We recently connected with Keri Davis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Keri, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I grew up in a small town in South Texas, living with my parents and just down the road from my paternal grandparents. Everyone was an entrepreneur of some kind. I saw a great deal of hard work and stick-to-itness going on.
My grandfather and dad were out of the house at 5 am getting road crews out to pave roads. I saw the respect of the people that worked for them as they set the tone for what a good day’s work looked like.
My father told me something that still resonates with me. I had just begun working my first high pressure and high responsibility job, and was working hard and long hours, and was honestly, feeling worried about burn out. He said, “Start early and do your best work all day. At the end of the day, you have to tell yourself what you have done is enough. Take time with family and rest so you can give the next day the same attention.” That remark really gave me a roadmap to figure out how to handle the workload. The concept that, by not getting enough sleep, family time, eating right and taking care of yourself, you are robbing yourself of a job well done tomorrow really hit home.
It has to be an acknowledged thing, that you can’t allow yourself to drive yourself into the ground. That the day is done and the work was good. This leads to setting boundaries. Big plans don’t work unless there is longevity so you have to set a pace and create balance.
There is only so much one person can do in a day. Give yourself credit at the stopping point, make it a firm stop, no phone working after that. When I take a second and allow myself to acknowledge and feel some fulfillment from that life seems to stay in perspective.
My mother on the other hand, started her own aerobics business and choreographed musicals in the evening. Her example to me was all about people skills and doing what brings you joy. You must give excellent service and attention to anyone connected to your business dealings.
That consistency of attitude I set as an internal expectation. If you hold yourself to that standard you will be proud of the work you have done and the way in which you have done it.
Last but in no means least, my grandmother, who owned an art gallery in our small town. She was great at really listening and being still. She would listen to others and carefully chose her response. In that skill she was able to hear how she could be of service to others and her conversations held more weight.
I named my own art gallery after my grandmother to honor her mentorship, encouragement and the example she set.
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?
I own Pacesetter Gallery, an art gallery that focuses on providing original art and unique gifts. We have 70 artists from all across the state of Mississippi, featuring a wide range of styles, price points and mediums. It’s truly more of a mission than anything else, we strive provide inspiring works of art to that support our artists and grow arts in our community.
We also are a place of creative community and support. Every month there are many events from artist-led painting events, non-profit fundraisers, poetry night, art lessons for youth and adults, and workshops by our artists. We provide hands on experience and a place where people can connect with each other and the art.
We have a great website that shares the stories of the artists and their work, pacesettergallery.com and we ship art all across the U.S.
In 2024, we were awarded the Mississippi Tourism Attraction of the Year at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism for bringing in travelers and locals to connect with the work and experience art first had with our events. We have only been open 4 years and voted Best Mississippi Art Gallery by Mississippi Magazine Readers for 2023, 2024 and 2025. At Pacesetter Gallery, creating meaningful experiences and connections to original art is our passion and winning awards signals we are improving the quality of life through the arts and we are proud of that.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Creative marketing, the power of networking (which includes being a trustworthy and ethical person) and understanding how to control your expenses would be the three things that have led to our success.
The best advice I have is to get to know people in your area through networking groups, ribbon cuttings or whatever ways you can meet other businesspeople in your area and share what you do. Collaborate on marketing efforts or special events that showcase your space or talent and if something doesn’t seem to be bearing fruit don’t be afraid to pivot and try something else. Learn how to read a profit and loss statement and be aware of what is absolutely essential for your business to run and what could be cut away to lean down your expenses.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed I play music or make art. I read a book or go for a walk. I recently started working out with a personal trainer and set some health goals. Being an entrepreneur makes it harder to separate work and home life so putting some specific activities in place weekly helps maintain the balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pacesettergallery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacesettergallery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacesettergallery
Image Credits
Photo of Keri Davis with black dress on photographer Jamese Wiley, photo
Of Keri Davis painting outside in the evening Taste of Flowood Event Regina Todd, the rest are courtesy of Keri Davis
Artwork pictured:
Mug by J. Wilson Pottery
Dusk by Carol Roark, oil
Ode to Nature by David Rawlinson, watercolor
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
