Meet Kelsey Arrington-Shaw

We recently connected with Kelsey Arrington-Shaw and have shared our conversation below.

Kelsey, 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?

I’ve learned to tune out the negative thoughts and inner critic when I am the only one in the room that looks like me. In those instances, I try to remind myself that I deserve to be there and that I know what I am doing. Being self-aware and self-assured goes a long way when you’re alone in professional settings.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Here is my artist bio:

Kelsey Arrington-Shaw (American, b. 1992) is an African American Fine Art Photographer. Born and raised in Detroit, MI, she earned her BFA in Photography from the College for Creative Studies in 2015. After working in the arts in Washington, DC for six years, she returned to Detroit in 2021, reconnecting with the city that shaped her identity and creative perspective.

Through her work, Arrington delves into identity, drawing on themes of American social anthropology and the African diaspora. Using ethnographic research and photographic manipulation, she uncovers personal truths about her experiences of Blackness and womanhood, inviting viewers to engage with her unique perspective.

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?

Patience, persistence and unwavering belief in one’s self. Through trial and error, I’ve learned to be patient in my journey and persistent in my efforts to achieve my dreams. I am still working on the unwavering confidence.

If you’re just starting out, try not to compare yourself to others so much. Remember, you’re competing with yourself…others are your peers.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

I would spend each day trying something new, learning and loving as deeply as I possibly could. I would be indulgent in every way possible. I would try new foods as often as I could, take walks daily and possibly delete my social media.

I would try to be present for that decade and lovingly honest with everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kelseyarrington.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyarrington.shaw/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-arrington/

Image Credits

I have all image rights