We had the good fortune of connecting with Ja-Nessia Prince and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ja-Nessia, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Being an artist and having a full-time job has always required me to maintain a strong work life balance. Coming out of the college-life/part-time job life I realized the necessity of being able to have a life outside of “work”. So, with that being said I have always been proactive in making sure I have time for family, friends, community work, and events that really mean alot to me. Of course, as I have transitioned to more career work and also diving deeper into my entrepreneurial goals I have found keeping up with all of that can cause me to be stretched thin. As we know, being stretched thin constantly can really wear on the body and mentally as well. So, to make sure those things don’t happen my first line of defense is a calendar. My calendar is not just for work things, but also setting aside times where I am not open for work. Another important piece of that for me is being very intentional about whatever the task at hand. If it is work I’m focused, if it is my art I’m focused, if it is spending time with family or in my community I am focused there. With this I am getting to fully experience these moments and when it comes to a time I may not be able to attend I don’t have any worries on what I am missing out on. So, overall for me a work life balance is a way for me to fully enjoy all the parts of my life.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an artist of many different mediums. Painting, beading, and crafting from copper are some to mention a few. What sets me apart from most others is the intention put behind each piece. Many of my creations are designed after a one on one consultation with the buyer. You are purchasing an item that is custom and unique to you. I think my family and friends have been the driving force behind getting me to where I am today. It has not always been easy, and there are many parts of my business that I am still growing into, but I am grateful for the journey. Most of all I’d say when challenges do arise stay true to your vision. Stay true to what you feel you bring to the world, and the universe will always make room for you to express that. My brand and overall lifestyle is just about that. Nessia Creates is an umbrella brand where I can provide all these different creations. I think it is important to have spaces like this for yourself, and I have been blessed to monetize it into a brand.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Food/Drink -Sunshine’s -Korny Vibes -Lindiana Soul Food – Cascabel
Visit/Hang Out
-POST -Lake Houston Wilderness Park -Houston Arboretum – Axelrad – Avant Garden
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?
I have so many people who are around me supporting me and making sure I continue to progress in life. One of the main groups is a mentorship I am a part of called UsInTechnology. They have really helped me break into the tech space and overall change the upward mobility of my career. Also another support system for me is the group I perform song and dance with called JuJu Strolling Thru. To be in community with people who I can perform songs and dance through ancestral reverence is something that has been transformative and the way that group has become family has been an amazing experience.
Website: www.nessiacreates.com
Instagram: @nessia_creates @sol.ofnessia
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ja-nessia-prince-mpp-0933731a0