We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keisha Candido. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keisha below.
Keisha, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Do we ever overcome imposter syndrome? (haha) I find myself falling back into this hole quite often in my journey, however, I try to remind myself that I have a right to make art however I want. Others can like it or not, that’s just how the world is. I create because I love to create, not to please others. If my art resonates with you, then that is wonderful and I’ll welcome you into the Creative Ink family right away; but you don’t have to and that’s okay too–there’s enough room for all of us here.
I also have a great community of artist and business owner friends that are the greatest support ever! When I’m feeling down or not up to par, they never fail to comment and tell me how much they enjoy my work and that changes everything. I am a huge advocate of buoying up others, especially those who are in the same boat as you. Hot business owner gals don’t gatekeep or hate–and I’m so lucky to belong to such a kick ass community of hot gals.
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?
Hi! I’m Keisha: mental health advocate, quirky creative artist, lover of Mint M&M’s & Hershey’s Cookies & Cream, dedicated to women’s pride & health, supporter of healthy relationships, and owner of The Creative Ink.
I started this business in 2012 as a hobby after graduating college and have worked hard to grow it especially in the last five years into the happy place it is today. I graduated in Interior Design from Utah State University and adored my time there. I fell in love with graphic design and illustrations in my free time and always wished I could be “that girl” that could whip some drawing up in a couple of minutes. But. . .I thought that I was the worst drawer in the world. I could picture it in my head, but it never turned out the way I wanted.
I gave up. I tried again. I gave up. Then I knew if I wanted to be a successful designer. . .I HAD to learn to sketch. So I practiced. And practiced. I gained some confidence and practiced some more. Now I’ve found my eccentric style and love to spend my time drawing quirky designs to bring happiness.
As a woman with anxiety, ADHD, PCOS, and other mental and chronic health issues, I’m passionate about creating a community of shes, kind hes, and theys who wear their pride as well as their weaknesses on their sleeves so we can buoy each other up and get through this life with happiness together. The Creative Ink is your one-stop-shop for one-of-a-kind artistic gifts to help you and your friends find happiness as we navigate this complicated world together.
I specialize in quirky family and pet portraits, fabulous waterproof stickers, and colorful handwritten cards. I love anything that helps people feel seen and loved and I work hard to bring all of you brave and kind people the support you need.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Learn as much as you can! I started studying Interior Design; and then made my way to marketing and sales; and then over to Graphic Design, Illustrating, and business owning. I am constantly taking classes, listening to podcasts, watching videos and trying to learn as much as I can. Never stop–it’s so important to creativity to keep your mind growing and changing constantly.
Be kind! I wholeheartedly believe the purpose we are on Earth is to help each other out and search for joy. Life is hard and none of us can do it alone. A smile, a hug, or five minutes of listening can change a persons day from crappy to happy. This also applies to yourself. I am working hard in therapy to speak kindly to my heart & mind and remind myself this is the first time I am living out this day in this way: so it’s okay to make mistakes and love yourself through it.
Just TRY it! I can’t count the number of times I have been scared to try something new. Most of the times that I said yes to the new it ended up being easier & more fun than I thought, worth the effort, and changed the way I see the world. The other times that maybe didn’t go as smoothly–I still learned something (through the tears; I’m a crier!) and grew into a stronger and more capable human. Try it–in spite of what you think people will say and don’t be afraid to apologize for and learn from any mistakes you may make.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I always love a collaboration! I was never the group project lover in school because I just wanted the control of doing it how I wanted! As I’ve grown, I’ve learned that collaborating with like-hearted individuals is the best way to expand your mind and come up with new ideas now and in the future.
Notice how I didn’t say like-minded individuals: I believe great minds think differently because of the experiences we have been through separately–and that is where the magic happens. Like-hearted people, however, have similar values and can work together to create fascinating work.
You’ll know if you’re like-hearted to me if you are the following. Creative: you like to design products that mean something to you. Brave: you are up for trying new products/styles and living live unapologetically. Loving: you understand the balance between work and relationships and truly care about people. Happy: you are proud of your own and others accomplishments and wins. Finally, dedicated: mental health and other good organizations are important to you and you’re willing to give time to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: TheCreativeInk.Etsy.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thecreativeink/
