We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Khali Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Khali, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
I have always been artistically inclined, but I was nervous about my skills and how other people would perceive them. It wasn’t until I was in my late 20s and after I had my first child when I really tried to pursue my career as an artist. I used to wish I would’ve started earlier, but I am a true believer in the universe timing things for the best.
Motherhood gave me a lot of perseverance, confidence and courage. I think had I pursued my career as an artist sooner I may have given up when certain doors that I wanted to open for me closed.
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?
I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, The most incarcerated and segregated city in America. Art has always been an outlet for me to keep from becoming a statistic. I’ve been a creative my entire life, but it wasn’t until I was stuck in the house during the pandemic with my one year-old son where I really honed in on my gift and talents. I began resin art because it was therapeutic for me and something I can do to release my artistic visions. I never knew I’d end up owning my own art boutique. It has been a five year long, artistic journey where I’ve gone from making ashtrays and earrings to full on apparel and home decor.
There were times where I wanted to give up because my industry seems to be oversaturated, but I realize nobody makes anything like myself. So I’m sticking with it. I am persevering and keeping the faith and continuing to show off my artistry to the world. I think that’s what I am mostly proud of. In the past when I haven’t gotten the results. I wanted immediately in my creative ventures, I would give up. I wouldn’t keep trying, if I was told no I would just accept the answer. But I have so many visions for the future of Lil’s Art Boutique I simply cannot give up. Lili’s art boutique is more than a store that sells fashion HomeGoods and collectibles, It’s a community, It’s a safe space, It’s fun it’s creative, it’s a lifestyle.
Growing up, I always stood out. I was always the friend with the wacky outfit or the crazy new idea. And I think that translates very clearly through the aesthetic of Lili‘s art boutique. My Y2K inspired brand Encapsulates a time period that heavily influenced the person I am today. It’s very much mcbling, pink, girls girl vibes. But what I like, most about myself and my brand is my range. I offer customs so that everybody feels appreciated and welcomed.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
One of my end goals is to have a space for other creators to express themselves. I would love to create a space for in my community that offers workshops spaces for creative to create and opportunities for those who aren’t a creative to learn about how important creatives and artist are in our community. Many people don’t realize art comes in so many different forms and that we need art. That is truly my mission with Lili’s art boutique, art is life. Life is art.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The biggest reward is someone appreciating my art. I absolutely love it when someone looks at a peace I’ve created, and it makes me smile or feel sassy, or even inspires them to create. It’s a very rewarding, feeling, knowing that my art can move someone emotionally and mentally it makes me feel like a true Artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lilisartboutiquexo.square.site/
- Instagram: Lilibabexo
- Youtube: The Lili Lifestyle
- Other: @LilisArtBoutique on Instagram
