Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jerel Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jerel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
For me, I like projects that I’m working on to have a deeper meaning, and deeper impact. So much of the work I partake in is driven by the desire to see a much more holistic view of society. GOD BODY ☥, a symbol of KNEW AEON, has become one of the most meaningful projects i’ve worked on recently. It’s more than a brand, it’s a lifestyle. It encapsulates the essence of strength, power, and life force. Inspired by the principles of alchemy, it serves as a reminder of the transformative journey, Physical, mental, and spiritual. Allowing a shaping to one’s existence, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and evolution. The brand symbolizes the alchemical process of mastering mind, body, and spirit, transcending limitations, and manifesting our true potential allowing dreams to unfold. The pieces can be worn as daily wear, pre or post gym apparel, as well as for meditation. It was important to create something that I could personally resonate with, that others would also. Something that’s empowering ,motivating, especially on those days when needed. It activates.
Jerel, 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?
As an east coast native, it has always been a desire to thrive amongst the many other creatives here in LA. I have always been gifted when it comes to visual arts, more specifically photography, videography and creative direction. For me, it was like, well what sets you apart from the rest? …And that is when I began to think about how I could tie my passion, creativity, and even traumas into something that others may be able to not only relate to, but be motivated through. How can I move the needle forward in areas I’m passionate about, but in a thorough way that I am naturally gifted at.
My proudest achievement has been the establishment of my own company, KNEW AEON LLC, which is dedicated to advancing mental health and wellness within the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community through unique methods of deep connection to wholeness, by way of panel series, art, and culture. The aim is to inspire individuals to unlock their inner potential through various modalities.
This past June, we hosted our inaugural panel event discussion with HillTop and Health Matters Clinic titled Rewriting The Narrative for All American Men. The panel consisted of music infused psychotherapy surrounding mental health and black men, and recreating the narrative that is inclusive to all men of color. Panelists were Spencer Paysinger, Producer/Writer of All-American. David George, the mastermind behind Black Boys Unlimited, Derek Garlington, the extraordinary filmmaker and creator of Martial Asana and Shantise Fields, family therapist and founder of Speak Truth! Guests left with Wellness Goods such as Day Spa certificates, Journals, Free mental and therapy screenings, along with tips and myths debunking pointers related to therapy.
It takes funding to make a lot of these things happen, so we’re always looking for partnerships that are in alignment to make it possible. I have spent a lot of this year, really channeling my art through my photography. My shoots usually consist of bringing out aspects of the client that they never have before, allowing them to get comfortable and confident in articulating what it is that they are looking to express through the lens. Often it’s concluded in a level of conversation that acknowledges shared truths around how masculinity is defined [when capturing men], mental health, and more. In efforts to continue my pursuit of this creative and passionate pursuit, I’m currently attending Pacifica Graduate Institute for a Masters In Depth Psychology and Creativity, with an emphasis on Arts and Humanities. Upon its completion, I look to become a creative coach in addition to creative direction and coaching, where I can fully execute all of what KNEW AEON will become.
My ultimate aspiration is to ignite the flames of ambition and desire that reside within each and every individual I encounter. Through ideation, art, and culture, I strive to foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment, ultimately leading people towards a life of holistic well-being and self-discovery.
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 significant lessons I’ve learned is understanding my value and not letting others minimize it to suit their needs. Sometimes, we get so caught up in what ‘they’ think that we forget to consider our own thoughts and feelings. I recall times when my self-worth was tied to how I showed up for others, the brilliance that I added to their needs. However, with growth, I’ve realized that it’s truly about how I show up for myself that matters, and then that gauges my ability to show up for others, regardless of what hat or title I may be wearing.
The moment I grasped my value, I began to present myself differently, walking in with confidence like 2048 of my ancestors were alongside me. I started executing differently and learned the power of saying no. As a creative, this world can be draining if you allow it. That’s why knowing your value and understanding that your ‘no’ is just as powerful as your ‘yes’ becomes crucial.
I think so much of what we see online is only a fraction of a person. We live in a world where so much of our experience is through consumption, because of that, we are often met with an expectation to be something that we may not fully be, or in other times, being no more than what’s apparent to the eye. For me, I personally have learned to transmute being misunderstood or mischaracterized into something more harmonious. It’s a level of taking back your power by being in control of your own privacy, your own narrative, deciding how to show up, and having fun with it. I wake up daily with the question of “How much of this life am I experiencing as my own reality” and that drives me to set out to do everything I desire, and to strive to be that example for those that I surround myself with.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
One of the most rewarding things about being creative is receiving some sort of idea, or insight,[ I like to call them downloads] and seeing it through to execution. I think that’s truly a gift, to manifest something into the physical that started In your mind, and that’s why I’m so passionate about sharing these tools with others! In addition to that, I find it even more rewarding when someone shares how something I may have created, engaging them in such a way that adds a new perspective, or some sort of motivation. For me that’s all I had ever hoped for was to be a pillar of motivation to others so when it takes place, or brought to my attention, it can be very fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: Officialrel.com
- Instagram: Official_rel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a168abb3
- Twitter: Official_rel
Image Credits
Jerel Smith, Carlos Mikelangelo