We are so excited to feature Ashlea Kiiing of Kiiing Creations in today’s Meet the Maker post. She uses pressed flowers, watercolor, and batik fabrics to create one-of-a-kind color and nature-inspired mixed media art. Her artwork is designed to uplift, inspire, and empower, and we can’t wait to share it with you!
Hi Ashlea! Thanks for sharing your story with us today! Can you please tell everyone a little about yourself?
Hi! I am Ashlea Kiiing and I am an artist, wife and mommy! I currently reside in Burleson, TX. I enjoy the process of exploring different art media and creating unique artworks that possess naturalistic qualities, including pressed flowers, watercolor, and fabrics. As an artist, I infuse my personal experiences and views into my work while also creating pieces that people can connect with through their own life experiences.
What a beautiful way to create art that inspires! Who inspires you?
I create empowering, inspiring and uplifting art that celebrates Black beauty. The depiction of the African American community often presents Black people in a negative light. This affects how society perceives us and in return inaccurate assumptions are made about our community. I truly believe that strong and positive representation can help break down stereotypes that are detrimental to African Americans. As a mom, it is very important to me that my daughter sees herself in my work. Creating art that provides positive depictions of Black culture is important and necessary to remove negative perceptions within our society and provide a visual representation of the beauty and excellence within the African American community.
I love that you’re creating a better world for your daughter! What are you most excited about for the future?
I am most excited about making an impact in my community through my work and seeing where God leads me in my business!
Yes! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! This past year has been a tough one. Can you share something good that has come out of this time?
Even though I was presented with a lot of challenges last year, I really took the time in focusing on the direction I wanted to take my business and also had lots of time on my hands to experiment and create.
It sounds like you used the time wisely! We love the art you’ve created this year! What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Celebrate all wins…even the little ones. As an entrepreneur, it is so easy to overlook small wins when you are focused on the bigger picture. I have learned that the small wins are just as important as the big ones.
It’s so important to celebrate every step of the way! Tell us about Kiiing Creations! What do you make and how long have you been doing it?
My business name is Kiiing Creations. Kiiing is my last name. My husband and I legally changed our last name when we got married. The 3 i’s stand for the Trinity and the last name “King”, which we spell “Kiiing” symbolizes us starting our own domain and legacy. Having a strong foundation is very important to me so when it came to coming up with my business name, I knew my last name had to be a part of it. I truly believe that through God all things are possible.
What an incredible way to start your marriage– and bring that foundation into your business! Why did you get involved with MMC?
As women, a lot of the time we are looked over and our successes are not celebrated like they should be. I love that MMC highlights women-owned businesses and provides an inspiring and uplifting community of women that you can learn from and are supported by.
We’re so glad you joined our community! What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of myself for never giving up. Entrepreneurship is very hard and comes with a lot of struggles. I have an amazing support system and I am so grateful for all of the caring and loving people in my life that believe in me and are always in my corner when I need them.
Way to go! We are proud of you, too! What advice would you give a young artist?
To never give up and always stay true to yourself.
Great advice! What is your favorite part of your job?
I am able to share my passion and purpose with others.
That’s a great way to include others in your story! What are three words that best describe your work?
Unique, inspirational and colorful
Great descriptions! We love your unique, inspirational, and colorful work! If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Africa. For the cultural experience…art, traditions, food, music, etc.
We hope you make it to Africa one day! What’s the most recent show you binged on Netflix?
Tiny Pretty Things
Nice! We’ll add that one to the to-watch list! Aside from visiting MMC, what’s your favorite thing to do in Bishop Arts District?
Every time I visit the Bishop Arts District, I always have to go to Craft Boba Tea. I LOVE Boba Tea!
Oh my gosh, same! I can’t get enough boba!! If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?
I would want the ability to transport myself anywhere in the world. I love traveling so that would be the ultimate superpower!
Absolutely! The ability to travel anywhere, anytime would be an amazing superpower! For now, we love that your art is transforming the lives of those who experience it– and that’s a journey we can get behind! Thanks so much for being a part of the Mosaic Makers Collective community! We’re so glad you’re here!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop Kiiing Creations? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Shop Kiiing Creations online
- Meet more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog