We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rebel Kitty Kunzite The Glitter Alchemist a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rebel Kitty Kunzite, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I feel like I took the biggest risk of my life when I quit my dog walking business to pursue the arts full time… but I mean some would even say attempting to start my own dog walking business was a risk within itself. I don’t like being told what to do and I definitely don’t like being underpaid, which is the norm for the average American employee. After working for a few dog walking companies in Manhattan and taking the time to learn the ropes I decided to take the risk and go solo. It was hard at first I only had two clients to start with but over time my client list grew and I was able to pay my rent as an independent dog walker.
The thing is I was a brown girl working as the help in a white world. The money was good but the racism wasn’t. My job was also a constant reminder that THEY lived in amazing apartments, THEY had clean streets, THEY had beautiful parks right across the street and I… didn’t. I was in a constant state of jealousy, why do they get to live in luxury? Why is my family in the gutter while THEY get to thrive? I knew why…. THEY had a 500-year head start on getting rich and you know how, we all know how.
I saw Mike Browns body rotting in the sun on a full sized flat screen T.V in a clients home. I saw the news of Freddie Gray in an Upper East Side complex in a clients home. I heard the loud support of Trump in a clients home. I had to get out… so I wrote a book “The Revolutionary Dog Walker” & I quit dog walking. I wrote about the racism, sexism, and classism I experienced as a Caribbean mixed shortie from The X serving as the help In The Upper East Side. That book was my liberation. My book was a major risk. I quit dog walking with some savings and I genuinely thought my book was going to take off within the year. It got buzz and support from my community and the beautiful people of Instagram but I lacked the knowledge to really TAKE IT THERE. Needless to say I’m not on the New York Times Best Sellers List…Yet.
I gave up my only source of income and pursued the arts relentlessly. I painted, did art shows, worked for an online magazine, created fashion, designed jewelry and more making a little bit of coin along the way. It’s been 7 plus years and during that time I ran out of saving’s and lost my apartment. I had to couch hop and eventually had to move back home with my mom. My mom got evicted from my childhood home in The Bronx, which moved me to West Philly, and since being here I’ve been subjected to inadequate housing from slumlords. I even faced eviction while pregnant out here… it has been really hard and I’ve been BROKE barley surviving but I’m hopeful turmoil will be a thing of the past for me and moving forward only blessings are on the horizon for me. I’m now exploring Musick, writing rhymes, and throwing myself into the depths of Hip Hop. This is another big risk, risks I’m willing to take because the people believe in me and I believe in me. I wouldn’t have made it this far without the kindness and generosity of the public. Their support whether it’s through sharing my work, buying my work, or donating to Kittys’z Energy… I’m here because THEY took a risk on me Rebel Kitty Kunzite The Glitter Alchemist formally known as The Ratchet Revolutionary AKA The Rebel Of The Underground: Thank Ya’ll fr. We Gon’ Make It- Kiss Tha Game Goodbye

P.S Shout out to The African Cultural Art Forum & The Scrappy Cat (A Curiosity Shop) for being the first to sell my art in their stores. This blessing happened last week! So far this calendar year is turning out to be a great one. The year of the Dragon will be good to me and hopefully good to all of you too!

Rebel Kitty Kunzite, 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?

Hey Ya’ll my name is Rebel Kitty Kunzite The Glitter Alchemist creator of Kittys’z Energy! Bronx born May 25 1992 Libra Rising, Gemini Sun, Pisces Moon A Whole Ass Hurricane, Icy Hot Cutie Gang I’m The Rhino With The Flame. I started pursuing the arts to be apart of the Revolution against racism, capitalism, and billionaire supremacy. I firmly believe in reparations and land back. As an artist I feel it’s my job to use the craft to radicalize myself and the people around me. I wish to tell stories and create art that sparks our minds and evokes emotions that will push us towards CHANGE. Change for the good of Our People, Mother Earth, Father Sky & The Androgynous Waters.

“We all agree tonight, all of the speakers have agreed, that America has a very serious problem. Not only does America have a very serious problem, but our people have a very serious problem. America’s problem is us. We’re her problem. The only reason she has a problem is she doesn’t want us here. And every time you look at yourself, be you black, brown, red, or yellow — a so-called Negro — you represent a person who poses such a serious problem for America because you’re not wanted. Once you face this as a fact, then you can start plotting a course that will make you appear intelligent, instead of unintelligent.” – 1963 Message To The Grassroots By The Black Messiah also known as Brother Malcolm, X, Malcolm X, Malcolm El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, and Omowale (The Son/Child Who Has Come Home)

Helping to keep Malcolm’s legacy alive is something I bring to my clients and followers. They gunned him down, took him away but you must always remember, “You can kill The Revolutionary but you can NEVER kill the Revolution”- Fred Hampton. As long as Amerikkka has a problem with us we finna have a problem right back. You don’t get to stick us in broken down housing with sky rocketing rent, gun us down, under pay us, take our land, BOMB US and think we won’t put up a fight. We are the Resistance. They brought black people here against their will, forced them to work for free under barbaric conditions and once black people said no now Amerikkka got a problem and we not wanted? Make it make sense! Our journey to freedom is something my clients, followers and I are working towards TOGETHER. Our Oppression is Our Problem and we will solve this problem together by any means necessary and once we solve our problem oh it will be beautiful.

