Today we’d like to introduce you to Keana Forbes.
Hi Keana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
KeanaMarie Artistry was birthed from my creative need to make my kid’s birthday parties memorable. Growing up I maybe had 1-2 parties and wanted my children to experience something more, something fun but most of all memorable. For my oldest son’s first birthday we threw a party at our house for close friends and family with a Sesame Street theme. I remember shopping for the party and could never find exactly what I pictured in my head. Nothing at Party City or other online retailers came close to the things I envisioned for this party. So, it began… I began to create all the things I wanted but could never find. Fast forward to our daughter’s 7th birthday this past August, I wanted it to be BIG for her! She had never had a party and COVID prevented us from truly celebrating her 5th birthday. So, I felt pressure to make this party one to remember. A Tiffany & Company-inspired party for our daughter and a few of her friends became AAREANA & CO to help us celebrate year seven. My husband kept saying, “Keana, you’re doing too much! She will love whatever you do. Please stop stressing.” However, I DID NOT stop stressing and I kept thinking this could be so much bigger. Coming from a creative myself, I think that’s where these endless thoughts came from. My mother is super creative, and she always gives critical yet honest feedback when I come to her will all things floating around in my mind. AAREANA & CO was successful and not only did she appreciate it but so did our guests. They were in awe of my attention to detail for this party which included custom-made t-shirt for the guest, custom backdrop, favor bags, chips bags, water bottles, candy purses, and lots of other fun details to bring my vision to life just like I try to do for all my customers no matter how big or small their order is.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Before I started my business in 2017, I was considered a hobbyist. It was for fun and strictly for my close family/friends. However, now this is for real and for paying clients. In the beginning, I struggled a bit with pricing, taking on more than I needed to at times, and a battle with myself. I always everything to be PERFECT and never wanted to be defeated by a client’s request. However, now I say NO when necessary and give myself some grace. When you’re an artist you are sensitive about your Sh*t.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My name is Keana and I own KeanaMarie Artistry. KeanaMarie Artistry is a boutique shop specializing in personalized custom apparel, drinkware, party favors, and balloons. I am most proud of my growth as a creative and not allowing myself to be consumed with how fast or slow I am going in this industry based on similar businesses around me. I am a firm believer in whatever is for me is for me and NO man can take that away from me. In my opinion, there is enough money (money to make) out here for all of us. I think what sets me apart is that I share my knowledge and don’t mind helping out my fellow business owners. When I first started, it was hell to pay to get help and I never want anyone else to feel like they just have to figure it out alone should they decide to step into this industry.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is doing what I love and doing it to the best of my ability. If it becomes a chore or no longer fun, then it’s time to move on. Yet right now I am having fun at my own pace.
Contact Info:
- Website: etsy.me/2mToJL6
- Instagram: @KeanaMarieArtistry
- Facebook: facebook.com/KeanaMarieArtistry
Image Credits
Khalil Covington
