Meet Keshay ‘Xslumpd’ Jeffries

We recently connected with Keshay ‘Xslumpd’ Jeffries and have shared our conversation below.

Keshay ‘Xslumpd’, 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 that questioning why you’re the only person in the room who looks like you only creates limits where none should exist. With time, I’ve developed the ability to adapt to my environment and focus on my goals with clarity and intention. My work ethic and belief system guide me through every space I enter and it’s never without purpose. There are no limitations unless you create them by only believing in what you can see. When I step into a room, I do so intentionally, because knowledge and confidence speak louder than appearance. I’ve gained experience by connecting with people across diverse fields, not just within my own. Every room I step into has meaning, because if I’m there, there’s a reason for it. Sometimes, all you need is a little delusion to believe you can achieve anything and the worries about why or why not will disappear.

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

I’m a multidisciplinary artist and creative director whose journey began in 2018 with the launch of XSLUMPD, a skater-inspired clothing brand that gained strong early traction. As my creative vision evolved, I transitioned into sculpting—seeking new ways to express emotion visually rather than verbally. My first sculpture, Onyx, was showcased in a gallery just one week after its completion, marking the start of my exhibition career. Since then, I’ve participated in numerous shows both domestically and internationally, collaborated with universities and government programs, and expanded my artistic reach across multiple disciplines. My work has been featured in PhotoVogue, podcast, articles and more. As of now, I am currently represented by Loww Gallery in Tokyo, Japan.

Over the years, I’ve aimed to merge fashion and fine art into a single immersive experience. This led to collaborations with major fashion shows, where I integrate art installations before or during the runway to create interactive moments for audiences. I believe fashion and art exist in constant dialogue each expanding the other’s impact aesthetically and intellectually.

Everything I create operates under XSLUMPD, my independent umbrella for all visual direction, styling, curation, and production. Art has opened doors I never imagine both physically and mentally. Through years of hands-on experience in curation, styling, modeling, photography, and videography, I’ve built the versatility to manage every layer of my work with full creative and strategic awareness.

In 2026 I’ll be doing independent fashion shows and more under XSLUMPD N’ Friends! So be on the lookout for 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?

Adaptability allowed me to evolve across mediums from clothing design to sculpture to art direction—without losing my core identity. The ability to adjust to new environments, audiences, and opportunities has been essential to my growth.

Creative discipline taught me consistency. Inspiration is valuable, but discipline sustains the work. Every project, whether a sculpture or a visual campaign, requires structure, patience, and a commitment to finishing what you start.

Self-awareness helped me understand my purpose as an artist. It’s what keeps my work authentic and aligned with who I am, rather than what’s trending. There’s nothing wrong with following trends but eventually the trend dies out and the audience loses focuses on why they even know who you are. Be valuable to yourself and to those you interact with.

Advice for Emerging Creatives
For those just beginning their journey, experiment freely but commit deeply. Learn to adapt without losing your vision, build habits that support your creativity every day, and take time to understand what drives you. Don’t rush to fit in and take breaks when needed focus on refining your craft until your work speaks for itself. Growth comes from staying curious, showing up consistently, and trusting your evolution.

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 believe it’s always best to go all in on your strengths and build from there. That’s exactly how my journey unfolded. I started with what came naturally, art and used it as a foundation to branch into other creative fields like fashion, photography, and creative direction. By mastering one area first, I was able to establish credibility and confidence that carried over into everything else I pursued.

When you focus on your strengths, you create momentum. That momentum opens doors and builds opportunities to develop new skills organically, rather than forcing growth in areas that don’t align with your natural talents. My art became the root of my career it allowed me to experiment, connect, and evolve. Strength, once refined, becomes a bridge to everything else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/slumpdfriends/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xslumpd/?hl=en

Image Credits

@k.enyon
@jonathanvizionary
@eyeamnovember
@bylenamayfield
@pretty.reef
@blun.tz