Meet Keonte’ Chandler-kelley | Nail/Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keonte’ Chandler-kelley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keonte’, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic/creative career because I’ve always indulged in creative activities. Being artistic and creative is one of the only things that I genuinely have fun and feel happy doing! I took art classes every school year and have been drawing since fifth grade. So, when I graduated I had the grades and means to pursue a “regular” career, but I knew it wouldn’t satisfy me. So I found careers that would suit me creatively but also made money.

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.
I started drawing in fifth grade because my classmate, Cameron Parker, had a comic that she drew and updated everyday, and I was her first reader. And she suggested that I draw something, so I did, and it came out pretty nice and she saw the talent that I had, so when my birthday came around she bought me my first sketchbook and ever since then I’ve been drawing/painting. I’m most proud of the fact that I made goals for myself and so far have been able to accomplish them all, of course God was my main helper along the way. I would not be where I am if God was not by my side the entire way. In no way was it easy, but having faith and staying optimistic was what got me through it. And in doing that I’ve learned that nothing that I want will come to fruition if I try to separate my life from God because he’s the only way. I hope that hearing from my story that others around the world would understand that too, sooner rather than later. I didn’t have a good childhood, but here today as an adult I am happier and more successful since I didn’t hold on to my pain and trauma and let God into my life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Personally, I am a home body😂, so I don’t know enough spots to plan a week long trip but I can definitely tell you what I’d do in a day. In the morning I’d go to Melt Kitchen and Bar and get brioche French toast with cheese grits as the side. I don’t even eat grits but their cheese grits are amazing! And after that I’d go to the mall and do some shopping, possibly buy a Cinnabon. After that we’d go to country park and ride the paddle boats and for dinner we’d go to chili’s and maybe go to cold stone for dessert .

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So, there are 2 people that I feel deserve credit. 1 would be my mom obviously, Lakia Correa, she always supports me in anything that I do and she spent the money to help me start out both art and nails. So I wouldn’t be anywhere without her. 2 would be my childhood therapist, Ms.Rose, I don’t know her government name, lol, but I do remember that Ms.Rose is what I called her. She helped me come out of my shell and deal with the trauma that I went through. When I was younger I could barely make eye contact and a lot of people thought that I was unapproachable. And with the career that I’m in, I wouldn’t get anywhere acting like that. She helped me express myself creatively and to open up but not be an open book.

Website: https://ks-canvas.square.site

Instagram: ks_.canvas

Facebook: Keonte Williams

Youtube: K’s Canvas