I create boldly and authentically, knowing that my work isn’t meant to please everyone—it’s meant to connect with the people who need it most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ashliekegoart.com
- Instagram: Akegoart
- Facebook: Ashlie Kego
- Linkedin: Ashlie Kego
- Youtube: Ashlie Kego
