We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kamaria “Kam” Webster. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kamaria “Kam” below.
Kamaria “Kam”, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only one in the room that looks like me can be challenging at times. The art world is a safe space for me; because, I can be who I am, and look how I look without judgement. Working in education you don’t see a lot of people who look like me. I’m a gay, black woman, with quite a few tattoos, and I get misgendered often. I’ve learned over time that it’s okay to be different. Being different doesn’t mean you can’t be successful. Being different means you bring something different yet, valuable to the table. I’ve learned to use people counting me out as a pedestal to my success. I’ve learned to allow my no’s to push me instead of discourage me. I now take “being the only one in the room” as a compliment; because, I know there’s only one me. That is what sets me apart from everyone else around me. I now walk in my uniqueness with my back straight and my head high. My success is based on my work ethic, not my appearance.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a visual artist. I feel like being a visual artist I can be a voice for people. I create pieces based on emotion, social issues within the black community, melanin women/men, and commission pieces that people hold close. My work is always raw and uncut; because, I feel that’s how most people can relate. I create pieces based on experiences, things I’ve seen, and things people won’t mention; because, it becomes that voice for the ones who feel voiceless. This is what makes my art special. The feedback/emotional reaction I get about my art is the reason I continue to do what I do. As long as, I can touch just one person that’s rewarding enough for me. I use my gift as a way to reach people. This is what sets my work apart from most.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I believe my resilience, my determination, and my faith has been the most impactful to my journey. To anyone starting their journey, I would say stay the course. When it gets hard, because it will , feel it, deal with it, then pick yourself up and keep fighting. When you have that hurdle you have to jump know it’s not your final destination, its a pit stop that will grow you in areas you need to grow. The reward is greater than the storm. Some days you want to quit, however, “If you fall, fall on your back. If you fall on your back you can get up.” Failing will happen. Again, it is not your final destination. Failing is not the end, it creates room to try it again, just a different way. “Fail forward, not back.” In these moments character, integrity, fight, resilience, and strength are built. The journey won’t ever be easy; however, it is worth it. When you get to a place that you’ve worked hard for you appreciate it more. In these moments you gain knowledge and have discipline to not mistreat it. The journey can be ugly; however, that’s where the beauty comes in. Always push forward, never look in the rear view mirror.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest areas of growth have been in my mental, emotional, and spiritual state. Taking my healing journey seriously has been the best decision I’ve made. I’ve learned, I’ve made mistakes, I’ve fallen, and I’ve also gotten up and kept pushing. Healing can be messy, painful, ugly, yet, beautiful all at the same time. I look back to where I was and appreciate where I fought to be. 12 months ago I walked around happy on the outside, and crying for help on the inside. Choosing myself meant that some things/people had to be let go. It wasn’t easy; however, I was grateful for the steps I took to be where I am now. My emotional, mental, and spiritual state are thankful for the day I chose to heal. I’ve gained a voice that past trauma took away from me. In order to truly succeed, these things have to be in alignment.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: harmonic.vibez
- Email: harmonicvibez04@gmail.com
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