Meet Kiara Santos | Artist/Creative

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

Hi Kiara, what role has risk played in your life or career?
4. Oof! Risks are tricky. There is so much evaluation that happens in my brain before making a decision. Seriously, I spend so much energy weighing the pros and cons that, often, I feel paralyzed by it. Ultimately, making no decision at all. I had to shift my thinking from what I could lose to what I might gain. Thus, “The Bunker” was born. A year ago, I took a risk and decided that (although scared) I would have my very first art show. It was all just a journal entry but writing it down was the first step in making it happen! Taking risks can be scary, but there is a reward on the other side of it. A win looks different for everyone; it might be the lesson you learned, the money you’ve earned or the impact you made on your community. The reward for me has been the journey!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Easy? Gosh no! There was (and still is) so much doubt in my journey as a creative. However, I do the BEST that I can with what I have. I made a conscious decision to accept and appreciate all of me; including the parts of myself that I battle with daily. I took a leap of faith and planned out my very first art show! Never having done it before, I was scared, but I did it anyway. “Sometimes the fear won’t go away so you’ll have to do it afraid.” I’m proud, man. So proud! My work is different because, in this series of artwork, I express my personal growth journey. Understanding that I am not alone in my struggle, I wanted to give others the opportunity to share their experiences too, through spoken word. A bunker is a safe place where you take cover from the dangers of the outside world. My art show is called “The Bunker” because it represents my deep desire to flourish and to do that, I must to step out of my comfort zone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Memphis! Memphis! Memphis! My favorite place for brunch is Bishop at Central Station Hotel. A brisk walk or romantic picnic by the river, in Harbortown, is always a win. Also, one can never go wrong with an adult beverage at the Peabody Hotel.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
3. My Family:
Maribel Jimenez – my mother, whom I never take for granted! A gem of a human being with the gentlest heart. Juan Santos – my father, my confidant and friend. Carlos Jimenez – my stepdad, who never seized to show me fatherly love despite my imperfections. Sebastian Jimenez – my little brother, the most disciplined young man who keeps me accountable.

My friends:

Beverly Jackson, a sister who genuinely cares and hears my silence. Patrice Davis, a real friend who keeps me grounded and inspired. Nikkino Wesson, my creative partner in crime with a warm soul that keeps mine from growing cold.

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bunker-art-show-tickets-781147762987?aff=oddtdtcreator

Instagram: ki.iveliz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiara-santos-12067059/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415113917