Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara Ellis
Kiara , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Kolor Me Different is not only a name, but it is a brand. I have a multitude of different talents, and visual artistry, a talent I didn’t even know I had, started in 2016.
From 2016 to 2020, I’ve had the pleasure of being apart of art shows, live paintings, and private events across Houston. My paintings have been sold all across america from Arizona to, California, to places as close as Dallas.
I was blessed enough to host my own art show in March of 2022 called the Koloring book, and it was a huge success. So many people came out and supported. I exhibited over 15 paintings and the audience bought all the art off the walls, I only went back home with 3 paintings that night.
Since my last art show, I started a mobile paint company, Called ‘Painting in the city’ traveling to different events; birthday parties, girls nights, church events and corporate events. Almost like paint and sip. Just without the sip. I’ve also continued to do commissioned paintings and also custom clothing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This journey has definitely not been a smooth road. My art feeds from my emotions and life events, I was feeling so overwhelmed at one point I couldn’t even think, let alone create. So there were many moments where I had to take a pause or a phase where I go blank because I had no idea what to put on the canvas.
But I like to look at those phases as a blessing now, because in my season of stillness I discovered other passions. I’ve created a youtube channel, a community for Christian music listeners who really just need a space to step back from the world and it’s ways, even if it’s just for the hour the playlist runs. And that community has grown so much. I went from 48 subscribers to over 2 thousand in one month.
I’ve taken my braid work more seriously. I’ve been braiding hair since I was in high school and having the time and space to perfect my craft I’ve gained so many new clients, and gained the ability to do things with hair I never imagined.
I also discovered my passion for cooking, something that I grew up doing, but never took seriously. I’m in the process of writing my own cookbook with curated recipes for people who don’t eat meat or need healthier options. I am a pescatarian, and I am often asked about the meals I eat so I decided to create a little something for everybody.
In a way cooking is tied to my art because what I eat affects how I feel physically emotionally and mentally. In this journey, I have discovered different feel good foods, they feel good to you and are good for you, and being self-aware and incorporating these foods into my everyday diet, no matter how I feel I am in a space to create.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a visual artist. I specialize in visual artistry, which includes canvas art, custom clothes, and shoes.
I am most proud of the support I have behind my artistry. Since the beginning I’ve had so many day 1 supporters. Even when I’m not creating or in a space of stillness people still share my work and speak highly of my work to others.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my ability to adapt in any given space. I’ve been in so many spaces and places with different people from different backgrounds and different artistries. I’ve collaborated with musicians, graphic artist, visual artist, and although there are so many amazing creatives out here in Houston I’ve yet to find anyone like me.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is being able keep a stable mind in the midst of a forest fire. Life is scary at times, and many of us spend our entire lives trying to accomplish our version and sometimes others versions of success. But being able to be ok with where you are in your career or artistry, even when it’s not quite where you wanna be, is success to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolormedifferent
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kolormedifferent
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0PTJ7jGCOsKwMi76maeHzT
Image Credits
Rarepm visuals and brand development
