Late Night Sketches are My Favorite

I love creating sketches in the comfort of my bed, with music playing or a comedy show running in the background. It’s where I feel relaxed, where my mind can wander, and where I can just create.

I usually start with a simple pencil sketch and then layer it with ink. I draw the shapes, imagine what the person or thing might look like, and then I just go for it. There’s not always a plan. Sometimes I just let the drawing take me wherever it wants to go.

When my pictures come out simple, with just a hint of character and feeling, I’m really happy with the results. And when I add lines, spaces, and shapes in places you wouldn’t necessarily expect, something interesting happens. I’m thinking about things while I’m drawing that I probably wouldn’t share with another human being.

No, I’m not crazy. At least I don’t think I am. 😂

But there are definitely times when my imagination just runs away with me—and you can see it in the art I create.

I keep telling myself that I need to find a style. A common thread. A recognizable way of putting a piece of art together. But lately, I’ve started to realize that maybe I don’t need to force that.

My ink drawings, my late-night sketches, and my busy mind might actually be my style.

Maybe that’s exactly who I am and where I’m supposed to be right now.

I can already see a lot of my artwork on massive canvases, filled with color, movement, and lines that keep your eyes traveling across the piece. That’s what I’m working toward right now. I’m still figuring it out, but I can see it.

And sometimes, seeing where you’re going is enough to keep moving.

In life, it’s the little things that make the big things possible. I read something today that really connected with what I’m trying to share:

The compass was invented before the clock.

I love that idea.

It’s a reminder that knowing your direction and your purpose can be more important than worrying about how long it takes to get there.

My goal is simple: I want to excite people with lines, shapes, movement, and emotion.

And even though I don’t always feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be, I know—and I can feel—that I’m getting there.

So I’m not going to rush the process.

I’m going to keep sketching. Keep experimenting. Keep letting my imagination run wild. Keep putting the pieces together until the bigger picture makes sense.

And when I’m ready, I can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve been working on.

In the meantime, keep creating, keep exploring, and keep moving in the direction that feels right to you.

Don’t worry so much about the clock. Rely on the compass.

Check out these late-night sketches that are now in the shop for you to enjoy!

The girl with her favorite hot brew, cozied up in her sweater, alone, happy, enjoying the quiet. The guy tuning up his guitar to play through his bad day away, or the woman who is growing from the inside out and starting to love herself again. Which one are you?

My First Art Show, but not My First Rodeo!

T-shirts, Shorts, Skorts, and more!

Preparing for the Black Girls Art Show in DC on August 29th has me reflecting on my journey. While organizing my art files, I stumbled upon old business pictures from my athletic wear clothing line, Dirty Red Gear, named after a former childhood nickname. I ran this company for about seven years, and although I ended it to focus on my daughters' futures, I truly enjoyed the process of building, creating, and selling my designs.

For years, I hesitated to share my clothing design story, viewing it as a failure. However, I've come to realize it was one of the most successful endeavors I've undertaken, second only to motherhood. I created something from nothing that inspired many people over the years.

I wore many hats during this journey: I created marketing materials, designed patterns, took photographs, and sold my products, all before and without social media. I often modeled my designs and participated in racing competitions, showcasing my work at running events nationwide. Notably, I was among the first designers to create the running skort, which became widely popular. I sold so many running skorts, it would make your head spin! While it was frustrating to see brands like Adidas replicate my design, it also validated the impact of my work.

To fellow entrepreneurs juggling multiple roles, stay hungry and motivated. Don't let others' fears deter you. If you believe in your product and envision its potential, keep pushing forward, network, and remain open to learning. If something doesn't work out, learn from it, move on, and trust that another opportunity will arise. #keeprising

In one of the photos, you can see Tommie Smith, the Olympic Gold Medalist, who visited my booth. He is famously known for his protest at the 1968 Olympics alongside John Carlos, raising a black-gloved fist for human rights. Additionally, Dolores Jordan, Montell Jordan's (“This is How We Do It” singer) mother, expressed interest in introducing me to her son, but I was married at the time. LOL! These experiences and many others were truly incredible. As seen on LinkedIn.