Meet Janine “Lexy” Evans: Resin Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janine “Lexy” Evans and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janine “Lexy”, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I think the best way for me to gauge whether to stop or keep going is to see how I feel about moving forward. I’m usually very intuitive and honest with myself. If moving forward or expanding the business makes me unhappy, then what’s the point? I think all business owners, especially creatives can agree that this takes work. Work that if you aren’t excited to do it, the hours required wouldn’t be worth it. We all have bad days so it’s unrealistic to expect excitement 24/7. But if I find myself regretting doing this more than excited about it, it’s time to let go or find new avenue within the business to explore. Also, if you aren’t at least breaking even over an extended amount of time, it may be time to explore another creative outlet.

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.
Jay9Designs is a marriage of my love for art and home decor. The name originated from my first name, Janine. Growing up in South Carolina, many teachers would tell me how to spell my name which caused me as a child to spell it often. Eventually I shortened the spelling of my name by saying “J-A-9” which became my nickname throughout my school years.

I went to Art School with every intention of pursuing a career in Graphic Design because I loved magazines and editorial spreads. I started working for Essence magazine and realize very quickly I loved LOOKING at editorial spreads, but not making them. I started working in sales and loved it, but over the years still yearned to express my creativity.

I travelled and lived in different states and countries… and only during quarantine did I find that missing link. Once I started creating custom functional art pieces using resin… everything I learned in school, in my travels, years of experience in marketing/sales collided together.

Jay9Designs is the beginning of so many more creative outlets I plan to explore. I’m excited about them and hope you all stay tune while I begin them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I still consider myself new to Atlanta ! I’m exploring the city myself but so far I love bike riding in Piedmont Park and going to a Peter Street Station.. I would definitely make sure a festival was in town (hopefully the wine festival or Brunch festival) to go to during their visit. At night, hands down, I would go to Rock Steady. It has an artistic vibe and the music is perfect for a nice chill outing. The thing I love most about Atlanta is that there is always something to do during anytime of the day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank all my Instagram supporters for their continuous support. They have been the backbone of my business and allowed me to express myself freely. They have shared my pieces in their story, gave comments and direct messaging expressing their love of my work, which has helped my confidence and realize I was on to something. I would also like to shoutout my niece Aura because seeing the love and natural skills she expressed with art ignited mines again. I see Simone Agoussye, a fellow artist and friend of mine as a mentor, she doesn’t know that though! She held a virtual art show during quarantine that gave me the courage to start the business. Her story was similar to mine and her work and personality is amazing! The book that helped me stay focus and realize anything can be learned is, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It is such an easy read and very helpful for anyone wanting to create good habits and better schedule.

Website: Www.Jay9designs.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jay9designs?utm_medium=copy_link

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/jay9designs-102109771582036/about/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/DaPrototype1985

Image Credits
LaCie Richards for the last photo of me working