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

DeJa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I was always a creative person. I wrote short stories and poetry before moving to Madrid, Spain in 2016 to teach English abroad. Madrid was a captivating and inspirational city full of life, love, and interconnectedness. It was here that I started teaching myself how to draw. I was not so accustomed to the slower-paced lifestyle that Spain had to offer. I was more familiar to the fast-paced, hustle and bustle of Chicago. Madrid taught me to be more present in life and to be open to new possibilities. I had plenty of free time and instead of filling it with work, I visited an art store near my flat and purchased a sketchbook and a set of graphite pencils. I spent the evenings with a glass of vino tinto, and a soothing playlist as I practiced drawing reference photos I found online. Of course, my initial drawings were cringy, but the airy and euphoric feeling I gained from it kept me going, not so much the result of the drawing.

In the Spring of 2017, I returned to Chicago and began painting soon after. I immediately began exhibiting my work throughout Chicago which led to co-finding Unladylike, LLC. An art business that addresses social issues deemed “unladylike” through art and mental health events. The most essential skill is the belief in your ability to do something. This is the biggest lesson I try to teach outside of paint techniques to participants of Unladylike’s cannabis-friendly art classes. I often hear people doubt themselves before they get started and that makes me reflect on times when I’ve done the same and it got me nowhere.

I learned to speak life into myself and that paired with consistency and the curiosity to remain a forever student has got me to where I am today. The biggest obstacle that stood in the way was myself. In the past, I would often make excuses not to paint or draw. Lack of time was my biggest excuse. I overcame my obstacle by acknowledging my inner victim and becoming my biggest fan, cheerleader, and coach along with continued support from my community.

DeJa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

To sum it up, I would consider myself an “artreprenuer”. I am an artist first and always, a business owner of Unladylike, LLC., and a Clinical Mental Health Counselor specializing in sex therapy and relationships. I have previous experience instructing teens at After School Matters alongside former NBA basketball player Joakim Noah’s non-profit organization, Noah’s Arc, teaching art and addressing violence in their neighborhoods to create peace flags. I was also a Language Ambassador assisting teens with their English comprehension in Madrid, Spain. Furthermore, after participating in art exhibitions in Chicago, I was inspired by the event production and curation. With my experience in program planning, marketing, and customer service, I felt capable of producing my ideas for art exhibitions. I am inspired by the thrill of producing a themed body of work, the chaos of installation days, the liveliness of art exhibitions, and how the audience engages with the art and artists. I enjoy providing Chicago artists a platform to showcase their work. I enjoy inspiring the community to use art as a part of their healing journey.

When I returned to Chicago from Madrid in 2017, I worked in community mental health on the south side of Chicago. I provided clinical support to individuals with severe mental health disorders and substance use in the community. I witnessed and vicariously witnessed a lot of dysfunctional family patterns, trauma, abuse, and harmful sexual practices. That coupled with my understanding and experience of my family patterns, trauma, and relationships had me interested in pursuing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health specializing in sex therapy. For the last 5 years, I have facilitated workshops, public and private events, and presented for organizations centering pleasure, relationships, sexual liberation, and wellness. I predominately work with people of color ranging from various sexual orientations to traditional and ethical non-monogamous relationships, and the kink community.

Unladylike was initially formed to provide a safe and discreet space for cannabis users to smoke and paint called Puff, Paint, and Pass then expanded its effort into facilitating mental health events. In addition, Unladylike is a platform for established artists, musicians, and local businesses to showcase their talents and work. Events include but are not limited to art classes, art exhibitions, and mental & sexual wellness events.

I am most proud of the consistency and dedication it took to get this far in my creative endeavors. There were a lot of trials, errors, and rejection. It was the community that I built over time that kept me going. The obstacles were unimaginable and I often wanted to give up. It became clear what I had to offer this world and it felt selfish to completely walk away from it all. Especially because art and music have made a tremendous impact on my life.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My personal goal is to create a flexible lifestyle. I am a nomad at heart and I don’t see myself staying in one particular city. I imagine myself traveling and spreading my work internationally. I thrive off connecting and creating with people around the world. I love what I do and have plans to continue with expansion. There’s an insurmountable amount of suffering in this world and the work I do acknowledges and makes space for the suffering while also giving permission to find joy and pleasure and believing that you deserve it.

The insight gained, the feedback, and the acceptance from the people I have worked with over time have been the fuel that keeps me going.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

This is a great question! Honestly, it’s my charming personality, persistence, wit, authenticity, creativity, genuineness, and ability to really listen to others that have built my reputation in the market. I am not afraid to speak highly of myself or promote myself in almost any room because I know I can back it up. Additionally, I find value in finding, developing, and maintaining genuine connections to network with. Maintenance of those working relationships is vital because it can be easy to get taken advantage of and I want to develop trust with the people I personally work with. So it’s important to also elevate those around you by showing up to people’s events, buying their products, listening to their music, promoting their work by reposting on social media, and sending encouraging messages. Even supporting others through tough times can be valuable. I believe in abundance and that there is more than enough for everyone. I do not have a competitive mindset and instead value the uniqueness of what people offer, This is how I often attract opportunities. I am very honest about the things I am and am not capable of doing or knowing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deja.jovon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unladylikechi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deja-jovon/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/unladylikechi/

Image Credits

M.G. Jamal