Meet Isis Kenney

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Isis Kenney. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Isis below.

Isis, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Confidence wasn’t something I just woke up with, it was something I had to build, early and often. I grew up as an only child in a community where no one else had a name like mine. My name is Isis, and while it holds deep historical and cultural meaning, not everyone understood that. I constantly had to explain it, defend it, and own it. That taught me how to stand firm in who I was, even when people didn’t get it.

I didn’t grow up with a big extended family—just me and my mom, mostly. I didn’t have cousins or siblings to lean on, so I learned to trust myself and listen to my intuition from a young age. I didn’t grow up focused on brand names or trends—I had to make what I had work for me. That sparked my own sense of style and self-expression early on. Later, art school pushed me even further. Being in critiques, defending my ideas, getting misunderstood, and having to explain my creative choices, all of that shaped me. It taught me not just to create, but to believe in my vision, even when others didn’t. That experience helped turn confidence into something I could carry, both as an artist and as a person.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As the founder and creative force behind Hip Hop Fine Art. My brand lives at the intersection of fine art, storytelling, and culture, we specialize in everything from visual art to home décor and interior design, all rooted in the spirit and legacy of Hip Hop.

Over the years, my work has grown from painting on canvas in my room to digital design, large-scale installations, and now product lines and interior spaces. It’s been an exciting journey of constant evolution, but one thing has stayed the same: my purpose. I’ve always used art as a tool to educate, uplift, and preserve history.

Right now, I’m most excited about stepping into public art and community-centered design. We’re working on projects that bring storytelling and visual art directly into public spaces—making art more accessible and reflective of the people who live there. It’s not just about creating something beautiful, it’s about honoring voices, histories, and achievements that deserve to be seen and celebrated.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’d say the three things that made the biggest impact on my journey are branding, marketing, and public speaking.

Branding really helped me shape the identity of Hip Hop Fine Art. I’ve always wanted my work to feel bold, rich, and recognizable—and over time, I developed a visual style that reflects that. Whether it’s fine art, products, or interior design, I treat everything I create with the same level of intention and quality. That consistency is what helps people connect with the brand.

Marketing has been just as important. It’s not just about promotion—it’s about storytelling. Whether I’m designing for an event, a campaign, or a gallery show, I think about how to create an experience. Marketing helped me understand how to communicate visually and emotionally in a way that makes people stop, feel something, and take action.

And then there’s public speaking. I used to be nervous about speaking in front of crowds, but my background in the arts, especially acting, helped me push past that. Being able to communicate your ideas clearly—whether it’s in a pitch, on stage, or in a room full of creatives—makes a huge difference. It’s not just about talking; it’s about connecting, reading the room, and adjusting in real time.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past year, my biggest growth has definitely been on a spiritual and personal level. Growing up, I let low-energy people and situations pull me into places that didn’t serve me. But life teaches you. I’ve learned not to shrink myself or dim my light just to make others comfortable. I now understand that when you’re talented, passionate, and walking in your purpose, it can trigger people.

That’s just part of it. You can’t let other people’s discomfort disrupt your alignment.
I used to see that as a burden, outshining a boss, outgrowing friendships, or just being on a path that felt isolating. But now I understand it’s part of the journey. The last 12 months have taught me to embrace that. To stand firm in my light, stay grounded, and keep moving forward—even when it’s uncomfortable. Growth isn’t always pretty, but it’s powerful.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Kenji BC ( mindofkenji )

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