If you were to ask me what I’m the most proud of I would say being a mom. I have three daughters. Isis my familiar. Rebel my mural, and Peachy Pie my child. My three daughters choose me to be their mommy and it is the highest honor. My three babies are a trifecta of love, beauty, Magick, wonder, and Rebellion. Together we are a force unlike the world has ever seen before. Being chosen to be their mom is the biggest blessing in my life.

What sets me apart from others? Simple I’m me. Authentically Me. A Catwoman, A Bruja, A Mom, An Artist, A Revolutionary. What I want people to know about me is I am relentless in my pursuit of happiness, liberty, and justice for us all. I love cats and they seem to love me. That Kittys’z Energy isn’t a business… maybe a brand but DEFINITELY a way of life. If you follow me you know what I mean, I can’t really describe Kittys’z Energy, you have to experience Rebels’z World for yourself.

I want people to know I don’t play about Children, that they deserve to be protected at all costs. End the genocide. I don’t play about Big Cats in captivity. R.I.P Jupiter. Wild Cats don’t belong in any form of entertainment whether that is in the circus, on a stage in Vegas, in cub petting compounds, or in music videos. Creative directors do better stop leaning on wildlife for your music videos and focus on the beauty and talent of your artists. There’s no need to jeopardize a life in the name of “Art” I DO NOT play about Orcas. R.I.P Tilikum & Tokitae. Orcas belong in The Ocean free to swim with their pods. They do not belong in an oversized tub doing tricks for small amounts of dead fish. Empty the Tanks. And lastly I DO NOT PLAY ABOUT THE ELEPHANT. Do Not Ride The Elephant. Do Not Keep The Elephant Isolated In Zoos (Free Happy) and DEFINITELY Do Not Keep The Elephant In The Circus Or In Any Component Of The Entertainment Industry. The Elephant Is A Free Being. Free. The Tusk Belongs To The Elephant Not To You.
I look at The Elephant and I see God. I see Gods everywhere but oh The Elephant is just WOW you know? Like I can’t wait for the day I get to meet Som-o and Aom at The Samui Elephant Haven. I will throw myself down to the ground and just cry tears of happiness I know it. The Elephant Haven is doing such amazing work to protect and nurture the rescued elephants in their care. They are currently at risk of losing their land to developers so please check them out and make a donation if you can! R.I.P Baby Luna we love you sweet angel.

I am on a mission to reclaim Epstein Island. I am Caribbean. The island is my birthright. If that evil man could own an island to traffic girls alongside his comrades I can have that island to create a Utopia for wildlife. We can reprogram that dark energy into light. Call me Noah. I want a sea pen set up around the island to rehabilitate Orcas and Dolphins (R.I.P Sundance) trapped in captivity. I want big cats rescued from the entertainment industry to roam free throughout the island. I want sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, and chickens from the slaughter houses (the cats gotta eat right?) We need birds, fish, rodents, & reptiles from pet store mills. Caretakers can live in the center of the island. We can use the cameras Epstein set up to spy on his victims to watch how wildlife can flourish outside of captivity (yall like reality TV right?) We can create an entire safe haven for wildlife… I call her Catopia.

My name is Rebel Kitty Kunzite The Glitter Alchemist. I live in West Philly. I am a caregiver for the Cats’z in my community. I feed ten plus strays a day. I assist in trap and release to get stray cats spayed and neutered. I also try to get medical care for the cats when they need it. So far we have cured two cats plagued with mange and found a kitten with a broken leg a good home. Shout out to ACCT Philly, Philly Paws, & Project Meow. I’m also trying to find good homes for some of the strays that have shown interest in finding a family. Any donations to care for these community cats go a long way! Cash App Venmo PayPal here www.campsite.bio/rebelkitty525 I am a stay at home mom so when I tell y’all money is TIGHT like I can’t fit into my jeans tight. Y’all help keeps the cats alive fr fr.

