Meet Kelly Johanna Ibarra | Artist | Branding Specialist | Real Estate Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Johanna Ibarra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly Johanna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
The reason I pursued an artistic career is because arts and entertainment have always been a part of my life; it’s my passion and drive! As a young girl watching my dad making paintings, going to dance class, acting and being in the music industry, I always wanted to follow his footsteps. Being creative has always come naturally to me, and I always find myself being creative in every aspect of my life. From my Real Estate business, to my personal businesses, I always find myself being and artistic for every single one of my businesses to flourish! My artistic & creative career has lead me to do amazing projects from producing large scale events with A-List Artists, to selling my art work to special clients, covering red carpets, being on the radio, producing commercials and music videos, helping businesses and artists build their creative brand & image, and the list goes on!

What should our readers know about your business?
They say the average millionaire has 7 streams of income. You can say that I am definitely trying to make it there! Being a business owner is not always easy; it comes with a lot of hustle and bustle and constantly staying creative on how you can grow your business consistently. I currently have 3 businesses; an arts, entertainments & branding company called KJI Arts, a vending machine business, and I am a Real Estate Agent. I am currently expanding my art business by adding on an interior design division. I also work with 4th Quarter Time Llc, helping the company build their brand and artists creatively and helping with some of the operations. Lastly, I am the VP of Operations for Suri Group, a luxury firm that works with prestigious brands.

It was not easy starting up my own business because I had a lot of natural doubts that comes with becoming a business owner. Once I started the business and got a taste of my personal freedom, the rest was history. Networking and being a social butterfly has gotten me where I am today. To be in business and gain business you can’t be afraid to speak to others and socialize. How else will people know who you are or what you do if you can’t talk to others!?

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that you can’t take things personal! Your business will not aways be for everyone, for your friends, or your family. When you create a business, it’s for YOU and YOUR mission and vision! People get disappointed because friends or family don’t use him or her for business, and that is okay; there are many people out there that you can cater to! Don’t let that discourage you!

What I want people to remember about my brand and my story is that I am not only here to provide my services but I am here to provide a memorable experience in everything that I do for my clients! There is a reason why my clients are loyal to me and continue to come back, because I love what I do and I transmit that energy in everything that I do for them!

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.
Although I am from Miami, and there is a lot to do (maybe too much to do) and it gets a little crazy, I always love to bring my friends to Orlando for a good time! Orlando is an underrated city that people usually only associate with Disney. I always like to start off at a local restaurant called Don Julios. They have delicious food and amazing mojito pitchers with a live DJ to accompany the ambiance! Following that, I would take a short ride to Downtown Orlando to do a little bar hop and visit the all-types of interesting bars there are! I am a big dancer so I would most likely end the night at a bar that’s playing some latin music we can dance to! The next day I would take my bestie to Kelly Springs or Wekiwa Springs! The crystal blue waters are out of a story book and it’s always fun to go kayaking with an adventurous group of friends! On our last day, I would visit Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard for some delicious brunch, wine tasting experience, and live music!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of the most powerful people and supporters in my life is my Mother. Without her, I would not be the hard-working woman I am today. She has always supported every crazy idea I have had, no matter how big or small it is! She supports me so much she always wants to buy all my artwork; her home is a a KJI Arts Gallery! Second, my Dominican family, a group of 4 women (my 3 aunts and grandmother). They have set a STRONG hardworking example on my life since they took me in at the age of 2. They celebrate all of my wins and always tell me how proud they are of me! My boyfriend, who I call my life coach, he always keeps me on my toes and sees the best in me even when I doubt myself! Lastly, one of my top mentors, Michael Ramsey. From the moment we met, he said I would do great things and is always there to give me wisdom! Mike always pushes me to grow and always includes me in all of his personal opportunities, allowing me to grow with him; that is rare now a days and I am thankful for that!

Website: https://www.kjiarts.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-johanna-ibarra-3b7790129/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kji.arts

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa58SAvD__IX7yXqptk32Eg

Image Credits
Black & White Photo Photographer: Pat Monfiston-Desir (@monfistonphotos) Make-Up: Dar Balthazar (@plushbeauty_) Stylist: Maritza Boudoir (@maritzaboudoir) Photo of 3 Women: Photographer: Claire Barret (@clairebarrettphoto)