Meet Kalli Padgett

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

Kalli, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience – I love this word. Resilience from me comes with shaking hands with fear. It’s a courageous act of determination exploring your fear of adapting changes and let go of things that previously made you “safe.” The way I see it – all these things can be subconsciously resilient: your depression, insecurity, fear, and the different types of actions / habits that are formed from these inner shades of ourselves. When we achieve real “resilience,” we are consciously CHOOSING things that we want to center in making decisions and forming habits… regardless of life’s turmoil. Example: Continuously choosing Resilience in joy, self respect, organization, health, kindness, career, relationships ect.>
Building resilience is carrying these traits consciously through difficult changes in your life. Especially when these changes can shake you to the core. Ask yourself: How long can i practice being joyful with my life ? Is it something I consider as central quality within myself? How can I carry this quality through difficult and uncertain times? You must build it up like a muscle so that when the time comes you will continue fighting for it… because it means fighting and loving yourself too.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I have carried my creative practice through the many changes in life and naturally have met fearless individuals who choose to do the same. Distasteful employment experiences and gaps within the arts industry lead me to building my organization: The Creole Connection. Through our progress I have seen many moments where collaborations between artists and community catalyze positive momentum in: healing, economic resources, and education. One seemingly small effort creating an avalanche effect on our city. I wanted to highlight the historical resilience of Louisiana Creoles who simply “do what they can, together, with what they’ve got” The intention is to create a space where these fearless members of our community can combine customs, resources, and techniques, to access the serenity of a creative mentality… instead of survival mode. In a time of such uncertainty in our socio political landscape, coming together to form unbreakable community is key in preparation for disaster. Now being around 4 years old, we are expanding into new partnerships, locations, and projects. Very excited for whats coming towards us this year.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Be patient with yourself / understand when you need to take time for being inspired. Develop practices that put you at peace -because when your bodies at peace- this is when creative inspiration can root. Continue to start with the easiest, next, right thing, that will allow you to be in your next best state. Be sensitive to what your body mind and spirit really need.. instead of what it might be craving.

2. Communicating efficiently and un-emotionally is an incredible skill. Being sure of terms and conditions will protect yourself from things that projects or collaborations that could be HUGE hinderances. Being realistic with yourself when building a timeline is a great example! Being able to take your insecurities, ego, and emotions out of communications allows for a more strategic and logical means of boundary based negotiation. This skill not only affects your artistic collabs but can really improve tangled relationships with people in life!

3. You must be prepared to look stupid, be criticized, put down, talked about, ridiculed, cut off- even when you’ve done nothing… just trying the best you can. When you shine- people will try and dim your light- its just a simple fact. Dont take it personally, instead just stear clear of them. Be able to see when someone is not valuing you or does not have your back. Don’t be surprised – don’t even be offended. Continue on your path.
Learn to come through for yourself first before counting on others. No one really cares as much as you. Count on 99% no one helping unless there is something valuable in it for them… know this use this to your advantage- create value for others.
Have a strong sense of yourself. Know, deeply, who you are / what you want and have thick skin.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

We are a network- connecting pieces together to make a whole puzzle. Seeking out these entities who can contribute as puzzle pieces to our projects and programs: creatives, venues, businesses, non-profits, sponsors, media teams, museums, ect. We are seeking people who want to contribute to something that they can influence and benefit from individually AND collectively.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://creoleconnection.art
• Instagram: @creoleconnection.art
• Facebook: Creole Connection
• Linkedin: Kalli Padgett
• Twitter: ~
• Youtube: ~
• Yelp: ~
• Soundcloud: ~