An Inspired Chat with Jaelyn Clay of Southeast, Washington DC

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jaelyn Clay. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Jaelyn, 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 is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
During this past year I have added to my family. I had my first child. I have been welcoming my baby boy to the world. I have truly been enjoying spending time, building our bond and teaching him as he grows. He has taught me that time really does fly by. It has been a challenge to balance family and work life but it’s coming around for me slowly but surely.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jaelyn Clay also known as “JaeLaSoull” on social media like TikTok and Instagram. I am known for my art work. Art has always been a passion of mine, I have been creating ever since I was a little girl. I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. which is also where I attended high school at Duke Ellington School of the Arts for visual arts. I then graduated with my Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
I love to paint, I create art on pretty much anything that can hold paint. Things such as clothes, shoes, belts, bags, and even small canvases like press-on nails.
As of recently, I have been working on growing customers for my custom press-on nail sets. I sale my custom press-on sets on my Etsy shop, Jaelasoull. In my shop you will find a variety of hand painted nails, wearable customs, and paintings on canvas of all sizes. Since it is the start of fall, this month I have been creating nail sets under the “spooky theme”. I have attached pictures of some of the sets I have done over time. I love using art to express myself but also help others express themselves as well. There is no better feeling than using your passion as “work” everyday.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The earliest memory of feeling powerful would be when I was a little girl and I first realized that not everyone could look at a picture of something and draw it. I have always enjoyed creating art but this is when I first realized that everyone was not born with this talent. This immediately made me feel important and valuable. It made me want to always create because of the proud/positive reactions I would get from family and friends. It made me always want to out-due the last thing I created which has led me to where I am today as a visual artist.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell myself to never stop believing in just how beautiful, talented and unique that you are. Focus on your talent like you already are and your future is yours. Always keep God first and you can literally accomplish any and everything you put your mind to. Speaking of the mind, it is very powerful so watch out for the things you are constantly thinking about whether it be good or bad. Lastly, I love you.

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 the way we stand out individually is simply by being ourselves. Staying true and authentic to you not only helps others relate and attract to you, but it also guides others on the ways to go about in life. Not being afraid to have a different opinion/thoughts than the crowd, believing in yourself and knowing that what you think should also be just as important as everyone else’s thoughts/opinions.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am 100% doing what I was born to do. Art has always been my passion. I love color and I love to create art using it. Art has always been an area in the working field that most people don’t find very necessary or important but I think the complete opposite. I feel satisfaction after creating all of my art work, whether it be a painting or a custom press-on nail set. I think that feeling itself is way more valuable and worth waking up everyday to do. I don’t think there is any better feeling than loving what you do for a living. Lastly, can we even imagine what the world would look like if there weren’t any artist to ever create? Yeah I can’t either..

Contact Info:

• Other: Linktree :

  https://linktr.ee/jaelasoull

Image Credits
Jaelyn Clay