Meet Zeynabu-Le’Von

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Sed ut perspiciatis unde.

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zeynabu-Le’Von. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zeynabu-Le’Von, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I am definitely happier as a creative. I have had so-called regular jobs so I do not wonder what those would be like since I already know. The only way I would have what others consider a “regular” job is if I absolutely had to. The last “regular” job I had was a work-from-home customer service position where I was a full-time employee. I ended up in that position because I absolutely needed it (some time after being widowed). I prayed for it and I got it. I was grateful for it but I realized it was only meant to be for a season.

When you do work that makes you so angry you have to pause the call to cry & shudder – that is a huge sign that that work may not be for you. When you sit in a room, in your comfortable home, that is air conditioned and cool yet you sweat through your clothing from anxiety and stress because of the customers you have to deal with – that is another huge sign that that work may not be for you. When your creativity suffers, and thins out, due to the lack of attention you can afford to put towards it because you are don’t have the energy/desire after being drained from work – that is an undeniable sign that that work may not be for you.

These are all things I experienced at my last “regular” job. Since leaving, I have been much more free. And, freedom to me is a large factor of joy, peace, and happiness. If it is my choice, I will always choose the beautiful freedom of being a creative entrepreneur who moves through life to make their dreams come true rather than being in a position of being a worker in someone else’s dream.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

In 2008 I married my late husband, Abdourahmane (may his soul rest well and may he be pardoned). We both were creatives. He drew pictures and painted on canvas. He was a jazz lover, artsy, and fashionably eclectic. I, too, was creative – I wrote poetry, did spoken word, and was fashionably expressive. Us coming together was a beautiful spark that increased both of us. EYESEYE was born from our love, connection, and similarities. It was our business – our big love project. I still remember when I crocheted my first item – it was a kufi (prayer cap) for him. Since then I have always returned to the art of crochet and I discovered more art forms from that. I have always believed that he sparked things in me that I did not know were there.

After he died in 2015, I decided to continue on with the business. It took some time for me to remove the items he had painted but I eventually decided that that would be the best spiritual choice. I continued to use EYESEYE as an outlet of self-expression. After being widowed I realized that it had always also been something that my soul used to heal. It is still that and will continue to be for as long as I am able.

With that, I do not have a specific niche. And, if I absolutely had to choose one – the niche would be freedom – freedom to do and express how I so please. Thus, in the EYESYE gift shop you will find various items. Some are fun & child-like as I express and listen to my inner child. Some are afrocentric – as I tap into my roots. Some are whimsical – as the spirit can not always be clearly explained. But, all that you see is an extension of me, my thoughts, my pain, and/or my heart … at some time or point in my life.

If anyone else has ever felt it to be a problem to fit into a box, or to be defined by only one thing or idea, then we are alike. So, I provide a place that doesn’t necessarily conform to any one thing nor idea. It is a place very much like the human soul, which is multi-faceted, beautiful beyond words or explanation, and unable to simply define. If and when people are interested in what I do I encourage them to look around and see if they find something they like or something that someone they know may like. EYESEYE is a small charismatic emporium.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

When the time comes for my soul to leave this temporary body, and I stand before my Maker, I want my soul to undoubtedly say, “I used everything you gave me.” So, it is one of my biggest desires to tap into, and use, the creative skills, abilities, and talents that The Creator has bestowed upon me. Whether it be by crocheting, knitting, sewing, designing, etc. – I want to use all that I have been entrusted with because I know there is a purpose for all that I have in me. I do not want to take any of my pieces for granted.

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

Do not question our prices or ask us to adjust them to your comfort levels. This is a sore spot for many creatives so pardon my directness but I do intend it as it is. Many items start as a thought or an idea. From that it may go through tunnels in the mind and heart – tunnels where there is light and tunnels where there is darkness. The creative person may put a lot of mental energy and emotional exertion into bringing an idea into reality. There is absolutely no price that can be put on that. Now, if you will, couple what I’ve just explained with the cost of supplies, tools, packaging, marketing, etc.

The price of an item that someone makes by hand, or a service that one provides, is completely up to the creator of that item or service. If a potential buyer feels the price is too steep that likely means the buyer may need to continue searching for other items that fit better into their budget. If society truly wants to support artists and creatives then society has to respect that there are aspects of being an artist or creative that may not be easily understood by those who are not. Admittedly, some of us (artists and creatives) are still undercharging to appease people who do not understand all that is involved in what we do. Ideally, we should have the freedom to price our items and services as we see fit with no pressure or persuasion to do otherwise.