Rising Stars: Meet Keyia ST of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keyia ST.

Hi Keyia , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Art Junkie started as a nickname for me because of how much I loved the arts and would be at all the art shows buying up art, I swear my home is a mini art gallery lol, From there it grow. I started going around volunteering at different art galleries around the city in search of a mentor because I wanted to know all the end and outs of being an Art Curator and learning the business surrounding the arts. Eugene Byrd owner of Future Gallery and Railroad ATL gave me that chance, He gave me my first opportunity to put together my first solo show at his gallery as a curator. I was super excited. I had my artist set up and I got my vendors in place and only a hand full of people show up that day, the place was empty besides us lol, to say the least I was feeling pretty defeated. At that same vendor event I met Delano, Who thought I was the owner because of how I was running the show. He gave me the opportunity to collab with him doing Canvas Couture. And Art Junkie THE BRAND was born. He mentored me into a direction to take Art Junkie places I never though it could go, I owe them a lot They believed in my vision when I wasn’t sure of what my vision could be or even was. I started collaborating with other curators here in Atlanta to put on amazing art shows for amazing artist here in the city. Art Junkie started to grow and expand into not just me curating art shows, I also was able to interview Gallery owners and artist throughout the city, From the work I was putting in with those shows, I got the opportunity to volunteer with Tech Women of ATL for their Tech networking events, After a year of working with that organization I was given a permanent position of being their Event Manger. What I want people to know about Art Junkie and about me as the person behind the brand is that I am much more than a creative director. I am a dream facilitator, a connector, and a bridge between ideas and reality. Many people have incredible visions, passions, and concepts but may not know where to start of how to bring them to life. That’s where Art Junkie comes in, I help transform ideas from something imagined into something tangible. Whether it’s an event, a creative project, a community initiative, or a networking opportunity, I connect people to the resources, relationships, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed. I see myself as the link between inspiration and execution-the person who helps take what’s in your head and put it on paper, then turn that plan into reality, As Art Junkie continues to grow, my goal is to remain a trusted resource for the community. I want to continue creating spaces where art, technology, networking, and community engagement intersect, empowering people to bring their ideas to life and make a meaningful impact. When people think of a dream builder, I want then to think of Art Junkie. To me, art is not limited to paint, music, film, photography, or design. Art is anything we create and contribute to the world. Every Idea, every innovation, every community project, and every act of self-expression is a form of art. And that’s what Art Junkie celebrates-the beauty , creativity, and potential that exists in all of us, I’ll leave you with this. “As Art Junkie, I don’t just create events=I create opportunities, connections, and pathways for people to turn their dreams into reality,

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?
The road has not been smooth, With anything there are always good and bad. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and discipline to stay steadfast in something you are trying to build from the ground up. You have to stay comminuted to what it is you are trying to do to make it come to life. Working a 9 to 5 only to get off and clock into your real job or passion takes a lot, long nights and early morning can be a lot on you mentally and physically. I would say, you gotta stay the course and know that the hard work you put into yourself and your dream will set the building blocks you need for the future.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the founder and creative force behind Art Junkie, I help individual’s, organization’s, and brands transform ideas into reality. Whether someone has a vision for an event, community initiative, creative project, or business concept, I serve as the bridge between imagination and execution. I specialize in developing creative concepts and bringing them to life and organizing ideas into actionable plans and clear execution strategies. I plan and coordinate events, experiences, and community projects. I’m known for connecting people with the right resources, venues, opportunities, and professionals. I also build strategic relationships and networks that help clients achieve their goals. I’m most proud of helping people believe their ideas are possible and then making them a reality. What sets me apart is that I am a dream facilitator not just a Creative Director, I build community through connections, I turn chaos into clarity, and I lead with service.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My all time favorite childhood memory is and will always be having coloring contest with my dad. He swears till this day that he can out color me and that’s just not true lol. I am the champ. I carry that tradition with my own kids today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @arttt_junkieee and @keyia.techwomenatl