Today we’d like to introduce you to KiKi Daniels.
KiKi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started painting while in my last year of undergrad at Prairie View A&M University (PV) in 2013. I had seen a couple of people painting clothes for customers on Instagram, both were former students of PV. I got in touch with one, TeeJay Reed, who owns the painting business “ItsjustPAINT” and asked him about what I would need to get into the business. He was nice enough to show me how to get started and then I just painted some shirts for practice and gave them to friends. Soon after, I was getting noticed around campus and was asked to paint various items of clothing as well as other things like Greek paddles and graduation caps. The more orders I received, the more I was able to practice and eventually I moved on to painting on canvas in 2016. I was able to expand my craft and challenge myself more this way. I’ve been painting mostly on canvas ever since.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This has not been an easy road, but it has been a learning experience. The longer I stuck with it, the easier it became. Getting more customers was an issue for a while. Being a full-time student and working full time makes it hard to promote as much as I would like to. I’m sure anyone could imagine how exhausted I tend to get so there are times that I actually have to push my body to paint when I come home from work or class.
KDPaint – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
KDPaint is a business that specializes in painting. I have painted on canvas, clothes, graduation caps, Greek paddles, and I am open to any other ideas. When painting on canvas, I use acrylic paint. Most of my canvas paintings are based around subjects that black people can relate to. I have a sort of cartoony style that most people seem to enjoy. I am proud that KDPaint has lasted this long. I started in 2013 and each year, I find different ways to make it grow. Honestly, I am not sure what sets me apart from other painters. I would like to think that I am a little more affordable. I also am honest with customers about what I know I am unable to do. I like to provide quality work and do my best to satisfy my customers to every last detail in their requests.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think that success is based on the reputation of my business. As long as I am keeping my customers happy, the rest will come.
Pricing:
- There is a $50 deposit on all orders
- Shipping costs depend on the destination
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kikiartistry.com
- Phone: 469-645-8114
- Email: kdpaintorders@yahoo.com
Image Credit:
C.S.Preston Photography
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