Life & Work with De’Asia Jefferson of Cartersville, Georgia

Today we’d like to introduce you to De’Asia Jefferson.

Hi De’Asia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is De’Asia Jefferson and I’m the creator of CTRL ART CREATE Craft Studio. Since I was a child, I’ve leaned on the art of creating as an outlet for self-expression and alchemizing my experiences. I started by being drawn to fashion; which led me to teach myself how to sew, alter, and design clothes. From here, I opened up a gateway to learning many other artistic skillsets that I’ve fallen in love with over the years for example; crochet. Crochet was introduced to be me by my late great aunt Zula Denise Hudson. Before I left for college back in 2019, she left me a giant bag full of yarn and unfinished projects. As I admired her work, I promised myself that I would learn the skill of crochet so that I could incorporate it in my designs and also carry on the legacy of such a medicinal act. And so it came to be, I started crocheting and selling my items in pop up markets in Atlanta, Virginia, and Philadelphia. While I’m always learning new skills, creating, and dabbling through various mediums, I wanted to create a space for curious creative minds to get a chance to learn, create, and unplug from the digital world. I’m a firm believer in reconnecting with oneself through the act of creating and at CTRL ART CREATE Craft Studio everyone is encouraged to command their vision and create without limits by using their own hands to create master pieces.

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?
To say the least, it hasn’t been a smooth road. A few struggles that I’ve encountered along the way are being inconsistent in my creative endeavors due to life’s demanding obligations. I’ve also struggled with community engagement/outreach and informing people that our studio is open for creative workshops and other events. We are open to offering a space and collaborating with other creatives in the community.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my professional work, I am an English as a second language Instructor. In other words, I help students coming from countries abroad find their voice in English. In the last five years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting children from various backgrounds. I’ve taught children from Egypt, Brazil, Sierra Leone, Venezuela, Haiti, and Jamaica just to name a few. I am most proud of being able to cultivate a space for individuals to feel safe and comfortable learning in. This sets me apart from others because I’m able to successfully curate a space for people around the world to communicate, connect and practice vulnerability, and risk taking.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success based on the joy I feel when creating and sharing. I also define it by the amount of people I’m able to reach and inspire.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bio.site/CTRLARTCREATE
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ctrlartcreate?igsh=b3JleGpidXh4MzRs&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/CTRLARTCRE8/?

Image Credits
India Sheree – Cheese Please Photobooth