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

Alright, Ivory thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we talk about all of your success, let’s start with a story of failure. Can you open up about a time when you’ve failed?

I’ve been in the biggest transition of my life recently having moved a total of 4 times in the past two years.

Where I feel I’ve failed mostly is not being more prepared for the challenges I endured during these two years.. whether it was failed friendships, moving from job to job, or just trying to figure out my next steps not knowing where to turn.

Slowly, I developed relationships with those around me in the creative scene where I live, and it helped tremendously. Not only with my mental health, but self confidence to get back on my feet, and not be ashamed of the obstacles that came my way, but rather embracing them.. learning, and just moving forward with the help of that support system!

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?

Starting out at a young age, I could feel that I would always be surrounded or involved with creative arts from theatre, to painting, to making clothes, or just a simple crafting project. I had my hands tied in it all..

It brought me a lot of peace, and it was the only way I knew how to flourish within myself.

In my adult life I’ve found myself indulging in those passions more and more, and it’s brought me so much joy and opportunity!

I’m now able to call myself a commercial and editorial stylist with the help of my modeling agency who signed me about a year ago through their business, JEA Style. And, with the help and support of my dear friend Alexis Noble, my name is out there in the world as a Visual Artist now!

I had my start in theatre as a child, and that fueled me to just continue on throughout my scholastic career in the arts, and I went on to attend Jackson State University as a Theatre Major. After graduating, I honestly never expected any of the amazing opportunities that came my way..

I signed as a model with JEA Model Management and Eye Model Management shortly after obtaining my degree. With the help of my agencies.. I’m now signed all across the country from New York to Las Vegas, and Mississippi to Atlanta. I’ve modeled in commercial, e-commerce, and many campaign shoots for local, regional, and national businesses! It’s been so cool to experience a different form of acting. That passion has never left me, and I still use it to this day when I model.

Behind it all, what I am most proud of is my artwork. I’m proud of all of my talents and career achievements because they make me, me. But, my art is an extension of myself of who I am on the inside.

I never took my skillset too seriously until I moved away from my hometown of Hattiesburg. I networked, and was able to familiarize myself with the creative scene in Jackson, Mississippi. I’ve met so many amazing artists living in Jackson. Lex is one of them. She and her team curated what is called and now state recognized, The Mash Up Art Exhibition. An exhibit for black artists to have a safe space to showcase their works. Many people from the southern region have come to showcase all variations of art, it’s really incredible to witness and be apart of..

Because of the Mash Up, I’m recognized as a Visual Artist. It’s brought me working opportunities to not only commission pieces for clients, but even showcase my work in the different areas of Jackson like the Mississippi Museum of art when I was awarded to show my work during the Protect your Peace Festival!

My portfolio for my artwork and modeling career is steadily growing day by day. I could not be more thankful to be in this position in my life at 26. It’s so hard making it as an artist and having a career out of it.. I think it’s safe to say that being an artist and stylist is my reality, and I just want to do my best to persevere it and enjoy as much as I can for as long as I can.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I believe it’s been social media, and word of mouth.

I do not have a knack for social media at all, but the more I learn how to use it to my advantage I’ve seen a difference in the work that is brought in.

Following others, and being genuinely supportive of people and their crafts as well I think has helped me too, to build my clientele and overall community relationships!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’m pivoting now! I recently moved back to my hometown to steady myself again, and while mentally it’s been tough.

I’m slowly realizing it was the best decision I could have made for my career and health. I’m gaining my strength back day by day, and it helps me show up better for what’s important to me in my life.

I’m finding myself having a smile on my face more often, and that’s helping me look forward and tackle each day. When I feel happy, so does the world around me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ivory.d_ & @styled.byivory

Image Credits
1. Taken by Ramiah Branch 2. Me styling model Clem Terrell is taken by Ansley Crabtree 3. Me styling model Clem Terrell is taken by Ansley Crabtree 4. “Thoughts” Oil Pastel on Canvas (all art is by myself) 5. “ G A Z E “ Acrylic on Canvas 6. “ I’m a Flower” Mixed media on Canvas 7. Taken by Chauncey Mangum 8. Taken by Jerris McBride 9. Taken by Ramiah Branch