FEATURED ARTIST: Dawn Kimble

Tell me a little about yourself…

My name is Dawn Jones-Kimble I live in Memphis, TN and I am the owner and designer @New Tribe New Traditions. It is an inspirational t-shirt design business based on natural hair, empowerment and love. I am a Sagittarius, an activist and a healer. I also paint, sculpt, quilt, crochet, knit, and tailor clothing.

How long have you been an artist or crafter? When did you first discover your artistic ability?

I have been an artist since I was a child. I love to create. When I had children, I started out sewing children’s clothing. I made my daughter’s whole wardrobe from the time she was born until she entered fifth grade.

How’d you get started?

I started my business after helping my husband at a vending event. He screened and created t-shirts off and on throughout our marriage. I had so much fun that I wanted to start a small business doing t-shirts. He was busy with other projects so I sat down and created my first three designs. There was such a positive response from the natural community that I was inspired to create more.

Where can we check out and buy your work?

My Business is: www.etsy.com/shop/NewTribeNewTradition?ref=si_shop
www.facebook.com/NewTribeNewTraditions?ref=hl
My art: www.artbreak.com/kimbledawn

What do you think sets you apart from other artists and crafters?

I don’t know, I have met many artists and they are all very passionate and driven when it concerns their craft.

What do you get out of being an artist/crafter?

I wake up every morning with a sense of accomplishment and pride. I am setting an example for my children that can only be taught by them seeing me do it. With adversity and trials I am building my character and by example building theirs too. I am teaching them how to move through this world with pride, honesty, and integrity.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I have worn my hair in its natural state for almost 18 years and I was pleasantly surprised when the natural hair movement took root. The creativity and passion of the women really re-inspired me to fall in love with myself all over again. The joy that I see reflected on the faces of women who accept themselves fully without exception is what inspires me daily to not only create beautiful t-shirts but beautiful paintings also.

What’s the weirdest or most astonishing and controversial artwork that you have ever created and how so or why?

I don’t have many controversial items in my shop because I also sell children’s clothing and I hope to inspire my children to be more participatory in my business.

What do others seem to love about your art?

My customers love the quality of my work and my customer service. I wouldn’t sell anything I wouldn’t wear so all of my products are my best effort. I strive to keep happy customers.

What is your advice to fellow crafters and artists?

I believe that the most pivotal moment for me was when a very close friend of mine told me that there was only one thing that I needed to do to start a business, “do it”! I didn’t have a plan, an outline or a support system, I just took what I had and made it work. I would tell them to just “do it”!

How would you describe your style, or form of artistry?

My business is natural hair designs and African empowerment, but also graphic design and visual art. I was never formally trained so I don’t know what I would call my style.

Do you have any future plans for your artwork?

I see my business as an ever-changing and growing entity. In five years I hope to have a storefront for my products, have more designs with mass appeal and have stable growing traffic visiting my site and store. I also hope to have my designs in some of the big box stores.