We were lucky to catch up with Karlie Tankersley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Karlie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think success takes consistency, resilience, and a deep connection to your “why.” Talent and passion are important, but what really pushes things forward is showing up even when it’s hard, learning from mistakes, and staying true to your vision. Especially when no one else sees it yet.

One experience that really shaped my view was launching my “Kool Kollective”Freeform painting workshop. I spent months preparing — branding it, securing a venue, planning themes, making flyers, promoting it across social media — and still, my first couple of posts didn’t get much traction. I was exhausted, doubting myself, and wondering if it would even work. But I kept showing up, talking to people, painting, pushing through the imposter syndrome. And eventually, people started to respond. It reminded me that momentum doesn’t come overnight, you build it one small step at a time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! I’m Karlie, the artist and creative behind Kool Karlie, a one-woman brand that blends fine art, fashion, and immersive experiences. I specialize in oil paintings, often bold, emotional pieces that explore themes like vulnerability, strength, and identity, and I also create custom-painted shoes, murals, and wearable art. On top of that, I host unique painting workshops and live painting experiences that bring people into the creative process in a fun, expressive way.

I’ve been creating art my whole life, o have a Fine Art degree with and entrepreneurship minor from Middle Tennessee State University. I really stepped into my business after realizing how powerful it is to make people feel something through color, texture, and concept. After losing my job from Covid I was pushed into focusing on my art, vending at shows, doing custom pieces for clients, teaching art classes, and now running my own workshops. I’ve poured myself into this, emotionally and creatively, and I think that raw honesty shows in my work.

I try to create from a space of depth and relatability. A lot of my art deals with inner struggles, softness beneath strength, and finding beauty in what’s usually hidden. I want people to feel seen when they look at my work, like it’s speaking to something inside them that they haven’t had words for.

What sets Kool Karlie apart is that I’m not just selling a product, I’m building a space. A space for self-expression, reflection, and connection, whether that’s through a painting, a workshop, or a wearable piece of art. I mix technical skill with meaning, and I’m constantly evolving to try new formats and ideas.

One of the things I’m most proud of is launching my freeform painting workshops. It’s been a dream of mine to create a space where people can paint freely, vibe to music, and just express themselves without pressure. It’s part art class, part creative release, and part community experience, and watching people light up while painting has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

If you’re following my work, I want you to know that Kool Karlie is about more than just looking cool, it’s about feeling something real. Whether I’m painting a strawberry with eyes or a mural, or guiding someone through their first-ever painting in class, I’m always pouring intention into everything I do. I want people to walk away inspired, empowered, and connected to something deeper.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been a slow and very real process. There was no viral moment or overnight success, just years of sharing my work consistently, experimenting with different types of content, and learning how to let more of me shine through.

At first, I was mostly just posting finished pieces. But over time, I realized people connected way more when I shared the process: the behind-the-scenes, the mess, the meaning behind the work, and even the moments of doubt or inspiration. Once I started letting people into the story behind the art, my engagement started to grow in a more authentic way.

One thing that helped a lot was vending and live painting at events. I’d post where I’d be, tag other artists or businesses, and use those in-person experiences to drive people to my page. Reels and stories also helped, especially ones that were either visually satisfying or had a personal, funny, or emotional twist.

My advice for anyone starting out:
• Show up consistently, even when it feels like no one’s watching.
• Tell your story. People connect with the person behind the work.
• Use what you have. You don’t need fancy equipment — just good light, a clear view of your work, and your voice.
• Engage back. Reply to comments, interact with others, and be part of your community, don’t just post and ghost.
• And most importantly, don’t wait for perfection. The raw and honest stuff is often what resonates the most.

Social media is less about chasing numbers and more about building relationships. Focus on showing up as your full self, and the right audience will find you.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story of resilience isn’t just one moment, it’s been the entire journey of building and maintaining my art business. People often see the final paintings, the cool shoes, or the pop-up booth, but they don’t always see what it takes behind the scenes.

I’ve gone through dry spells where nothing was selling, commissions weren’t coming in, and I had no idea how I was going to make it work. I’ve been out at festivals in the pouring rain, standing in the mud, literally holding onto my canopy to protect my life’s work. There were days I missed out on opportunities, struggled emotionally, and questioned if I was even cut out for this.

But I kept going. I leaned on what I learned from my entrepreneurship minor and professional artist classes; things like business planning, marketing strategies, and staying consistent with my branding. I kept writing business plans, building campaigns, updating my site, even when things felt stagnant. I’ve put my blood, sweat, and tears into this.

The biggest lesson? You have to keep showing up even when it feels like no one’s watching. Even when you’re tired. Even when the money isn’t flowing. You have to believe in what you’re building — because that belief is what carries you through the tough seasons. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real. And I’m still here, still pushing forward, and still creating with all I’ve got.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.koolkarlie.com
• Instagram: @koolkarlie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karlie.tankersley.art

Image Credits

Amron Forsythe @asapams