Today we’d like to introduce you to Phoenix jai.
Hi Joy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Omg, I really don’t know where to begin but Creating has been a part of my life since I could remember. I have always found ways to express myself visually whether it be on canvas, on stage, or in person. As a child, I remember doodling on my schoolwork instead of paying attention in class or stealing the tags off of Paris Blues jeans to draw the fashion illustrations. Art was my “thing.” I’ve never been big on verbally expressing myself. I always felt like the words never seemed to come outright. So if I can show you better than I can tell you was a person..I’m the person!
I currently run and operate three micro-businesses (micro for now). Phoenix Jai, a Specialty shop that provides my original art, clothing, stationery, and greeting cards. Art-in-Sun, a Luxury Swimwear brand created to accentuate the natural curves of real women adorned with embroidered art by me and my most known creation, Memphis Greetings. Which is A minimalist greeting card brand with a MEMPHIS flair that i created because ‘I wanted a card that reflected who I was.’ I’m not the sentimental card giver type so I created a brand for the ppl like me…my folks…MEMPHIS folks. It has been my most successful venture as it has been picked up by several local retail shops in the city as well as the go to for National companies to spread some love to their clients and employees. It’s really only up from here! So target if you’re reading this holla at cha girl.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
You show me a smooth road in life I’d say you did it all wrong, so to that avail it has DEFINITELY not been smooth. My 1st hiccup in life happened early on. When I graduated high school I was accepted to multiple fashion and art schools but was discouraged by my family to attend because it was thought that I needed a “real” degree to succeed. My dreams of being a fashion designer were crushed. Being told I couldn’t do it because I was black or because I was female, or even worse because you can’t be “successful” with a creative career altered my whole perception of what I could accomplish. It changed me and not in a good way. I stopped drawing after that. There was no need if my art didn’t mean anything. I went on to go to “real” school in Miami, Fl. and you guessed it I never got that “real” degree that guaranteed me much success. I ended up coming back home and got pregnant with my son which definitely derailed school for a while along with the fact that his father was murdered a year after he was born. Dealing with grief and being a new mom gave me no time to create. I didn’t pick up a pencil again for 10yrs.
Then life hit me with another bump in the road and I was literally at rock bottom. I felt like i had lost everything and I had no purpose. I grabbed a pencil and a sheet of computer paper and began to draw. It was all I knew to do in that moment. Art saved my life. I was reborn. I was me…again. With social media becoming more and more popular ppl got to see my art and things just took off from there and Phoenix Jai was born.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I actually do a little bit of everything, but my main focus is fashion illustration. That’s where I find my most comfort and what most people know me for. I enjoy being able to merge my love for fashion and my love for art into one. I also design and construct garments when I have spare time. My ultimate goal is to start an unconventional bridal line. I’m most proud of my work being used by national brands. Seeing my art on their websites or their promotional marketing is beyond gratifying.
What I think sets me apart from others is just my art style and my authenticity. I don’t try to draw to what’s trendy or what will get “likes.” I draw what I feel and it translates to the people I’m supposed to reach.
What makes you happy?
That’s a loaded question. Many things make me happy at different times. Sometimes my happy moments are just watching my son grow into his own little person or a 10pc honey hot with lemon pepper sprinkles. Sometimes it’s a stroll by the river to clear my mind and hear from God or listening to some old Playa Fly or Key Glock for some motivation, but art for sure makes me happy. It’s so motivating. It makes me feel alive. Because of it…I am.
Contact Info:
- Email: Memphisgreetings901@gmail.com
- Website: www.Memphisgreetings.com
- Instagram: @memphisgreetings | @phoenixjaiart
- Facebook: Memphis greetings
