We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Otis Kenner, III a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Otis, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I’ve been creating since the age of 7. I taught myself how to hand-sew, taking scraps of jean and t-shirts to make pillows, clothing for teddy bears or my sisters’s dolls. There was something about the construction that always captivated me. I stared singing around the age of 10. I’m the youngest of 11 preacher’s kids. All my siblings are creative in their own rite, between beauty, singing, playing instruments, or visual arts. No body thought I could sing, so I secretly videoed myself singing; hoping no one would find it. But they did. The first song I ever performed in front of someone was “Climax,” by Usher. I had no idea what the song was about, but I loved it. You would have thought a parent or camp counselor at 4-H camp would have said something. After this time in my life I knew I wanted to pursue fashion and singing, no matter how unattainable it felt.
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?
My senior year, I had an existential crisis. Between the stresses of AP classes, failed relationships, faith, and senior project on the horizon, I was lost. I decided to do my project on fashion sustainability. During the research process, I didn’t understand how I could in good faith contribute to the damage this industry has made on the planet. My dreams felt crushed. But somewhere through the fully sustainable and upcycled collection I made as the final product, I understood there is a positive impact to be made. Around that same time, I started singing in a band named, “Called to Worship” and understood I wanted to sing to glorify God. As I was healing from an extremely broken situation-ship, it was a pursuit of a relationship with Jesus and worship music that healed my soul. That made me only want to sing and make songs that did the same for ma and others.
I aspire to make, style, and curate clothing that inspires and heals the hearts of the world. People are so discouraged by their lack of knowledge when it comes to clothes, or the weight comparison brings in. People have individual styles and taste that can be refined and extenuated. I want to be the guide to get there. My music, performances, and leadership is one that delivers healing through the mountains and trenches of life. Although people have their personal beliefs, I have found healing and belonging through Christ, and I want to share it with other people. Not in a way that forces it down someone’s throat or mentions His name every 5 seconds, but shows the beauty of scripture and how it inspires my view of the world. All my means of creativity is intended to heal and tell a story.
I’m most proud that I didn’t give up. There was a lot of fashion rivalry and lack of support in the Greater New Orleans area where I grew up. Either you were in or out of the scene, and I could never get in no matter who I supported. While my voice changed, I was discouraged that I lost my ability to sing. I just became super insecure, but I knew that God gave me gifts to share and no it be selfish with; even in my inability to see it.
I’m growing and not perfect, but I am continually working to bring the best. My line is still developing, but once it is released OK3 Designs, will have been worth the wait.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Start with the children, and if you feel like you’ve missed your prime, start with the inner child in you. There is a growing gap in children with musical and technical skill. The culture has gotten digital and super copy and paste. There is a unique spark inside every person, and we need to support the uniqueness we all bring to the table. Don’t just do what is easy or common. I remember when everyone started a “fashion line,” which was really just custom print t-shirts. Not to knock anyone, but there is more we have to add and more that people can do if they know their ability. Train and find teaching. Children are easily discouraged by the lack of resources and support around them. We need supply and encourage them with what is needed to achieve their dreams and see a world bigger than their perceived limitations.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
As you’ve probably seen, my narrative goes back and forward between music and fashion, ministry and corporation. There was a time when I thought I had to choose. I was never in this for the money, dont get me wrong I’m praying it comes in overflow. However, I believe there is reason and purpose for what I do and however many outlets of that expression, I’m going to fight to share it. Over that last 3 years, I have been a worship leader and heavily pursuing a path toward ministry. I’m not sure what convinced me I couldn’t be a pastor, who makes good music, and the dopest clothes. Now the path is that no after what pays the bills, it’s also paying the dream into action.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: OtisKenner or ok3designs or ovrflw_c
- Facebook: Otis Kenner, III
- Linkedin: Otis Kenner, III
Image Credits
Brown and plaid outfit (Michelle Daschbach Photography) singing with plaid pants (Nate Bustamante Films)