Meet Kejuan’a Beneby | Artist & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kejuan’a Beneby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kejuan’a, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
For a long time I struggled with anxiety, and imposter syndrome. I had to do some inner work to figure out where the anxiety stemmed from, what was it that triggered these feelings of fear and inadequacy? There were 3 main fears that I realized were effecting me the most and so I wanted to speak to those things and foster a positive affirmation towards them. ” I am Capable” – Everything that I need to physically complete this task is already within me. My body is able to do the work, I am physically sound and my body is in good health. ” I am Competent” – I am within my right mind. All of the information I need to achieve this goal is already within me or within my reach. Anything that I do not know, I can obtain through actively seeking the answers to the questions I have. ” I am Confident”- What I have done in the past was done well, and with my best intentions. What I have planned for the future will also be well done because I’m constantly changing and evolving into a better version of myself.

Having this affirmation reminds me to not be so hard on myself in moments of self doubt. It reminds me to not hold myself to unrealistic standards, that I’m still human and even when I don’t feel my best that I’m still capable, competent and confident enough to do great things.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always been a creative, and I’ve always stated that being a creative is such a huge blessing being able to take your thoughts and ideas and manifest them into reality. I think what sets my art apart from others is my use of innovative methods. Lack of resources has led me to be more innovative in my creative and design process. Innovation is what has led me to learn new skills and broaden my horizon when it comes to my craft. Before I started my business as a fashion designer, I had these grand ideas and no way of executing them. I knew I was good with my hands and so I taught myself how to sew, shortly after starting KBAD Studio I found it difficult to find a creative director and photographer who could capture the vision I had in my head for my brand, so I taught myself how to take and edit photos and how to come up with and execute creative ideas for projects. With those skills I was able to produce photoshoots and video shoots by myself for my brand. When makeup artists and Hairstylists weren’t available I came up with a signature makeup look and hairstyle that I could do on the models myself. Through trial and error I was able to take those same skills acquired and expanded on the services I was able to provide for my growing clientele. I take pride in knowing that I can not only take my own dreams and make them a reality but I can help my clients bring their dreams to reality too. What being innovative has taught me is that having a natural affinity for something can only take you so far, and what you lack in God given talent and available resources can be obtained through discipline and sweat equity ( hard work ). The KBAD Studio that you see today was built piece by piece through obtaining and sharpening creative skills and I’m most excited to see what the next chapter holds as I anticipate my brand growing and evolving just I continue to grow and evolve also.

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.
Well I’m from The Bahamas, the land of Sun, Sand and Sea so hitting up the beach would be at the very top of the list. I’m also a big foodie so I think the itinerary would look something like this: Sunday- Brunch at Edge that overlooks the lake followed by a scenic drive to the western side of the island where we get fresh conch salad and conch fritters from the local stalls on the coast
Monday- Take a tour of the Historic sites in Nassau, the different Forts and Pirate museum. Have a classic Bahamian lunch from Bamboo Shack, a thigh snack combo which consists of fried chicken, cracked conch and fries smothered in ketchup, hot sauce and if you’re feeling really adventurous you can add mayo and onions.
Tuesday- Pick a beach, any beach! A full day at the beach with snacks and drinks is a must.
Wednesday- We island hop, and head to the Exuma cays to see the sand banks, feed the iguanas on the iguana cay and go snorkeling off the reefs.
Thursday- We travel to Eleuthera by sea and visit the glass window bridge where the oceans meet and take an island tour.
Friday and Saturday- We head back to the capital where we spend the last 2 days at the Bahamar resort. Eat Sushi from Katsuya, have cocktails and the Swimming Pigs Bar and party the night away on the rooftop at the Skybar.

I’m more of homebody at heart though, so a trip where we just spend time with friends and family with game nights, BBQ’s and brunch at home is always a good time for me too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my family and friends who have supported me throughout my journey. My sister Kendra who has been my Spiritual advisor and has had a huge impact on how I navigate this human experience. My partner Karlin who has shown me the most authentic version of what it means to love someone and be loved in return. My friends who constantly inspire me to be a better version on myself, they lead by example and I look to them as my moral compass. Cody, Petra, Bodine, Linda and everyone else, you know who you are, Thank you for always supporting me and providing sound advice and words of encouragement.

Website: https://kbadstudio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbadstudio/