Meet Jabria Anala | Abstract & Contemporary Artist

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

Hi Jabria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Throughout school I knew that I was a creative, but my friends at the time didn’t really know. It wasn’t that I was trying to hide it, but I didn’t really embrace it until the end of high school. In eighth grade, I was chosen to be in an AP Comp art class. That was the first time coming to a realization that I was good at drawing and painting. Even before this in sixth grade, I would get anime books from the school library and draw pictures from it in my notebook once I finished my work earlier than everyone else in class. In the beginning of high school, I was skeptical about considering being an artist as a career because I was deterred by my NJROTC commander. When I heard those words, “You know you’re going to be a starving artist right? You should think of a plan B, like be a teacher or something that you can fall back on.” I was instantly embarrassed in front of the whole class and never spoke of art out loud again until the mid-end of high school. Once I got to my junior year of high school, reality set in. Everyone started registering for SAT and ACT testing. Before taking those tests, my goal was to figure out what I wanted to do in life, I prayed about it and God told me to embrace my talents. I went in thinking mode and instantly knew that art was what I wanted to do. As an early high school graduate, it provided me with time to focus on my art career more. I painted and sketched every day for five months to build up my portfolio for my website. Once my birthday came around, I decided to open my etsy shop. It was then that I knew God had a plan for me to do this one thing that a lot of people tried to deter me from plus many of my other talents and gifts.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If I could describe my art in one word, I would say “VIBRANT”. From the extensive background behind the paintings to the colorful mediums to the originality. The number one goal of my pieces is originality. I do not want to be like everyone else. I am not like everyone else. So why would the craft be you know? I overcame depression, doubt from others, trials and tribulations, losing friends on the way, and tests from God in the process. I have learned to keep my future plans to myself to protect the innocence of preparing for those times to come. Sometimes, having different energies in contact with your dreams can cause jealously and sabotage to be apparent.

My name is Jabria Anala. I am an eighteen-year-old abstract and contemporary artist, designer, fashion enthusiast, poet and all around creative. Watch my story grow before your eyes!

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.
1) High Museum of Art 2) Ponce City Market
3) Atlanta Botanical Garden
4) Zoo Atlanta
5) Georgia Aquarium
6) Hard Rock Cafe

Fun fact: My favorite building here is the Bank of America Plaza! I love the sight of the building. Always have since a little kid.

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?
To Mommy: an educator, my only best friend, and mom in one. To My Boys: my brothers, my guys, and protectors.
To the ones who support me behind the scenes, the contributors to my art career, and the ones who push me to be better.

You all are all the light in the sky of my life. I appreciate the love and compassion I get from you all. I know God sent you in my life for a grand reason. All I can be is overly grateful for this support system.

Forever Love.

Website: jabriaanala.etsy.com

Instagram: @jabriaanala

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theeabstract?si=lhnsrSBJvhoyEATV

Other: Portfolio: https://briaanala.wixsite.com/thee-abstract TikTok: @jabriaanala