We recently connected with Mei Kei McDowell and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Mei Kei thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you take vacations? How do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation?
Yes, in fact, I do take vacations — and I think it is very important to do so. I have worked several different jobs before arriving at this one — where I am challenging myself to chase this dream (finally) of being an artist. In previous jobs, I spent the bulk of my waking time working or thinking about work. And what happened was I felt like that cog in a machine — my education and life circumstances led me to insert myself where I felt I was supposed to be working back then and I developed a mindset and work habit that had me in a sort of automated state. Taking regular “vacations” — even if it is only for an evening or weekend, going somewhere away from work — is definitely something I have learned that I need to do. They help me to reset and pull me out of that feeling of going about Life mindlessly and automatically. When I go back to work as an artist, I bring that refreshed sense of newness and mindfulness to my work.
Mei Kei, 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?
When people meet me for the first time, there is always a lighthearted pause to teach them my name — Mei Kei. “It’s pronounced ‘May Kay’… like ‘okay, May Kay,’ and ‘hey, May Kay.’” And people would have a laugh about the helpful mnemonics. I am an artist who paints and draws animals — mostly pets and wildlife — though, I also make jewelry out of metal, stone, and clay. I am finding my way in the art world now after deciding in 2021 to “start over” and chase this childhood dream of being an artist. It is such a thrill to be given the chance to do what I do now. It is a lot of work to start over and has taken me a lot of courage to get my artwork made and posted for the world to see. But, it is my dream and I am showing up for it every day to make it a reality.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I was given the chance to begin chasing this dream in 2021, I just knew I wanted to be an artist and that I have much to create but I did not know what type of artwork best expresses me and who I am. Does that make sense? I feel I am still just getting started and, with that, I have given myself the grace and time to be on a journey of self-exploration and self-discovery to find out what artwork I am meant to create. So, in terms of “pivoting” my business — I am creating new work every day and finding what type of artwork gets me good and “lost” in it. I have found myself sitting for hours painting, drawing, and even working with clay and I have found joy in the creative processes involving this variety of media.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
“The best source of new clients has been social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram; however, I recently had two new opportunities for client outreach: gallery showings of my work at The ArtWorks in Wilmington, North Carolina and a space to work as a resident artist at Design Market of the Pines in Aberdeen, North Carolina. At Design Market, I’ve gotten to join a group of small business owners who display their unique goods. There, I have gotten the opportunity to create my work as a resident artist in a corner of this large warehouse space. It is full of beautiful furniture and decor acquired from estate sales, woodworkers, collectors, renovators, and creators. It makes me feel like I am painting at “Mary Poppins’ house.” Our customers would stop to watch me paint or create my jewelry and to meet me and ask me questions. It is a new way to present my work as an artist and meet new potential clients!”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.missmeikei.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/missmeikei
- Facebook: Miss Mei Kei Fine Art Gallery | Sanford NC – Facebook https://m.facebook.com/MissMeiKei/
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/MissMeiKei
Image Credits
Mei Kei McDowell