This is Kittys’z Energy. If you want to rep our set we make resin paw print jewelry called PRAYER PAWS’Z which can be used to connect to mammal energy & or mammal spirits’z if that is a journey you choose to go on. I am available for custom orders via Dms on Ig @kittyszenergy We do Paw Earrings’z, Chokers’z, Rings’z, Keychains’z & Magnets’z. We also have other little Trinkets’z & Art Prints’z available for purchase. My art is also available on Redbubble where you can purchase a variety of merchandise with my different art designs. I currently have over 70 designs available. Look up Rebel Kitty Kunzite The Glitter Alchemist I’ll pop up <3

At the moment I’m working on recording my single and let me tell y’all we are all in for quite a journey…

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think one of the best things our society can do to support artists is to actually acknowledge that being an artist is in fact a real job. For me personally I’ve noticed some people think artists who are taking a chance on themselves and have made the choice to pursue the arts full time are considered lazy and live in a delusional world. We are told get a real job if we want real money. News flash being an artist is a real job and can generate real money. Do you watch T.V or listen to music? Do you read books? Do you wear graphic tees? Do you go to museums? Like hello Art is everywhere. Art doesn’t create itself it’s hard work my wrist and my back will tell you as they are always in pain. Being an artist is a real profession ya’ll we just need support.

As a society keeping all of our mental health into consideration is extremely important. Some of us found art as a way to cope with the world for some of us it saved us from suicide. So when you see an artist giving their all into their work who gave up on working for other people consider that they aren’t lazy but that the outside world is a scary place for them so scary that they can’t function properly. Have compassion for the artists in your line of vision and if you see art you like on social media SHARE IT. If you like the art chances are someone else will too and now that artist has another supporter…

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

These are my top 20 books. These books have changed my life and have grounded me in many ways. I love to read and remember folks having fun isn’t hard when you got a library card!

1) Stargirl- Jerry Spinelli (Be You)

2) How 2 Be A Bad B**** – Amber Rose (Be Sexy & Assertive)

3) Handbook for an Unpredictable Life : How I Survived Sister Renata and My Crazy Mother, and Still Came Out Smiling (with Great Hair) – Rosie Perez (Be A Resilient Bombshell)

4) Confessions Of A Sex Kitten – Eartha Kitt (Be Phenomenal)

5) The Revolutionary Dog Walker – Kitty The Authoress (Be Rebellious)

6) The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho (Be Open To The Language Of The Universe)

7) The Celestine Prophecy- James Redfield (Be Conscious Of Your Energy)

8) The Autobiography Of Malcolm X As Told By Alex Haley (Be Unapologetically Black)

9) No Man’s Land – Greg Rucka (Beware)

10) When I Was Puerto Rican, Almost A Woman, The Turkish Lover – Esmeralda Santiago (Be Proud Of Your Heritage)

11) Unbothered: The Power Of Choosing Joy – Omarion (Be At Peace)

12) Somewhere Out There: My Animated Life – Don Bluth (Be A Risk Taker)

13) The Last Unicorn – Peter S. Beagle (Be Rare & Unique)

14) It Didn’t Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle – Mark Wolynn (Be Open To Healing)

15) Saga – Brian K Vaughan & Fiona Staples (Be Out Of This World)

16) The REDWALL Series – Brian Jacques (Be Noble & Kind But Give Evil Doers Blood & Vinegar Ole Chaps!)

17) The Unicorn Chronicles – Bruce Coville (Be Whimsical)

18) The Warrior Series – Erin Hunter (Be Curious & Adventurous)

19) The Magic Of Unicorns Help & Healing From The Heavenly Realms – Diana Cooper (Be Magickal)

20) Revolutionary Suicide – Huey P Newton (Be Radical. Be A Revolutionary. Be A Freedom Fighter)

P.S Some videos I tend to watch are YouTube videos of speeches by Malcolm X and also sometimes clips of James Baldwin alongside binary beats and definitely the works of the one and only King Of Pop Michael Jackson. “This is a recent edition but one video I plan on visiting when I might need a reminder to move with purpose, truth, and integrity is the interview with Katt Williams on Club Shay Shay. His interview is a reminder to be unapologetically you, to move with divine guidance even when afraid, and to call out anyone lying on your name even if they are in positions of power. Katt Williams also taught me don’t let ya kids stress you out just go to the 99 cent store n get em 99 toys they’ll be iight lol! Lastly Rest In Power To The OG King Of Comedy Mr. Bernard McCullough Also Known As Mr. Bernie Mac! WHASSUP, YOU SQUARES! WHO YOU WIT!”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.campsite.bio/rebelkitty525
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelkitty525
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rebels__World
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3xmI0SMF78M
• Other: Redbubble Account https://www.redbubble.com/people/kittysenergy/explore?page=1&sortOrder=recent

Image Credits
Katarina Castro Jamaal Peterkin Lesley Rotonto