Meet Ashlie Kègo

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashlie Kègo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashlie , 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?

Being the only one in the room has taught me resilience and pride. I remember standing in a gallery as the only Black woman artist featured surrounded by people who didn’t look like me, but who were seeing my work for the first time. In that moment, I felt both the weight of expectation and the power of representation.

Instead of shrinking back, I leaned into authenticity. I spoke about my heritage, my journey, and why my art matters. What once felt like isolation turned into an opportunity to open hearts and change perspectives. Being “the only one” taught me that my difference is my strength and that using my voice boldly can inspire others to know they belong, too.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a visual artist, educator and founder of Ashlie Kègo Art. My work blends bold African-inspired patterns, vibrant color blocking, and storytelling to celebrate heritage and identity. Beyond creating paintings, I use my art as a bridge sparking conversations, uplifting communities, and raising awareness for causes close to my heart, like sickle cell disease.

What excites me most is that my art doesn’t just live on canvas it inspires learning, connection, and impact. As an educator, I weave creativity into early childhood development, helping children fall in love with learning through music, storytelling, and art. That combination of teaching and artistry is what makes my journey so unique.

Through my brand, I’ve had the honor of exhibiting at the de Young Museum, Macy’s, and West Elm, while also speaking on tech panels and using my platform to give back. At the core of it all, my mission is simple: to create art and experiences that uplift, educate, and inspire while leaving a legacy of creativity and empowerment for the next generation.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

For me, three qualities have been most impactful: resilience, creativity, and relationship-building.

Resilience kept me moving forward when doors closed or when I was the only one in the room who looked like me. Instead of letting challenges stop me, I learned to see them as opportunities to grow stronger. Creativity has been my compass it’s not just about painting or teaching, but about finding new ways to connect, solve problems, and inspire others. And relationship-building has opened countless doors; every exhibition, panel, and opportunity has come from genuine connections with people who believed in my work.

For those just starting out, my advice is this: Resilience comes from practice don’t shy away from rejection, use it as fuel. Creativity grows when you give yourself permission to explore and play don’t box yourself in. And relationships thrive on authenticity show up as yourself, give more than you take, and nurture your network with care. When you strengthen those three qualities, you’ll not only move forward, you’ll stand out

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

Yes, collaboration is at the heart of what I do. I’m always open to partnering with galleries, curators, and collectors who are passionate about bold, culturally-rooted art. I also love collaborating with educators, nonprofits, and organizations that believe in the power of creativity to inspire change especially in areas like early childhood development, cultural storytelling, and advocacy for sickle cell awareness.

I’m also interested in connecting with brands and companies that value authentic representation and want to bring art into new spaces, whether through exhibitions, partnerships, or creative campaigns.

If you’d like to collaborate, you can reach me directly at [email protected] or visit my website www.ashliekegoart.com to learn more about my work.

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