We recently connected with Jenee Staicer and have shared our conversation below.
Jenee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
Having worked regular jobs before, I can confidently say that being a business owner brings a unique kind of fulfillment—one that allows me to pursue my passions, express my authentic self, and inspire others. But sometimes, the pressure can make me question if it’s all worth it.
Just this past month, I had one of those moments of doubt. I was invited to be part of a powerful and impactful show for an activist group, a cause I truly believe in. They asked me to create a painting for the show, but there was one catch: I only had 13 days to complete it.
The excitement of being part of something so meaningful was overwhelming, but so was the deadline. I knew it was an incredible opportunity to contribute to a cause that aligned with my values, but the timeline was brutal. I was already juggling commissions, client meetings, and ongoing projects, and I wondered if a regular job, with its predictable hours and boundaries, would make things easier.
In the middle of that 13-day stretch, I found myself working late into the night, exhausted but determined. I couldn’t help but think, “Wouldn’t it be simpler if I had a steady 9-to-5, where I could just clock out and not think about work until the next day?” But then I remembered why I do this in the first place. When I worked regular jobs, I didn’t have the freedom to pour my heart and soul into something I truly believed in. I wasn’t able to connect with others through my art in the way I can now.
So, I pushed through the exhaustion, reminding myself that the ability to contribute to causes like this one—using my creativity to inspire others and make a difference—is what makes being a business owner worth it. By the time the show came around, and I saw the impact my painting had, I knew I had made the right choice. The challenges of running my own business may be tough, but the freedom to express my passion and make a real difference is something I could never find in a regular job.
In the end, that painting and the show weren’t just fulfilling for the activist group; they were fulfilling for me, too. Despite the pressure, the sleepless nights, and the doubts, it was all worth it. That’s why I love being a business owner.
Jenee, 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?
For those who may not have heard of me, I’m a mixed media artist and business owner based in OKC. I specialize in a wide range of creative services, from custom paintings and murals to tattoos, digital design, and more. My journey into the creative industry has been a long and passionate one, shaped by over a decade of experience. I’ve been a full-time artist for about six years, but my love for art has been a lifelong pursuit.
I got into the industry because art has always been my way of expressing my authentic self, and I wanted to share that with others. I knew I wanted to build something meaningful that allowed me to work closely with people, translating their stories, emotions, and experiences into visual art. Over time, I expanded my craft to include not just murals and paintings but also tattoos, digital renderings, and various design projects.
As for the type of creative work I provide, it spans across mediums. I accept commissions for custom paintings on surfaces like canvas, wood, leather, and even apparel and furniture. I create murals for both residential and commercial spaces, digital designs for logos, marketing campaigns, and project mock-ups, and unique tattoos designed with deep intention and symbolism. Each piece is customized to fit the client’s vision, but I also incorporate my own touch to make sure it feels personal and authentic.
One of the core problems I help solve for my clients is giving them a voice through art. Whether it’s a tattoo that symbolizes a personal journey, a mural that reflects a community’s heritage, or a painting that captures someone’s inner emotions, my goal is to make people feel seen. I focus on creating work that connects on an emotional level and helps my clients tell their stories in ways they might not be able to otherwise. I want them to feel empowered by the art we create together.
What sets me apart from others is the intention behind my work and the healing atmosphere I create. I don’t just provide a product or a service—I offer a safe, creative space where clients can express themselves fully. I’m deeply committed to using my art as a means of healing, reflection, and connection. Whether it’s through a custom piece or a tattoo session, my clients know they’re getting something original and deeply personal.
What I’m most proud of is how my work touches people’s lives. It’s not just about the final product; it’s about the process and the impact it has on those who receive it. I’m proud of the fact that my art has helped people feel more confident, more connected to their roots, and more able to express themselves.
For potential clients, followers, or fans, the main thing I want you to know about my brand is that I’m here to create meaningful, intentional art that resonates. Whether you’re looking for a custom painting, a mural for your home, a tattoo with a story, or digital design work, I approach every project with the same passion and attention to detail. My goal is to build relationships with my clients and create work that feels true to who they are.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
One aspect of the creative journey that non-creatives might struggle to understand is the pervasive, all-encompassing nature of being a creative. For many of us, creativity isn’t something that can be easily turned off or compartmentalized; it’s deeply intertwined with our personal lives, emotions, and spiritual journeys.
Being a creative often involves a significant spiritual dimension that isn’t always discussed openly. Our art is not just a product of technique or skill—it’s an extension of our inner world. Our feelings, experiences, and healing processes are intricately woven into our work. Every brushstroke, design, and project reflects where we are emotionally and spiritually. Nothing is truly surface level; everything is connected.
Imagine living in a world where your emotions and personal experiences are constantly influencing what you create. For us, there’s often a deep, unspoken connection between our art and our inner lives. It’s as if we’re navigating our own universe while others observe from the outside. Our work becomes a mirror of our own journeys, capturing moments of growth, struggle, and healing.
This can be challenging for non-creatives to fully grasp because it’s not always visible or tangible. It’s not just about producing something aesthetically pleasing; it’s about expressing and processing our deepest feelings and experiences through our craft. Our art is an ongoing dialogue with ourselves and with those who engage with it, often reflecting a complex interplay of emotions and experiences.
Understanding this might offer some insight into why the creative process can be so intense and consuming. It’s not just about making art; it’s about connecting deeply with ourselves and sharing that connection with the world. For those who observe our work, it might seem like a glimpse into another world—one where everything is deeply interconnected and profoundly personal.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A significant lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the illusion of perfection. In the past, when I envisioned an idea, it appeared to me as a complete, flawless piece of work. The challenge was translating that perfect vision into reality, which often involved a lot of trial and error.
I used to struggle with feeling unsatisfied with my work because it never seemed to match the perfect image I had in my head. This led to a cycle of constant striving, where I found it difficult to appreciate what I had created. I had to confront the choice between never being content with my work or finding happiness in it despite its imperfections.
Through this process, I realized that the pursuit of perfection can sometimes manifest into negative self-talk, which is harmful to both my creative spirit and my progress. Instead of focusing on what wasn’t perfect, I needed to acknowledge and celebrate the progress I’ve made over time. I’ve learned that perfection is an illusion, and it’s more important to embrace the journey and be satisfied with the best effort I can put forth.
This shift in mindset has allowed me to be more compassionate with myself and more appreciative of my creative growth. It’s about finding a balance between striving for improvement and recognizing the value of what I’ve accomplished. This lesson has been crucial in maintaining a healthy relationship with my craft and fostering a more positive creative process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juhfayfay.com
- Instagram: @juhfayfay
- Twitter: @juhfayfay
Image Credits
n/a