Meet Ivoree Larkin: Content Creator & Art Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivoree Larkin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivoree, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks pushes me to just simply go for it, no matter if the ending result is good or bad at the end you’ve learned a lesson. In my past years I use to play it safe and it always left me feeling complacent. I wasn’t growing, wasn’t learning, and I wasn’t happy so I had to flip the script. I’ve never regretted taking a risk in my life/career because it has made me resilient, confident, and has gotten me closer to where I want and who I want to be.

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.
My art is a mix of a bunch of things. It’s random, abstract, unique, evokes emotion, and has a story behind it. What sets me apart is honestly my curiosity. It drives me to dive into things just to see if I can pull it off. I like to challenge myself daily and become better than who I was yesterday and the day before. I’m mostly proud of my ability to pivot in life. Even in the least ideal positions, I can pull out the qualities of where I want to be and still strive. I got to where I am today by taking risks and looking at the bigger picture. I constantly fought the battle of fear and asking the question: am I good enough to make this move? But as my mother always said even if you’re scared do it anyway! It wasn’t easy but it finally stuck to me after seeing that I was hindering myself if I stayed in the fearful mindset. All in all I am grateful for the process and it has made me the woman I am today. My biggest lesson that is forever ingrained in me is that you never win when you play yourself small, step out of your comfort zone it’s beyond rewarding.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So I’m setting the season of this trip to be summer time because summertime Chicago is the best. There’s so many things to do and go to that it would take forever to talk about. So instead I will name some of my favorite spots we’d go. Fulton Market: to shop, eat, and walk around
Nikko’s Italian Ice: the perfect summer refresher
Boystown: to eat and have fun (DS Tequila for the Beyonce Lemonade and tequila shrimp tacos are a must) Go to a White Sox Game!
Harold’s Chicken: (location is key)
Art Institute of Chicago Musicbox Theatre: the perfect wine down 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?
Yes a huge shoutout to God and my late mother who consistently motivated and encouraged me to find and fall in love with what brings me happiness. My wonderful tribe for always supporting and showing up for me. Also, shoutout to the One School portfolio program, it gave me confidence in my craft and was life changing. Lastly, shoutout to my beautifully talented friend, Janay Cooper for referring me to this interview!

Website: ivoreelarkin.com

Instagram: @mahogany_lovely

Image Credits
Ivoree Larkin