It’s rare that I find a business in it’s beginning stages that thrives right from the start, but Juanita is going against the grain with her startup business. I could not pass up the opportunity to interview her in order to spread cultural awareness. Let’s get to the nitty gritty and meet…
I’m oooh so excited to introduce you to my audience so don’t hold back…. Tell the world who Juanita is!
I am a curator and cultural producer. What that means is that I curate events and experiences that have an impact on the arts, culture and the community. I’m still getting use to this new lifestyle of not having a typical 9-5 job. I’m currently the curator-in-residence at Hygienic Art Galleries in New London. I help to coordinate and install the galleries monthly exhibitions. This is a new position for the gallery that I created when I saw the need for exhibition support. As the curator-in-residence, I volunteer my time to help with the exhibitions, and I have a low-income “artist” studio above the gallery. Also do freelance digital media projects for income. This flexibility in my work life, and affordable housing has allowed me pursue my passion projects and transition into entrepreneurship.
When did you get bit by the entrepreneurial bug? Or did you start your business off as a hobby?
I’ve been doing freelance work for about 5 years now. Not consistently or full-time until now. What made me take the dive into officially starting my own business was the frustration of not being hired (or even interviewed) for positions I know I am qualified for. I felt very discouraged for a while. I considered graduate school, and while I still haven’t ruled that out, I felt that I would hit the same walls (discrimination, bias, etc) even with an advanced degree. I’d still be the black woman trying to work in the white man’s world. The art world can be very white, and very pretentious. Having more flexibility in my work life meant that it was time to finally put my dreams and passions front and center and launch my own business.
That can be pretty frustrating not being offered even an interview but it looks like greatness emerged from it….Tell us about your purpose with your business.
The purpose of CULTURED AF is to provide opportunities for artists connect with potential patrons outside of the traditional spaces such as galleries and museums. I want to introduce art into everyone’s life — expelling this idea that art is a luxury that only certain people can enjoy. I want to turn individuals into art appreciators, and art appreciators in art collectors.
It’s really about building a community of people who see the value in the arts. I also believe that creating experiences that allow artists and patrons to connect more personally will increase the likeliness of that patron investing art from the artist. Art should be accessible, approachable and unpretentious.
Cultured AF’s mission is to:
- Transform individuals to art patrons and art patrons to art collectors
- Build a community of life-long art appreciators
- Curate safe spaces that celebrate the arts
- Provide opportunities for artists to develop their careers
- Uplift artists of color across the gender spectrum
What does being a woman of color mean to you? How does this if any affect your current business?
Being a woman of color is centered in everything I do, and how I view life, so it absolutely has an impact on my business and project. Through my work, I am always going to give preference to uplifting other people of color, and particularly black woman.
As I’ve mentioned already, the art world can be very white in many spaces, so I want CULTURED AF to be a inclusive cultural hub that holds space intentionally for artists of color, especially queer, trans, and gender non-conforming Black people. I wanted CULTURED AF to be a resource for artists of color to help develop their careers but also for patrons who are looking to connect with artists from underrepresented groups.
What’s the most fulfilling part about being an entrepreneur during a time where women are deciding to stand out as a subculture with movements like “Me too” and “Women in Politics”?
The most fulling part about being an entrepreneur at this moment in time, is the pride in being able to control my own path and not answer to anyone else. I am motivated by my own passions and not anyone’s else agenda.
What has been your biggest challenge thus far in business? Was this your first go around with Cultured AF?
Right now I’m still in the early stages of the business but I know the challenges will come. Check back with me in 6 months. lol
The early stages isn’t always bad! It’s a great way to build. What are you most proud of within your business?
Right now I am proud of myself for finally taking the leap into entrepreneurship (the designer in me is super excited about the website and branding). Lol
Living in a digital age we are constantly reminded about our counterparts and competitors, how do you handle these reminders? How do you stave off imposter syndrome?
This is a tough one, especially for millenials. We constantly being reminded of other people’s successes, from the ‘30 under 30’ lists, to the stories we hear about ‘how so-and-so quite their corporate job to travel the world and start their own successful blog’. Its very easy to start feeling inadequate and questioning everything you’re doing with your life. This is been difficult for me since graduating college. It’s always been expected for me to be a high achiever (voted most likely to succeed in high school, high school class president, college commencement speaker, etc…). People always think I’m doing some big things, and I’m thinking,
‘No, I’m struggling just like everyone else!’. Lol I’m still figuring out how to deal with the imposter syndrome, but I think one important step is being open and honest with your journey. Don’t be afraid to share your failures. Other people need to hear those stories too. Make a list of your accomplishments and the hurdles you’ve overcome. I think we forget about how far we’ve come sometimes. Lastly, take a break from social media when you need to. Log out, and check back into yourself.
How do you find time to manage your home life while maintaining healthy familial relationships?
Whew, chile. Time management is something I’m still working on. I’m very close with my family so we generally get together socially, pretty regularly, whether its a lunch date, or going out to a local event. I can get lost in my work sometimes when I get absorbed into a project, so I’m working on setting regular times to see my family, such as Saturdays with my grandma.
What has been the best tool you’ve used, whether it be book, inspirational figure, digital service, program etc, that has really helped you in the entrepreneurial world?
My parents are huge inspirations for me. Since I can remember they’ve always had a side hustle or business. I think I get a lot of my entrepreneurial spirit from them. I’d also encourage entrepreneurs to look into the free resources that are available around them, from their Public Library to their state’s Small Business Development Centers. I’ve worked at both institutions and they offer great tools and resources for entrepreneurs for free.
What can we expect from Cultured AF in the near future? Any new business goals and ventures? How can my readers keep up with your journey?
I’m just getting started in this journey but one of me goals for this year is to have a physical location for CULTURED AF. This space will be a social hub for the community & creatives. You can keep up with my journey via the website, facebook or instagram, all @culturedaf.life.
Share a few encouraging words with a fellow woman of color who is seeking to start her own business but is weary due to the oppression she may feel.
Oppression is real, but you can take that power and control back by creating your own path through entrepreneurship. There is no force greater than a motivated black woman.
We will be on the lookout for all of the amazing things Cultured AF has in store. Be sure to check out the other women entrepreneurs.
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