We had the good fortune of connecting with Kamil JaDore and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kamil, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Creations By JaDore LLC was formed because I was tired of waiting/ relying on other people to give me anything. As a black woman with mental health disorders, I refused to play by other people’s rules anymore. Becoming an entrepreneur is daunting and becoming a business owner is a whole other ball game. Making that decision for myself was my only way out. If I didn’t take the leap of faith and bet it all on myself there weren’t many alternatives for me. Having a business and putting your all into it gives you another sense of purpose a 9-5 just won’t give you. No matter what obstacles I face or how great the risk I continue to push forward because I remember my why. That why is the reason I decided to do any of this, why I keep going even on my darkest days, why I show up for myself when no one else is there. The goals I have for myself, and my business are far greater than any set back no matter how great the sacrifice.
I became an artist because art helped save my life and it’s my therapy. I specialize in the use of alcohol inks and epoxy resin I also use an array of other materials that include LED lights and glow-in-the-dark materials. My unique style of artistry and how I approach it makes my artwork stand out. Due to my connection to the energy around me, I can convey whatever I want onto a canvas despite it being an abstract style. I understand how colors and textures connect to the brain and how playing with them can connect people on different levels. I believe things can be limitless if executed properly and have applied that not to my art but in life as well.
Art has a way of resonating with people the art itself is silent yet speaks such a loud language that no matter who you are you can hear it and feel it. That connection with art is one major reason why I became an artist. Every piece that I create speaks a different message and sings a different tune thus creating its own experience.
The vision for Creations By JaDore LLC is to be its own legacy. The legacy is changing the way people interact with resin/ ink art, and how they see and feel it. My artwork shows the diversity and versatility that resin has whilst incorporating the use of inks. I would love for Creations By JaDore LLC to grow in a massive way reaching very high places and creating an impact in the world. As an independent artist and business owner, I have massive goals and dreams that with time will all be accomplished so stay tuned.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I specialize in the use of alcohol inks and epoxy resin however I often incorporate other materials. Artistically my style is more in-depth than just being abstract in its nature you connect with my work spiritually, psychologically, and emotionally. This will happen even without you realizing it. I’m very intentional with everything I do, including my artwork so much so I will not even touch a canvas without a deliberate intent for it.
Every color, texture, and style of each piece is intentional. From start to finish it should be an experience not just for me the artist but for you as the viewer. My dedication to that view is what not only draws you in but will keep you coming back for more.
I enjoy seeing people see the layers of the experience unfold. From interacting and connecting with the artwork you see upfront, then seeing the shimmering backs of the pieces. Going behind the scenes for buyers they experience the custom certificates of authenticity and the complete Take Home Package along with other goodies. The whole thing is a vibe in itself honestly.
I am most proud of myself individually and artistically. The fact that I’m here today still fighting for my dreams despite all that I’ve gone through and faced. Although times have been unapologetically hard and I’ve had no option in sight, I had my why.
To have a dream and chase it is a risk itself but to jump headfirst into the unknown is scary. I’m most excited for what’s next, whatever is in that next chapter. The unknown is scary but I welcome it now and I’m looking forward to seeing myself in about 5-10 years.
How did I get here today professionally?
Thankfully I am blessed with an amazing mother who has been an HR professional most of my life. She’s truly amazing at what she does and is loved and respected by many a huge part of that is how she treats people. I’ve taken the training my mother gave me and combined it with my drive for myself and life lessons to get where I am currently. I’ll be the first to tell you I do not have it figured out by any means, but I don’t let that stop me. My mom taught me very young that if there’s something you want to know, seek until found. If there’s something you want, go get it.
I hold myself to a different standard naturally so therefore I refuse to be average or ok with anything. As a result, if there’s anything that I may not know or want to improve on, there’s nothing that’s going to stop me from doing just that. Professionally or personally. My professional journey would have to be credited to my mom because no matter how much growth I make personally she still helps sharpen the tools.
Was it easy?
Are you kidding me?!? I am someone who lives with bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and depression and am a suicide survivor. Whilst trying to be a business owner paving my way on my own journey doing everything by myself. Of course, this has not been easy. I’ve endured so much and have weathered so many storms at times I wonder how I’m still standing myself. Despite that, I am always reminding myself of the goal so even on a tough day I push through to get there.
How did you overcome the challenges?
When it comes to my mental health simply put, educating myself and being patient are key. I was someone who was diagnosed later in life and ever since then it’s been a never-ending battle. Understand that just because you have a diagnosis or are aware of what’s there, that doesn’t mean no work has to be done. Even those around you that are in your world still need to be educated and willing to help where they can.
Professionally I overcome my challenges by resetting and refocusing where necessary. I analyze whatever the current issue is and break it down. Doing so allows me to not fill overwhelmed by the issue, in turn, I can decide what I’m able to fix/change now vs. later. If there’s something that I know will require more of my attention ill set time aside to solely focus on that task or situation. Therefore, it doesn’t interfere with everything else, and I don’t completely lose my mind. This system helps me with everything from time management task completions.
In my personal life, I use a similar system to my professional side. The main difference here is that I must have more conversations with myself. I meditate often sometimes multiple times a day depending on how my mind is. I make a conscious note of where I am emotionally and mentally at every turn and before any decisions. Whatever the situation that I’m facing whether it be with myself or externally I have to understand my role in it. I ask myself a series of check-in questions to evaluate myself, to truly be aware of how or why I’m responding the way I am. If it’s something out of my control I give it to my god and that’s it, I do my best to not revisit that topic or issue again. If I find myself trying to do so I’ll make a conscious effort to distract my mind with other things.
