Nae’Keisha Jones shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Nae’Keisha, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Discovering life for me and not having fear to dream again and dream big
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi my name is Nae’Keisha. I’m a creative , illustrator, muralist, and writer of short stories and poems . I’m the ray of sunshine and laughter in most rooms I set myself in.
My illustrations have been featured in Deep, a Savannah-based art publication celebrating the creativity of local teens and youth, with contributions to the Spring 2023 and 2024 collections. My creative practice naturally extends beyond illustration into the community—most notably through public art projects is a group mural collaborating with Zay Hutchins, Brian MacGregor, &Alfredo Martinez at Enmarket Arena, a vibrant piece that reflects the rhythm, resilience, and energy of Savannah itself. As a collective we were intentional about involving the neighborhood as well to be apart of the mural as well.
As both an artist I’m intentional about the projects I take on—each one rooted in connection, storytelling, and impact. I see art as a bridge: a way to bring people together, to heal, and to reimagine shared spaces. In my role as Second Vice Chair of Programming for the Telfair Museum’s Friends of African American Arts, I work to ensure that art remains inclusive and representative of the many voices that shape our culture.
Beyond the gallery, I focus on initiatives that empower others—whether through murals, public art collaborations, or community-driven programs. As a new board member for SafeShelter and ATL_Space, I continue to create and support projects that center belonging, visibility, and care. Through everything I do, my goal is simple: to use art as a transformative force that reminds us of our collective light.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Just a girl with thousands barrettes in my hair, running around outside in front of home “cheffing it up” making mud pies and dirt cookies, or the girl who curled up in a homemade tent of blankets over the dining room table reading my latest book from the library or drawing with my little brother.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Playing music. Music always changed the mood.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That burnout is the goal or that you have to do everything yourself.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What light inside you have you been dimming?
Lately, I’ve been finding joy in the art of discovery. For my birthday, I bought myself a record player—not just for the music, but for the ritual of it. I realized I didn’t even know where the local vinyl shops were, so I set out to find them. There was something cinematic about it all—like walking into scenes from Love Jones or Lincoln Heights—flipping through worn album covers, trading stories and recommendations with people who genuinely love what they do.
What began as a hunt for sound slowly became something more—a return to what inspires me. It stirred my appreciation for photography and visual storytelling, the kind that captures fleeting moments and the feeling of home in unexpected places. It reminded me that joy doesn’t always come with a plan—sometimes, it arrives when we follow our curiosity and let ourselves be moved.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
