Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michele Knox. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michele , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a Black woman in a predominantly white male professional environment, I’ve come to understand and accept that I will always stand out. I ‘ve had to cultivate my confidence and master my craft to not only succeed but often surpass my white male colleagues, recognizing that as a black woman, I face unique challenges. This capability has also translated into my work in the art world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I aspire to make a meaningful impact by representing strong women who embody vulnerability alongside strength. I believe in showcasing the sensitivity that can coexist with resilience, demonstrating that it’s possible to overcome challenges while maintaining a strong work ethic. my approach is to take life one day at a time, always putting God first in my journey. This includes my profession and my art world. On a personal level, I am a caregiver for my mother, who has dementia. In addition to my professional work as a molecular imaging technologist, I am also engaged in the art world while managing my responsibilities at home. I never imagined I could balance all three roles, but it requires a great deal of discipline. God has blessed me with a great support system to help me to maintain all 3 roles. I am here to say it can be done. Despite my challenges, art has been a lifeline for me, providing a therapeutic escape from the daily grind of life. I truly enjoy the connections I make with others and find the challenges within the art world to be invigorating. I’m grateful to have embarked on this journey and look forward to more opportunities and discoveries ahead. As I navigate this path, I’m learning so much about myself, which is incredibly rewarding. My future plans include participating in more exhibits, with the aspiration of hosting a solo exhibit someday. My goal is to continue growing as an artist and to gain recognition for all I’ve achieved, especially in the face of adversity, while embracing the opportunities that arise through my art.
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?
Embrace fearlessness, discipline and professionalism by continuously seeking opportunities to learn, challenging yourself regularly, and enjoying the process along the way.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My mentor/friend Cheryl Wilson, I couldn’t have done any of this without her period!!!! I thank God for putting us together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://micheleknox.com
- Instagram: micki_abstract_art
- Facebook: Michele K. The Artist
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
