We recently connected with Sequena “Queen” Alexander and have shared our conversation below.

Sequena “Queen”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

In my journey, relocating to a new city sparked my realization of the untapped potential for up-and-coming black and brown artists. Witnessing this need, I founded an art gallery to provide a platform for these talented individuals, offering them an avenue to showcase their work, engage in artist talks, and market their exhibitions. My vision extended beyond the gallery walls – I aimed to cultivate a community where artists could build their brand and following.

Transitioning from showcasing to curating events and collaborating with diverse artists presented its challenges. However, my degree in marketing, coupled with my lived experiences, equipped me to navigate these obstacles. The overarching goal has been to not just host exhibitions but to empower artists in building their unique brand, fostering a creative ecosystem that thrives on collaboration and exposure.

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?

Creativity has always been at the core of my journey. It began with owning a custom eyewear line, a venture that immersed me in the intricate worlds of art and fashion. This experience shed light on the relentless grind required for artists and the crucial role of effective self-marketing. Transitioning from eyewear, I delved into freelance graphic design and complemented my skills with a degree in marketing.

My trajectory led me to the luxury jewelry industry, where I honed my expertise for several years. A pivotal moment arose when I relocated to Tulsa, my dad’s hometown, to join my cousin’s art gallery. Witnessing the gallery’s need for continuity after his move to New York, I seized the opportunity to establish my own space. This journey not only fuels my passion for working with artists but also emphasizes my commitment to dealing with art as a valuable investment.

Have you ever had to pivot?

While my journey in the art world has been driven by a passion for nurturing artists and recognizing art as a valuable investment, it wasn’t without challenges. Despite the positive impact of my gallery and the opportunities it provided, I faced an unexpected adversary – my landlord. Despite consistently paying rent on time, I was forced out of my lease, leaving me bewildered and disheartened.

However, what initially felt like a setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It prompted me to redirect my efforts and skills to transform my gallery into an online platform upon my return to Dallas. This shift eliminated the constraints of a physical space, allowing me to host events in more strategic locations and reach a broader audience without the burdens of brick-and-mortar overhead. The adversity with my landlord became a catalyst for growth and innovation in expanding the reach of my artistic endeavors.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One defining chapter in my journey that showcases resilience revolves around my gallery experience. Despite the success and positive impact, unforeseen challenges emerged in the form of my landlord, who, for reasons beyond my comprehension, sought to disrupt my endeavors. Despite paying rent punctually, I found myself bullied out of my lease.

This setback, initially confusing and disheartening, evolved into a pivotal moment. Rather than succumbing to adversity, I channeled my resilience. I seized the opportunity to relocate back to Dallas, transforming my gallery into an online platform. This strategic move not only allowed me to host events in superior locations but also expanded my reach to a broader audience without the financial burdens of a physical space. The obstacle with my landlord, instead of being a roadblock, became a catalyst for adaptability and growth, highlighting my unwavering commitment to the artistic vision I uphold.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.thegreenwoodgallery.com
• Instagram: Queenwood_Ave
• Facebook: EyecandyQueen Alexander
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/me?trk=p_mwlite_feed_updates-secondary_nav
• Youtube: Black Around The World Podcast
• Other: QueensBooks.com