We were lucky to catch up with Jalyesa ‘Jay’ Boutte recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jalyesa ‘Jay’, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?
Being laid off from my corporate job was initially a shock, but as I reflected on the experience through the lens of my faith in God, I came to see it as a divine sign pointing me toward my true calling. I realized that this layoff wasn’t just an unfortunate event, but rather a pivotal moment that God used to steer me towards my authentic passion for creativity a gift I believe I was blessed with. Embracing this change allowed me to explore my artistic abilities and pursue a career where I could express myself fully. I realized how I many years I’ve suppressed who I am in order to fit into a society developed and structured by the flesh.
My story, I find, resonates with many, especially women navigating sudden transformations in their lives. It’s a reminder that while change can feel daunting, it often leads us to paths we are meant to walk. Through faith and acceptance, we can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m incredibly excited to push my artistry into spaces where I feel my work is genuinely designed to thrive. My focus is shifting towards art lending and renting, along with commissioning and designing my pieces for real estate staging, offices, lobbies, Airbnbs, and other high-traffic environments or residential homes. This approach not only elevates these spaces but also transforms them into experiences that resonate with visitors and occupants alike.
Along with finding my audience, Ramajay Artistry’s brand aims to inspire others to tap into their creativity and embrace their authentic selves. I have created an art experience brand specifically for this purpose, which I can’t wait to launch soon. Through this initiative, I hope to facilitate environments where people feel encouraged to explore their own artistic passions, ultimately fostering a vibrant community of creativity and expression. I believe that art has the power to connect and uplift, and I’m eager to share this journey with others.
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?
Reflecting on my journey as an artist, I believe that the three most important qualities I’ve cultivated are vulnerability, purpose, and a commitment to continuous learning. Becoming a professional artist involves a profound internal transition that requires embracing vulnerability and being open to growth. I challenge fellow artists and creatives to dig deep and find their purpose; this clarity allows them to identify not only their strengths but also their areas of weakness. Once you’ve discovered your artistic goal, it becomes possible to teach others while also learning from them and this reciprocal process helps expand your skillset. For instance, I’ve realized my art goal, but I recognize that I need to work on my public speaking to effectively convey my vision and connect with my audience. My advice for those early in their journey is to be patient with themselves, embrace their vulnerability, and actively seek out opportunities for improvement. This mindset will empower them to fully realize their creative potential. Allow yourself grace.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I am a passionate person, and when I focus on something, I genuinely invest all of my energy into it. My approach to Ramajay Artistry mirrors the dedication I applied to my corporate job and education. I firmly believe that if I can give my all for the benefit of others, I can do the same, if not more, for my artistry. As a creative, I’ve always had a knack for problem-solving, seeking out innovative solutions, and now I channel that same mindset into my work with Ramajay Artistry. While I believe in leveraging our strengths, I also see the value in becoming well-rounded by improving weaker areas. It’s about balance. Aligning my problem-solving skills with my artistic endeavors allows me to approach challenges with a fresh perspective. For example, when I faced hurdles in presenting my work publicly, I committed to practicing and refining my public speaking skills, which not only helped me convey my art’s essence more effectively but also fostered personal growth. Ultimately, I think embracing both strengths and weaknesses allows us to reach our full potential. It’s like removing the invisible walls we place on ourselves which opens up endless possibilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ramajayartistry.com
- Instagram: Ramajay_Artistry
- Other: Email: [email protected]
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