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

Jalishia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Teaching was something that I’ve always wanted to do. I learned a lot about teaching by tutoring while I was in college. Tutoring really helped me understand how to help people and how to teach them the things that students need to know. The only thing that I would have done differently to speed up the learning process would be to do more research into classroom management. The skills that are needed to be a teacher are compassion, a willingness to learn and dedication. The main obstacle that stood in the way for me learning more would be time.

Being a small business owner, started as a hobby. I would often make things for my friends and family. One of my best friends suggested that I use my skills to make some extra money and I just rolled with it. I found out that I was really a natural at it. I learned a lot about running a small business by doing. YouTube helped some but I also did a lot of extension research on how to improve my business. I don’t think I wouldn’t have done anything to speed up the learning process. Running a small business is very delicate and it takes time and energy to make sure that things are running smoothly. The skills that are most essential would be grit, determination, and creativity.

Cheerleading is something that I was kind of thrown into the role. Last year, I was a dance coach and then the cheer coach left. I was then asked to step into their position and I fell in love with it. A lot of learning was done on the job but I also learned a lot from watching YouTube and TikTok. I don’t think I would change anything to speed up the learning. It’s a safety thing. I think the most essential skills needed are compassion, understanding and grit. Time would be the biggest obstacle that stood in the way of learning more.

Jalishia, 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?

I’m Jalishia Sanders, and I’ve been teaching English for six years. My journey into education was fueled by a passion for literature and a desire to inspire young minds to find their voices through the power of words. Teaching has always been more than just a job for me—it’s about helping students discover their potential and fostering a love for learning that goes beyond the classroom.

In addition to teaching, I run a small business called Midnight Motifs, which I started during the pandemic. It all began when one of my best friends encouraged me to use my creative skills to make something special for friends and family. What started as a way to bring a little magic into the lives of those I care about quickly grew into a business where I create custom shirts, hoodies, invitations, and more. Midnight Motifs is all about personalized, meaningful products that make every occasion feel a bit more magical. I take pride in the quality of my work and the joy it brings to my customers, whether it’s a one-of-a-kind shirt or a beautifully designed invitation.

Last year, I also stepped into the role of cheer coach at the school where I teach. It was an unexpected opportunity when the previous coach left, but I embraced it wholeheartedly. I’ve always had a passion for cheer, and coaching has allowed me to channel that passion into mentoring young athletes. It’s been a fantastic experience watching the team grow and develop, and I’m proud of the dedication and spirit they bring to every practice and performance.

What sets me apart, both in my teaching and in my business, is my commitment to making a positive impact. Whether it’s helping a student understand a challenging text, creating a custom design that perfectly matches a client’s vision, or encouraging my cheer team to push their limits, I strive to bring out the best in others. I’m most proud of the connections I’ve built with my students, customers, and cheerleaders, and the trust they place in me to guide, create, and inspire.

For anyone getting to know me or my work, I want you to know that everything I do comes from a place of passion and dedication. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the cheer mat, or in my design studio, I’m here to make a difference and bring a little more creativity, support, and positivity into the world.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing the joy and connection my work brings to others. Whether it’s a custom shirt that perfectly captures someone’s personality, a beautifully designed invitation that sets the tone for a special event, or guiding my cheer team to achieve something they didn’t think was possible, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that what I create has a meaningful impact. I love being able to take someone’s vision or need and transform it into something tangible and unique. The smiles, the excitement, and the appreciation from those I work with are what truly make this journey worthwhile. It’s about making magic in everyday moments and knowing that what I do adds a little extra happiness and inspiration to the lives of others.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to recognize and value the importance of creativity in all its forms. This means providing tangible support through funding, resources, and opportunities for artists to develop and share their work. Access to affordable education and training is crucial, as it allows creatives to hone their skills and explore new ideas.

Moreover, creating spaces—both physical and digital—where artists can collaborate, showcase their work, and engage with their communities is essential. These spaces not only help foster innovation but also build connections that can lead to new opportunities and growth within the creative community.

Finally, it’s important to cultivate a culture that respects and appreciates creative work. This involves supporting fair compensation for artists and ensuring that their intellectual property rights are protected. When society values creativity, it not only supports individual artists but also contributes to a more vibrant and diverse cultural landscape that benefits everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.midnight-motifs.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midnightmotifs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midnightmotifss
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/fresno.starlights/
  https://www.facebook.com/starlightscheer