We had the good fortune of connecting with Al and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Al, what inspires you?
Three key elements inspire me to persist in my artistic endeavors. First, the opportunity for creativity is vital; without it, I feel unfulfilled. Second, I am driven by the desire to assist others and witness positive transformations in the youth of tomorrow. Lastly, I aim to establish a legacy that influences and enriches lives, ensuring that my impact endures for years to come, regardless of my presence.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Creativity embodies the exquisite talent to elevate the ordinary into extraordinary art. As a visionary, I seamlessly blend innovation with elegance, transforming venues, events, and programs into captivating experiences that resonate with style and significance. My commitment to originality and authenticity sets me apart; I am a trendsetter.
“I am not a copycat, but i am the cat they copy.
My mother instilled in me early on that nothing in life is free. I have shared this lesson with my employees, emphasizing that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Essentially, everything in life has a cost, which may not always be monetary but often involves sacrifices or the pursuit of goals. By establishing my own brand and company, I aim to teach this concept on various levels, highlighting the importance of reciprocity in building something substantial and meaningful.
I believe I successfully managed this with Art n Soul, as many artists have benefited in various ways from the services we offer and continue to provide. Art n Soul has served as a crucial gateway to future opportunities. It has undoubtedly been the launchpad for our nonprofit, the Art Hub, (www.thearthub.org) which aims to provide art and mentoring to young men of the African diaspora. In 2025, we will introduce etiquette for young men and boxing to our program offerings. Our goal is to engage at least 1,000 young men, guiding them on a distinctive journey that fosters character development, confidence, and a strong sense of identity within our communities. The Art Hub serves as more than just a creative space; it is a refuge. We aim to direct their energy towards pursuits that are both beautiful and significant. Additionally, art has the power to transcend barriers and create pathways to new opportunities and careers.
I also have launched Art Lyfe Production (artlyfeproduction.com) a premier event consulting firm in South Florida, renowned for its decade-long expertise in elevating events to their fullest potential. Our meticulous attention to detail and innovative design concepts ensures every occasion is a masterpiece. We have collaborated with numerous corporate clients, orchestrating networking events and team-building experiences, alongside hosting exclusive birthday celebrations and exquisite weddings, all crafted to create unforgettable memories for every guest. In 2019, we elegantly extended our reach into the Southeast, collaborating with esteemed clients across Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.
I am set to launch Clara Mae Hideaway, a retreat and wellness camp, in the spring of 2025. This initiative will emphasize outdoor adaptation to enhance mental well-being, promote healthy eating, and foster an appreciation for nature. I am thrilled about this upcoming launch and its integration with our other brands, particularly the art hubs mentoring program.
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.
I’m currently in a phase of life where I like to travel, so we should explore a few spots depending on the city where they’re visiting me. I’m all about supporting local, family-owned businesses.
In this article, I’ll share my favorite spots in Fort Lauderdale, a place I frequently visit.
Twice Removed-(www.twiceremovedftl.com)
Bangkok Bistro Thai & Sushi-(www.bangkokbistrofl.com)
The Food Republic-(www.ordergreatfood.com)
Swirl Bistro-(swirlwinebistro.com)
Go to Salad Boss for lunch, a nice spot to get a Tuna Melt and smoothie!
Downtown Cigar
Sparrows
Going tap in with DJ SCO and the crew to see what they’re up to; he’s keeping the city vibing.
Check out where Deep Fried Funk Band is performing; they usually play at a casino or a popular spot in town.
We eventually find ourselves in Miami, checking out South Beach LOL, we definitely need to hit Wynwood and show some love for the arts!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Numerous individuals have significantly influenced my development and shaped my mindset, motivating me to persist in my endeavors. A1 (Aaron Hollis) stands out for providing me with a fresh perspective on life, revealing insights previously unknown to me, and I admire his transformative journey.
I also want to acknowledge the many artists I’ve collaborated with, including Will Simpsons, Van Monroe, Marco Conde, Corrine Salmon, Tracy Ann Simmons, and Connie McKnight, among others, all of whom have contributed to the narrative of Art n Soul and the Art Hub. Additionally,
I am deeply thankful for the guidance and wisdom imparted by mentors like Wayne Barton, and Kathleen Weeks, along with countless others. I am genuinely grateful to each person who has inspired me and supported my commitment to sustaining both art and entrepreneurship.
I like to shout out Ronald Johnson and the late Rodney Statham who both have played pivotal roles in keeping me grounded throughout my journey. Having known Ronald since high school, he has witnessed my struggles and successes, and I am grateful for his mentorship and unwavering support of the Art n Soul brand over the years. Rodney, as my business advisor, significantly influenced the direction and development of the company, enabling me to evolve my business practices effectively.
I want to express my appreciation for all the youth groups I have worked with, particularly the young men who inspire me to stay focused and sharp. To those who have mentioned the lack of progressive black male role models in their communities and those yearning for deeper connections with mentors who connect with them on their level, I aspire to help shift that narrative in the coming years. Many young men today seem to be navigating adulthood without clear direction, and I am working to make sure the art hub can play a role in changing that perspective.
To those young men who i have spoken with and mentored over the past 15 years, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. They are integral to my journey, and without their involvement, my story may not exist. I genuinely hope they have taken away at least one lesson from our interactions that will aid them in achieving success in life.
A heartfelt acknowledgment to the myriad organizations I have had the privilege to volunteer with, too numerous to mention, and to all who have graciously supported the Art n Soul and the Art Hub brand throughout the past decade.
I want to give a shoutout to all my friends and family who support the brand, and to everyone who stays connected on social media and likes the posts.
I appreciate everyone who has entered my life, even if only for a short time, as I believe there was a purpose behind each encounter. Whether I learned a lesson or imparted one, I am grateful for the experience and want to acknowledge you all.
“People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime”
Website: https://www.thearthub.org
Instagram: artlyfe
Linkedin: Al Huggins
Twitter: Art n Soul
Facebook: the Art hub
Youtube: @artlyfe3216
Other: https://www.myartnsoul.com
Image Credits
Cher
Quik da poet
Art lyfe team
Art n Soul staff