Meet Dai Delatte a.k.a Miss Ji | Artist + Mental Health Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dai Delatte a.k.a Miss Ji and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dai Delatte, how does your business help the community?
Miss Ji is more than just an art company. Miss Ji is a gateway for my team and me to help the world live and deal with mental illnesses, disorders, or just everyday problems. With the science of psychology and the science of colors and art combined I am able to do so. Often times in black or minority communities mental health is not a conversation. With artwork by Miss Ji mental health is no longer a stigma but a conversation. Our paintings and prints interpret real-life issues, challenges, trials, and tribulations into light, color, and relief.

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 began creating around the age of two. Throughout my life I have strayed away from art but no matter what I always return. From culinary, literary, expressive, instrumental, and visual arts I have embraced the genre and fallen in love. As I grew so did my desire to help others. My curiosity led me to discover how much the arts contribute to mental health. I realized that just because you are not diagnosed with a mental health illness, does not mean you don’t need mental help. Through my art, I was able to strengthen my own mental health and that is a gift I am sharing with the world. In addition to being sculpted uniquely by the Creator my intellectual property, my energy, my style, my determination, my support system, and my mindset are a few of the reasons I am like no other artist that has or will walk the face of the earth. The journey to my success as an artist is not complete, but so far it has not been easy. I believe we can all agree that being an entrepreneur has its challenges. I was not an exception to this fact, nonetheless, I have broken through barriers and solved each problem one at a time. There isn’t any one answer as to how I overcome each challenge but what I can say is that every time a problem presents itself, I remember where I started, where I am, and where I want to be. That is how that is my motivation, that is how I overcome. Important lessons I have learned include: I am my only competition, fear is the biggest motivation, with love comes pain, the life I live is the life I manifest, and time is more valuable than money. The biggest takeaway I want the world to know is that Miss Ji is for the people and the mind, body, and wellness of the people. I am not telling anyone that life will be perfect, but I am helping people live creative, positive, and optimistic lives. Encourage. Inspire. Empower.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would most definitely be visiting Little Five Points for some scenic vibes and energy. Next, we would visit the Museum of Puppetry Arts. We have to visit the High Museum, Atlanta Contemporary Arts, Ponce City Market, Piedmont Park, Curb Market, ZuCot Museum, Park Tavern, Arts Atlanta, Black Art in America, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta History Museum, Beltline, Old Fourth Ward, Apex Museum, Civil Rights Museum, and Atlanta Aquarium. Krog Street tunnel is a must-see as well, along with the Krog Street Market. Jamrock South, Chipotle, Brooklyn Tea, Life’s Bistro, Mellow Mushroom, 87 Sweets, Blaze, Mr.Fries, and Salata would definitely be on the list for good food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When asked this question my mind was flooded with numerous teachers, mentors, and supporters. I first want to shout out my family/team who have supported me through my entire life and artistic journey. As well, as Nathaniel Dyer, Michi Meko, Marquel Russell, Julia Roberts, Dr. Pickett, Brian Hubert, Sean Haynes, Boyd Elementary, along with numerous others. I would also like to address my supporters, clients, and future clients. Shoutout to every nail salon, barbershop, gas station, corner store, and small business that has allowed me to pitch and sell in their establishment Shoutout to everyone who has donated to the cause intellectually and financially. Shoutout to my friends and family, thank you for all of the encouragement and support. Shoutout to all whose name wasn’t mentioned you know who you are and you are appreciated.

Website: www.missji.org

Instagram: @missji.art

Twitter: @missji.art

Facebook: @missji.art

Youtube: Miss Ji

Other: TikTok: @missji.art Snapchat: @missji.art