We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Elaine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
You have to always keep going, never give up. It’s not giving up if it’s not your path. You have to pivot so you can prosper. I do not believe in giving up on a vision that God gave to me. I’m innovative and a creative, so I brainstorm new ways to keep going and generate income. So to answer your question, giving up is NEVER an option, no matter how hard it seems.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create phenomenal paintings that display Black women in a positive light, embracing their natural kinks and curls graced with melanin-rich skin. My art is internally driven, like a gateway to the soul. illustrating the beauty, power, dopeness, and resilience of Black women. I love big, natural Afrocentric hair and bright engaging colors, so most of my artwork displays Black women with kinky curly hair accompanied by a vibrant, colorful background.

I started painting in the summer of 2015 after my ankle was fractured in three places making me immobile for 8 weeks. While I was healing, I decided to teach myself how to paint and develop my craft. It was like art therapy: comforting to the bones and soothing to the soul. I have always known how to draw and sketch, but it wasn’t until I picked up the paintbrush that I fell in love with creating masterpieces.

Nothing worth having comes easy. I overcame moments of imposter syndrome and anxiety by becoming more confident in my art. I also strengthened my artistic abilities with each masterpiece that I created.

I learned that my art isn’t for everyone and that I had to identify my niche or target audience. I also learned that consistency is EVERYTHING, so I had to stay focused and consistent with my art.

I want the world to know that my art has a style of its own and will truly bless your soul!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you were visiting Memphis, I would say to be sure to check out all of our Black-owned restaurants and to name a few: Trap Fusion, Slice of Soul, or Art House Cafe. You can visit Orijennal Art Gallery to collect the most beautifully dope art. Some other cool places to visit are Beale Street, Stax, Shelby Farms Park, the riverfront, and several other tourist spots.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I would like to give thanks to God, who is the Head of my life, for blessing me with a gift that has opened so many doors for me. I would like to shoutout my parents, family, close friends, and art collectors for always encouraging me to keep going and growing. I would not be where I am without them.

Website: orijennalart.com

Instagram: instagram.com/orijennal_art

Facebook: facebook.com/orijennalart

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.