We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Elaine a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My purpose was deposited inside of me by God, so I never had to search for it. I create celebratory paintings of Black women and girls, since we are the most undervalued and unprotected individuals in America. Several Black girls and women say that they can see themselves represented in my artwork and they feel valued and beautiful because of it. My art improves the self-confidence and self-worth of Black girls and women. I create phenomenal paintings that display Black women in a positive light, embracing their natural kinks and curls graced with melanin-rich skin. My internally-driven art illustrates the beauty, softness, and femininity of Black women. I love vibrant, engaging colors, so I incorporate heavy use of color in most of my artwork. I primarily use acrylic paint, along with other media to create mixed media art full of texture. I use my art to contribute to the diversity that’s lacking in the art world. I’m fueled by a passion for inclusivity and representation in art galleries, and Black women have less than 5% representation in gallery spaces.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a Professional Fine Artist blessing homes and offices with aesthetically dope Black art around the world. In 2004, I defied the odds of teenage pregnancy by graduating at the top of my class to attend University of Kentucky. I later transferred to the University of Louisville graduating with a bachelor’s degree. My world revolves around my two sons. In 2010, I relocated to Memphis, TN and have embraced the city with my creativity and ambition.
God revealed my passion and natural talent of painting in the summer of 2015 after my ankle was fractured in three places making me immobile for 8 weeks. While I was healing, I decided to teach myself how to paint and develop my craft. It was like art therapy: comforting to the bones and soothing to the soul. I have always known how to draw and sketch, but it wasn’t until I picked up the paintbrush that I fell in love with creating masterpieces.
I have sold over 500 pieces of art to collectors in 47 states and 4 countries. In 2019, I opened my physical art gallery in Cordova, a suburb of Memphis. However, I recently relocated into a private studio suite to focus heavily on my own art and brand in April 2024.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge in no specific order:
Self-discipline is essential to be a successful entrepreneur. I do not act on impulse as much and stay focused on tasks. I make sure I meet all important deadlines by staying disciplined. You have to stay focused and avoid distractions.
Confidence has helped me to be able to market effectively because I know that my artwork is beautifully DOPE! A lot of artists are introverts, but I’m the complete opposite…I’m an EXTRA extrovert. I love people and I love being the center of attention. I’m very confident in my work, so I love to show my paintings to the world.
Consistency, consistency, CONSISTENCY! If you aren’t consistent, you will not be successful in your journey. My consistency has grown my Instagram following to 20K+, Facebook following to 10K+, and TikTok to 9K+. Consistency ties in with being self-disciplined and focused.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am looking for brand ambassadors to promote my artwork and receive a commission on their generated art sales. They will be provided with a specific link that will notify my website that the order was generated from that specific ambassador or influencer. Brand ambassadors or influencers must have a large following with EXCELLENT engagement on social media platforms to drive traffic and sales to my website.
If they are reading this and want to collab, please send me an email to express your interest with links to your social media pages: [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: orijennalart.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/orijennal_art
- Facebook: facebook.com/orijennalart
