We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jakeem McNeil a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jakeem, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The story behind The King’s Cartel name goes back to college. During my time in college, I became a member of the fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, Incorporated. I was named “Cartel” for my skills and interests in bringing people together, effectively communicating, and aligning everyone to the same mission. “King” is defined as a person or thing regarded as the finest or most important in the group. Therefore, The King’s Cartel is, in my opinion, one of the finest collections of artwork that explores self-expression and emotion through abstract means.

Jakeem, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a native of Charleston, South Carolina, and grew up on Johns Island, a close-knit community built on mutual support and connection. My family takes pride in unity and working together for the greater good. Because of that, communication and community are values that shape everything I do, both personally and creatively.

My journey into art began with the influence of a cousin who loved to draw and create. Being around that kind of creativity sparked something in me. When I create, it feels like I’m sharing a deep, personal part of myself with the world. In 2020, I began painting professionally and offering my work to others, and I’m incredibly proud of the excitement and passion I’ve seen from those who have purchased my pieces.

My product is self-expression in visual form. When someone buys one of my artworks, they’re not just purchasing a painting, they’re connecting with something inside themselves that either needs to be expressed or has already been expressed. My work is personal, imaginative, and emotionally driven, and I hope that it inspires that same energy in others.

The most important thing I want my supporters and clients to know is this: this is just the beginning. The King’s Cartel will continue to grow—not only through original artworks, but also through clothing, greeting cards, and graphic illustration. I’m always open for commissioned work and excited to co-create with anyone who resonates with what I do.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to embrace every opportunity, both good and challenging, as a chance to grow. There were times when I did pop-up events in Charlotte, NC that weren’t as financially successful as I hoped. But I came to understand that any opportunity to showcase your business and build connections is valuable.

When it comes to creating and maintaining your own business, there’s no such thing as losing. You either win or learn something that prepares you for what’s next and both are essential for growth.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building a social media presence takes consistency and dedication. It requires more than just posting—it’s about building rapport and truly getting to know your clients and audience. Honestly, it’s still a challenge for me because maintaining an online presence takes time and intentional effort.

My advice: Plan and schedule your content in advance. Preparing your posts ahead of time makes the process much smoother and helps you stay consistent, even on busy days.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thekingscartel.my.canva.site/the-kings-cartel
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekingscartel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561309580230#
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeem-mcneil-6a4335264/