We recently connected with Melia Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Melia, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic definitely comes from my family. Seeing them as a little girl always pushing through to achieve and accomplish their goals was and still is inspiring. It definitely sculpted me to be the woman I am today.
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?
My name is Melia Jones and I am the owner of my brand Reneka J Creations. I am a self-taught visual artist based in Columbus, Georgia and I have been painting for 5 years. The best part of being an artist for me is the sense of community and freedom it gives me. It allows me to simply express touch people emotionally in ways unimaginable. Its always rewarding to see how much of a difference I can make.
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?
Looking back, what helped me most was simply trying and putting my best foot forward, reaching out to people who were experienced that could help me along my own journey, and enjoying all accomplishments big and small.
From my first painting to my most recent, I have definitely came a long way. I have always drawn a little growing up, but I’ve never taken it serious until later in my life. My first painting was not my best; however, every piece I painted after that, I could see it progressively getting better. Were there times I wanted to give up? Of course! But I really wanted to challenge myself so I would look up YouTube videos on something I was struggling with and try different methods to help me improve. So ALWAYS keep trying! We never know what our potential could lead us if we didn’t.
Reaching out to people that were more experienced in the artistic world definitely helped me along my journey. I was able to learn and take advice and applied it in the bast way I could. Not everyone will be willing to help, and that’s okay! Don’t be discouraged and let it stop you. You will find those people that are!
Lastly, enjoy your accomplishments big and small! From painting my first piece to having my first solo show planned and curated by myself, I enjoyed the big and small accomplishments leading to that moment. Applying myself and and being determined to achieve goals I set for myself. There will be ups and downs, but the most important thing is to keep going even in the face of adversity. Embrace the journey and be amazed at how much you evolve.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My tribe and family has been the most influential, loving, comforting people I have ever had in my life. I would often doubt my talents and capabilities and they were always there to remind me who I am and to continue to show that. Mental gems that would keep me going and to push myself in many ways to evolve. I will always be grateful for them. I don’t think I would be where I am now artistically if it weren’t for them. I am still growing, evolving, and pushing to be the very best artist I can be and touch even more people far and wide
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/renekaj_creations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renekajcreations?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: tiktok.com/@_renekajcreations25
Image Credits
Raul Akronym Jim
