Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Kabuya
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In high school, I fell in love with painting and drawing anime figures. It started as a simple hobby, and unexpectedly became something I have grown up with. After getting tired of painting on canvases, I picked up an old pair of jeans I’d planned to toss and decided to give them a second chance–with a painted Naruto mural right down the leg. I wore them out, and soon, people were asking for custom pairs of their own.
When I enrolled at the University of Georgia as an advertising major, I knew I wanted to focus on creative execution. My courses motivated me and sparked so many new ideas, and I put that knowledge to work. In November 2022, I dove into the world of dropshipping, using TikTok. After a few months of failure, In 2023, I started seeing sales through online marketing, focusing on a unique niche. It’s been a journey of creative learning and unexpected opportunities. I’m grateful to be able to combine my passion for art and creativity with the skills I’ve learned, and I can’t wait to see where this road leads me next!
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth ride. I used to have a huge fear of perception—constantly worrying about how others saw me, especially on social media. I’d downplay my accomplishments, hold back from sharing my passions, and sometimes even change how I presented myself, all just to make others around me feel more comfortable. Eventually, I realized that I was getting in my own way.
I made a choice to just choose myself. Now, I don’t obsess over views or likes. I genuinely post as if no one’s watching, sharing what I genuinely love. Things like painting, animation, gaming, reading, yoga, and more. Instagram went from being this stressful space to something fun and expressive. Instead of seeing it as a platform for appearances, I view it as a place to connect with people who really get me. In fact, I’ve met some amazing online friends who share my interests, and have even turned into real-life connections. Letting go of that fear of perception has transformed more than just my Instagram feed; it’s helped me in my relationships too. I’m able to connect on a deeper level and walk away from negativity when I need to. And along the way, I’ve learned to love myself enough to keep choosing me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a creative marketer and artist with a passion for connecting people through authenticity and eye-catching visuals. My journey started with painting in 2016, and since then, I’ve explored a range of creative outlets—from custom anime-painted jeans to digital marketing. In the last two years, I’ve focused on selling digital products, specifically private label rights for e-books. One of my proudest achievements is building an online community of over 20,000 followers through my organic, faceless online marketing. What sets me apart is my approach to promoting content through unique and engaging formats like 2D animation and graphic design, which help my work stand out across different platforms.
I believe that my strength is in creating from a place of authenticity and enjoyment. Whether it’s a painted piece or a digital product, my goal is always to make people feel understood. Being relatable is always at the heart of all of my content, and I believe that’s what makes my creative hobbies feel so fun and rewarding.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have so much gratitude for all of my mentors. I have no idea where I’d be without them. The University of Georgia’s community of faculty and alumni is a huge source of support. It feels like a close-knit, reliable network that extends across the nation, always ready to lend a hand when needed. One of the biggest cheerleaders in my life has been my first mentor, Tyler Ashley, who’s now a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Terex Corporation. Tyler’s been there for over ten years, from checking my report card on the school bus to helping me apply to the University of Georgia. Today, she’s still guiding me with her wisdom and advice, both professionally and personally. She’s like a big sister to me-her kindness, patience, and belief in me have been a steady light in my life. I couldn’t ask for a better role model or supporter, and I’m forever thankful for her.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://prettygirlsluvanime.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kabuyaskrafts/