What lessons have I learned along the way?
• Challenge is an opportunity for growth
• Do not be afraid to count on yourself
• Do It! Don’t question it don’t worry about what people might say just do it.
• Just because you’re the only one doing it doesn’t make it wrong, they just haven’t caught up to you yet.
• God’s timing is the BEST timing.
• If your faith is unwavering, there’s not a damn thing or person that can stop you including yourself
• Be kind to yourself.
• Remember the why.
• Do NOT question your talents or your dreams just because people around you don’t see them or understand them.
• Mental illness doesn’t define you.
• Pray through the process
• Enjoy the journey, even the bad times.
• If you’re not prepared for what you’re asking for, you won’t get it.
• The sun and the moon both serve a purpose all their own and still shine when it’s their time to.
• Don’t change yourself for the gratification of anyone. Those meant to be a part of your story positively will come organically.
• If you’re comfortable that’s a problem.
• Welcome the unknown
• Heal where you need to heal, grow where you need to grow, but love yourself through it.
What do you want the world to know about you or the brand and story?
That this is only the beginning. I’m currently 26 years old and have already gone through so much but that’s not nearly as telling as my future. I’ve had plenty of time and reason to quit many times over, but I didn’t nor am I going to. My story will speak to those who understand what it means to find light in total darkness. To make diamonds from ashes and to bloom magnificently despite soiled muddy waters.
The Creations By JaDore brand serves such a huge purpose not just for myself but for any aspiring independent black artist or a business owner.
Representation is huge, and entrepreneurship is scary, especially when embarking on it alone on a path no one around you has taken. I represent can’t quitters and go-getters, the dreams and what they hold outweigh anything that could cause me to go astray. Yes, the journey is hard, it’s very unforgiving at times, but in that, you’ll be surprised how much joy you’ll find in the little things along the way.
I’m excited to meet my new and future clients. To see how I continue to challenge myself artistically whilst growing as a business owner will be something to see. Looking back at my journey thus far up until this point is something so I can only imagine what’s to come. Will you be a part of the journey?
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Morning Routine:
A huge part of a successful morning routine for me has to include a meditation session. It helps me to regulate myself and to recenter for the day, as my best friend you’re always welcome to join that. We’re going to work out together and I hate a boring workout, so it’ll be fun. For some reason after every work out there’s about a 20-minute music session where the music is blasting, and the energy is high full of laughter. Once it’s all said and done it’s time to hit the showers and start the day.
Meals:
I love to cook, so about 94% of what you eat on your trip will be cooked by me. I’m not a big go out to eat person I enjoy every second I have while cooking and preparing something for people I love. I do not cook for just anyone most people don’t even know I can cook at all, it’s a well-kept secret of mine until now. In my kitchen just about anything is on the menu however I have the non-negotiables that you’ll never see me cooking. Just know no matter the hour or the day you will be eating top tier when you come to see me.
Vibes:
Think of everything you would want to experience and feel if you had a real carefree week. Would you dance like no one is watching, joke out loud, make that drink, take that drive? Do you feel that little flutter in your chest? That spark of excitement? Now bottle that up and sprinkle some JaDore in there now you have a glimpse of what a week with me would feel like.
What are we doing?
It’s currently crawfish season so it’s a must to take a drive to go get some and why not make a small road trip out of it. I wouldn’t be an artist if I didn’t find any excuse to go shopping for supplies as my best friend, of course, you’re coming. Along the way back to my place we’ll find ourselves unloading a vast number of items that neither one of us set out to acquire.
Whilst cooking I’m sure we’ll have my place filled with jokes, stories, goofiness, and fun. I’m very spontaneous so anything can happen at any time with me so there’s no sure way to navigate how any day can go. A fierce game night or several are sure to take place filled with rib aching laughter, great times, and memories to last lifetimes. Movie nights are all their own so that is something that’s going to be done at least twice.
We are definitely going on some night drives where we enjoy the night sky with the music playing in the background. While out well most likely stop for something sweet from somewhere new. Most likely it will be a place found via Google Maps or pure curiosity but it’s me so, of course, it’s an experience.
Every day will hold its own experiences let’s see what each one has to offer.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My queen, my beautiful mother. She is the main reason I’m here today I honestly don’t know where I’d be without her. From a very young age, she inspired me and even in my darkest times she kept me together, she gave me a reason. My mom gave me the greatest gift you can give anyone and that’s unconditional love. When I said, “I can’t,” she said, “You can,” when I said, “I won’t,” she said, “You will”. She never once left my side she’s never given up on me even when I was ready to give up on myself. Without her, I wouldn’t have these dreams and goals I have now they simply wouldn’t exist. The lessons she’s taught me knowing and unknowingly I’ll cherish forever. So, this is dedicated to her because she is my queen, and she wears her crown gracefully and if I could give her the universe I would. There are not enough flowers in the world I could give you, I love you with all my heart.
Love you mom,
Kamil
Website: creationsbyjadore.com
Instagram: @creationsbyjadore
Image Credits
Kamil JaDore Creations By JaDore LLC.