Today we’d like to introduce you to Kadijiha Jones. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Brush Box is a handcrafted, immersive art company that uses therapeutic practices to guide the day art experience. Brush Box originated through art therapy practices that founder Amber Thomas used with her many clients. Amber realized that during her sessions, no matter the client (age, gender, mobility level, etc.), they each were able to connect with her through the use of art.
Brush Box officially launched in 2020 during the pandemic. The world shifted, people had more time on their hands and looking for ways to stay busy and connected. This is the moment Amber and her friend, Kadijiha Jones decided to go for a round 2 partnership after the two were RAs during undergrad at Alverno College. Kadijiha has always been passionate about giving back and getting involved in her community. To that point, we use art as a basis for self-reflection and community engagement.
With Amber’s degree in art therapy and Kadijha’s focus on the importance of community engagement as a self-defining tool the first product launched by Brush Box was the Build Your Own Superhero kit. This product was a slight reshaping of Amber’s most engaging therapeutic programs into an art experience. The concept of the kit is to create yourself into a superhero, reflecting and your strengths AND weaknesses and how that impacts your super squad (community). The handcrafted kit comes with a slew of 2-D/3D embellishments as well as a therapeutic guide that encourages autonomous creation and international reflection.
Currently, we have expanded into two cities (originating in Milwaukee, Wi). Engaging in communities, facilitating therapeutic workshops, implementing SEL into schools and partnering with community makers to curate products that continue to heal, uplift and unite us with ourselves and our community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, there were struggles (still are). One of the biggest struggles was when half of the duo – Kadijiha – moved to Atlanta. Although we talked and made a plan for how we would operate the business during the move, when it actually happened, we realized it was a bit more complex than deciding who would send the invoices or make samples. We realized the main reason we are successful in what we do is the fact that WE are each other’s community…and artistic energy and quick whiteboard session partner. Going through extended periods of creative blocks, newness, and changing environments tested the smooth road we paved prior to the move.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I graduated with a B.A. in Marketing Communications from Alverno College, a women’s college located in Milwaukee, WI. Following graduation, I proudly dedicate my time to giving back to my community by joining AmeriCorps NCCC. I spent a year traveling the country volunteering for local and national nonprofit organizations. After my service year was completed, I decided to fulfill my career aspirations to work in the marketing industry. After a few years of working full-time in the industry, finding time outside of work to volunteer or connect with my community I felt a shift coming and a new chapter approaching. The pandemic not only launched Brush Box, but it was the time I began to tap into art as a process to pass the time during a period of uncertainty. During this time I accepted a position to work for a Milwaukee (MKE) nonprofit, Islands of Brilliance (IOB). I was initially introduced to them as a potential partner for Brush Box, and through conversation and connections, a job opportunity was introduced. I am currently the CRM strategies for IOB, automating systems, creating processes for automation, and system capability ease of use. I am also your finest barista at Starbucks, whipping up the best aesthetically pleasing frappuccinos.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Art and creativity are on the rise. Since the pandemic and the world shifted and slowed down a bit (for a big chunk of us), people have begun to realize the importance and need for art and creativity in our lives. Schools are now looking for budgets, companies are looking to reconnect their teams and friends and family want more meaningful moments together. No matter the reason, industry, or person, art is another way of expression. Art is endless and at its core just something for self-expression, however you choose to engage. Art is subjective in nature and not something easily replicated from one person to the next, so the more art that floods the market the better. The more likely an individual can join any community and find something for them and a place they can turn to connect and reflect. With that being said, I welcome as much art as the world can hold because you never know, it may be the one thing that changes your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abrushbox.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abrushbox/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abrushbox/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadijiha-jones/
