An Inspired Chat with Kiana “V.” Ware of Lithonia

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kiana “V.” Ware. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Kiana “V.”, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Painting. No matter how many times I get behind a canvas, it always remains my most peaceful escape. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, happy, sad, or mad, painting brings me back to center and helps me find that peace within myself.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey Ya’ll, it’s Kiana “V.” Ware! I’m the owner of The WareHouse 🙏🏽

For those of you who have been rockin with me since 2Ware4u welcome back 🫶🏽 but for my NEW followers, allow me to introduce myself.

I am an ARTIST 👩🏾‍🎨 first.

I am a veteran, model, musician, photographer, dancer, martial artist, graphic designer, marketer, and whatever else my black-owned business requires me to be to run this WareHouse.

My main source of energy goes to my full-service graphic design business BeWare Designs which has been in business since 2008. We specialize in all things design to include interior design builds, conceptual floorpans, paintings, murals, prints, photography services and more. We pride ourselves in building other small businesses up with an emphasis on empowering those of the black and brown communities.

Our newest endeavor includes crowdfunding for a brick and mortar design space for The WareHouse.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
My federal contracting position has served me well over the past decade, but I feel inclined to let it go at this point in my life. In a way it has always felt like my alternate path, allowing me to protect and serve in a different capacity after leaving the military. However now that I am growing my businesses and investing more time into my creative endeavors it has felt more like the draining factor in my daily life. Since I was let go off my contract back in March I have committed to my art full-time and feel so much more like myself.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
A few years ago I went through a messy divorce and I was vocal about the pains and betrayals that led me to moving forward. In doing so I received an outpouring of support from everyone in my network and I realized there was power in sharing my struggles. My art transformed into a new space as I continued to use my craft as therapy. Offering more layers to the work I created catapulted my career into rooms I had never dreamt of. I never realized that the thing my work lacked was actually the transparency of the pain that takes me to the beauty. Now I wear it as my superpower.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. I think social media really taints the authenticity of connection and image for the average entrepreneur. Celebrities have very clear roles they play in various settings but for the common person, it seems we’re all competing against the image we mold and the image that’s perceived. For me, I always hid behind my brand online and showed up in my full energy in person. It wasn’t until covid in 2020 that I really started to share more of my energy online. It’s a risky business to be honest and I’ve had a lot of people take my transparency for granted. To offer up a curtain pull on my creativity is to take a peek into my life. My energy, my values, my character and personality are all deeply woven into my brand because the brand is built on me. Not everyone can say that, but I pride myself in it. When you meet me out in person, you get a little taste of what it’s like to experience me in my daily life.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Doing what others expect of me. So often I find myself second guessing bold decisions I want to make based on what other people might think or expect. If I knew how limited my time was I’d stop that in a heartbeat.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@chockItsknpopn @officialbewaredesigns

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