We were lucky to catch up with Jenee Satterwhite recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I spent my childhood experimenting with the art supplies my Mom bought me or whatever I could get my hands on at school. At summer camp I was that girl making keychains and necklaces from colorful rope and beads. I felt energized when I made art and I loved it. Although I took art classes all through high school, my career path after graduation was uncertain. I never imagined my passions would become anything more than a creative outlet.

In my early 20s, I worked full-time as an assistant manager at Heritage 1981. The job was exciting and a significant learning experience for me. I met some of my favorite people and built long-lasting relationships. While grasping the ins and outs of this retail clothing store I found myself enamored with the visual merchandisers. They were the ones responsible for implementing company-wide creative directives. Their beautiful displays created a fun and welcoming environment. I watched them express themselves in a fulfilling way and I wanted to experience that magic. To my surprise, I received an opportunity to become a visual merchandiser and with enthusiasm I accepted.

I quickly became consumed with my work. Making art in a new way was incredible. Allowing my artistic expression to flow in a professional setting changed the trajectory of my career. I began to understand myself better and I knew from that moment that I needed to be an artist in some capacity.

I’d like to give thanks to the visual merchandisers who helped facilitate this role transfer in my career development. Thank you, Felicia, Vincent, Melody, Tecuya, DeNorris, and everyone else who worked with me. It was a pleasure to learn from you.

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?

My name is Jeneé Satterwhite and I am the artist behind Funkaesthetik. Funkaesthetik is a stylish art and home decor brand that sells paintings, art prints, and textiles. My focus is to help create upbeat environments that are beautiful, cozy, and unique. A lot of my artwork focuses on colorful geometric designs with rhythm and balance as the recurring theme. When visiting Funkaesthetik.com you will find bold patterns, rich colors, and all-around good vibes.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I’ve been able to build great connections with others by following my passion. It’s been a rewarding journey. Immersing myself in a flow state, nurturing my creative zone, and sharing my process are ways that I can stay present in the moment. Even in instances when I’m not exactly thrilled with my art, it still inspires me to live an authentic life.

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

I believe we are all creative beings capable of expressing our creativity in a variety of ways. It’s easy to support artists and creatives on a day-to-day basis. Purchasing art, sharing their work with others, building connections with them, and crediting inspirational people are all effective ways to support artists.

Another way to support creatives is to not disrupt their creative energy. It’s easy to project our fears or insecurities onto others without realizing it. Despite our best intentions, this can be harmful. Let’s be good to people who are living their truth whether it feels uncomfortable for us or not. If they’re not hurting anyone or themselves, let them be. I want to live in a world where people are empowered to live their creative and joyful lives without shame.

Contact Info:

• Website: funkaesthetik.com
• Instagram: @funkaesthetik
• Other: TikTok @funkaesthetik

Image Credits
Photo of Jenee Satterwhite by Tammy Bradshaw Photography https://www.tammybradshawphoto.com/