We were lucky to catch up with Keisha Jordan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Keisha, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I discovered my purpose through a journey of self-exploration, rooted in my passions and life experiences. Over time, I realized that art, creativity, and storytelling weren’t just interests—they were integral to who I am and how I engage with the world. As I navigated my career as a Creative Director in advertising, often as the only one who looked like me in the room, and balanced my personal roles as an artist, filmmaker, lupus survivor, and owner of a home decor business, I began to see how these passions aligned with a higher calling: to create spaces and experiences that uplift, inspire, and reflect the beauty and world around us.
It wasn’t one defining moment but a series of small realizations. I found my purpose by noticing what excited me, what made me feel most alive, and where I could make a meaningful contribution. Purpose, I’ve learned, isn’t static—it grows as we do, evolving with every challenge and opportunity that shapes our lives.
For me, it’s about staying curious, embracing creativity, and constantly seeking to make a positive impact. Whether through community art or corporate campaigns for major brands, I believe in art’s profound ability to unite people. Art is a universal language that bridges cultural divides, shares histories, and inspires reflection.
My work with the Lupus Foundation of America, along with my film and art, shines a light on lupus warriors, giving a voice to those living with this often “invisible disease.” Despite immense challenges, these individuals live with joy, courage, and incredible strength. It’s their stories of resilience that truly deserve to be celebrated.
Through my company, Complex Flavors, I channel my purpose into designs that tell stories and transform spaces while elevating underrepresented voices. Knowing my work can bring beauty, meaning, and empowerment to others is what fuels me every day.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a Cultural Storyteller and Creator, I breathe new life into timeless traditions and artistic expressions, celebrating the rich tapestry of human creativity by blending the past with the present. Through thoughtful curation and original art, I craft experiences that spark reflection, foster connections, and inspire meaningful conversations.
With a deep love for storytelling, I curate exhibitions that honor voices from the past while creating original works that resonate with contemporary audiences. Each project is a journey—a seamless fusion of heritage and modernity—inviting people to engage with culture in thoughtful, transformative ways.
Art has the power to transform both spaces and lives. By creating environments where creativity flourishes and stories are shared, I celebrate diversity and the connections that unite us in our shared humanity. Through this vibrant exploration of cultural revival, I aim to elevate the beauty of our collective experiences while inspiring others to join the conversation.
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?
As an artist and cultural storyteller, three of the most important qualities and skills I bring to my work are creative vision, cultural awareness, and the ability to foster meaningful connections. These attributes shape everything I do—from curating immersive experiences that honor tradition while embracing contemporary perspectives to weaving stories that amplify underrepresented voices and celebrate our shared humanity.
Creative vision allows me to see the potential for transformation in every project, crafting art and spaces that spark reflection and inspire dialogue. Cultural awareness guides my exploration of diverse narratives, helping me bring depth and authenticity to the stories I tell through my work. Finally, my ability to connect with communities and collaborators is essential for creating environments that resonate, where art becomes a bridge to understanding and celebration.
These skills are at the heart of my upcoming projects, including an art show focusing on the diaspora’s resilience and identity and my collaboration with the Lupus Foundation of America to empower and educate the lupus community. At Complex Flavors Home + Life, these qualities drive our mission to transform spaces into sanctuaries of beauty, self-reflection, and cultural revival, inspiring everyone to find their voice and connect with the world around them.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Strengthening interpersonal relationships—both with others and with myself—is at the heart of my creative journey. I’ve come to realize that building meaningful connections starts with nurturing my own well-being and healing.
One of the biggest challenges I currently face is making time for self-care, particularly when it comes to my mental health. My active life is deeply fulfilling, centered around my work and passion projects, but I’ve come to understand the importance of balancing productivity with rest and reflection. Achieving the life I want requires giving myself permission to pause, prioritize self-care, and embrace moments of stillness.
In the past, I often felt guilty for taking breaks, saying no, or ending the day early, but as a lupus survivor, I’ve realized how critical it is to balance my responsibilities with my health. Living with lupus has taught me resilience, patience, and the value of grace during difficult times. Now, I’m actively working on giving myself the space to recharge, reminding myself that rest is not a luxury but a necessity.
This mindset has allowed me to better navigate the demands of life while nurturing both my mental health and my creative spirit. By prioritizing self-care, I’ve found that my relationships with others also grow stronger—when I show up for myself, I’m better equipped to show up for the people and communities I care about. This journey of balancing work, art, and well-being has not only transformed the way I approach my projects but has also deepened my connection to the stories I tell and the lives I touch through my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.complexflavorslife.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complexflavors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/complexflavors
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ztuSOcMBDM
Image Credits
Photographer Amber Deery – Trondheim Studios
