Meet Nikiiyah Gest | Artist, Writer, & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Nikiiyah, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve had a passion for art and storytelling since I was a child. My parents encouraged me to major in fine arts in college, but I didn’t think I could make a career out of it. I was a student athlete and was determined to become a teacher and volleyball coach. I continued to pursue my teacher education at Ohio University primarily because it felt “comfortable”. I knew I could be a great role model and I love children! My last major art project was my senior year of high school in 2015. I didn’t touch a canvas or sketch book until May 2019. I started doodling to pass the time and before I knew it, creating was all I could think about.

In 2020, art emerged as the most exciting part of my days. During the pandemic I started drawing and went from starting with a sketchbook to creating digital art on my mom’s ipad. I felt pretty good about my work and decided to share it with family & friends. I created an art page on Instagram and turned a hobby into extra income. I started accepting small commissions, and eventually launched a full scale art business

My work is inspired by real life experiences related to black culture, sports, love, children, and my community. I’ve discovered that my passion for illustrating and storytelling is just the beginning for what’s to come. I have met some amazing people from all over the world who are eager to see me succeed. God has truly opened up incredible opportunities for me to thrive in this industry.

God continues to order my steps and I am following his lead. I am a high school educator and coach in Ohio, so the launching of Mahoganee Art is a huge career transition for me. On February 18, 2022 Mahoganee Art, LLC will celebrate the opening of its very own print shop! I am so excited to be in a space where I can be myself and build a successful career! What’s meant for you will always find its way to you.

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 am most proud of my relationship with God. If not for Him, I would not have been able to use my gift of artistry. I fractured my back in the of Spring 2021 and while recovering, I created 60% of the artwork that I intend to sell. I also was fortunate enough to gain a mentor in the film industry, accepted into an internship and join a team of comic book writers. It became apparent that my passion for art was about to become a full fledged reality.

I am also proud of my NBA Selfie museum exhibit.

After receiving numerous requests for commissions, I opened Mahoganee Art in October 2021. The mission is to highlight black culture and amplify black voices; while creating meaningful, beautiful and edgy artwork. My favorite mediums include digital art, painting and illustrations. I am also enrolled as a student at NYU Tischs Film & Television Essentials Program. Completing a certification from Tisch would help me play a more active role in writing and directing. When I am not creating artwork, I’m writing children’s stories centered around black stories and envisioning how they can translate to the big screen. One of my goals is to direct and write children’s animation film or tv series. Currently, as a freelance comic book writer at FutureGen Comics, (a black owned comic book company in Cleveland, Ohio), I write for and help further develop a black female superhero character, named Ethereal. Another opportunity I am proud of being a part of is being a Manager of University and Partnerships for AfroAnimation, where I recruit college students to participate in Afroanimation. Afroanimation is an organization designed to create conversations, opportunities and solutions to widen the gap within the animation industry for people of color.

This journey has been an exciting one, but overcoming challenges has also been a necessity. I have learned to be patient and to prioritize my responsibilities, while balancing my personal and professional life. Life can be super confusing, but when you are on a journey that involves many roadblocks, you become stronger and more determined.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m from Cleveland, Ohio, but i’m lowkey a homebody. I spend a lot of time in the Coventry Village area. I’d take her to the thrift stores, art shops, and the record store. Coventry has a nice little artsy feel to it. I would also take her to the Waterloo Arts District to see some cool art murals. Sporting events in Cleveland are pretty fun. I love basketball, so going to a Cavs game would be great. I like lowkey kick it spots for the most part. I’d take her to The Park Social Lounge or A Touch Of Italy for good vibes & music. Lastly, we would definitely go to the Woodhouse Day Spa in Pinecrest!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely have to give God all the glory and praise. Everything happening in my life is truly a dream. My biggest shoutout goes to my parents. They play a huge role in where I am in life right now. My ultimate goal is to retire my parents in a couple years. I’m very eager to achieve this goal soon, because my parents have invested so much time, love and money into helping me achieve my goals. It’s time for my parents to relax and enjoy life. My sisters are also encouraging and very supportive in multiple ways. Lastly, my friends have been super supportive and genuine during this process. I couldn’t ask for a better support system. Thanks family and friends!!

I want to give a Shoutout to my mentor Shabrayia Cleaver who has been an incredible resource and role model throughout my journey. Thank you Shabrayia! Shoutout to Keith White, the CEO and founder of Afroanimation. Thank you Keith! My final Shoutout goes to Keith Harris, the CEO and founder of Futuregen Comics! Keith Harris, gave me my first writing gig. Thank you Keith!

Website: www.mahoganeeart.com

Instagram: @mahoganee_art

Linkedin: Nikiiyah Gest

Twitter: Nikiiyah Gest

Image Credits
Taylor Lauder Photography