Rising Stars: Meet LaKeisha “aka L” McGhee of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaKeisha “aka L” McGhee.

Hi L, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m LaKeisha — most people call me “L” — and I create artistically under the name Joelle Monique. The name is a combination of my grandfather Joe’s name, my nickname “L,” and my middle name Monique. He passed away when I was young, and he was the only known painter in my family — and I wanted to carry a piece of that lineage forward. It felt like the right way to honor where it all began.

I’m originally from San Antonio, Texas, and Atlanta became home when I came to attend Spelman College. I’m the founder of Noteworthy Couture, a creative experience studio where I use art as a tool for connection and self-expression. But it didn’t start there. My artistic career began in brand design — building logos and websites for entrepreneurs and small businesses. While I was helping other women launch their brands, I felt this itch to create something of my own. I’ve always loved fashion and stationery, so I designed inclusive, fashion-inspired greeting cards, notebooks, and mugs. That is how Noteworthy Couture was born.

The pivot came in 2022 when a friend asked if I’d sketch fashion illustrations of her guests at a birthday party. I’d seen live illustration on Instagram and felt in my spirit — why not? That one yes opened the door to sketching at corporate events, galas, brand activations, and celebrations of all kinds. Then in 2024, painting entered my world — first as a therapeutic outlet, then as something much bigger. It grew into experiences that invite reflection, creativity, and genuine connection. Today, Noteworthy Couture is a studio where people feel seen, express themselves, and leave feeling more connected to who they’re becoming.

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?
Not at all — but I don’t think it ever is when you’re trying to walk in purpose. A scripture that has carried me through is James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

A few years ago, I was working under incredibly demanding conditions. My stress was at an all-time high, and for the first time in my life I was dealing with anxiety. I was going through the motions — wife, mother, daughter, leader — wearing every hat but my own. In the middle of trying to break glass ceilings and earn a seat at the table, I lost my voice. I didn’t even know what my hobbies were anymore. I knew this wasn’t sustainable and something had to shift.

That’s when I turned to painting. I’d never had formal training and didn’t really know what I was doing — but there was an inner pull I couldn’t ignore. Painting became part of my daily self-care. When I painted, I felt reconnected to God and to myself. I could process what lived beneath the surface. My family, friends, even strangers started noticing — they said I seemed lighter. My spark came back.

Eventually that personal healing expanded Noteworthy Couture into what it is today — a space where I invite others into that same experience of reconnecting with themselves.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve never had any formal training in any of my creative disciplines. Some people say self-taught — I say God-taught. I genuinely couldn’t do any of this without Him. I work primarily with acrylic and marker, and my influences are rooted in spirituality, culture, fashion, and lived experience. At the core of everything is an ongoing exploration of what it means to be seen — not just how we show up, but who we’re becoming.

Through Noteworthy Couture, I offer two kinds of experiences: Celebrate & Connect and Reset & Reconnect.

Celebrate & Connect is where live fashion illustration, private events, and brand activations live. People come together to celebrate and leave with something personal and one-of-a-kind — whether that’s a live sketch created of them or a guided art experience where they paint, create wearable art, or decorate stationery. There are no generic templates; everything is custom and personalized to the occasion.

Reset & Reconnect is focused on creativity as self-care. Through experiences like my recurring Paint With Purpose sessions, I create space for you to slow down, reflect, and come back to yourself. These aren’t your typical paint-and-sip classes — they’re intentional. People leave with clarity, not just a canvas.

What I’m most proud of is the transformation I get to witness. I’ve had attendees say “I don’t remember the last time I stopped to think about what I want.” That moment — when someone gives themselves permission to exhale and be present — that’s what I design for. I’m also proud of my personal studio practice. I’ve been in Black Girl Art Show and group exhibitions throughout Atlanta, and I currently have two pieces exhibited in EmpowerHER, presented by Fulton County Department of Arts & Culture, alongside over 200 women artists.

What sets me apart is that I don’t separate the art from the experience. Everything is thoughtfully designed — not just visually, but emotionally. Because my work is rooted in faith and a deep belief that when people feel seen and affirmed, they’re empowered to become who they were called to be.

Any big plans?
I want to keep expanding the Reset & Reconnect side of Noteworthy Couture. Times are hard, uncertainty is high, and people are more disconnected than ever — from each other and from themselves. COVID taught us how to slow down, but social media pulled us right back into consuming instead of creating. I want to help flip that.

My focus is on building community, creating spaces, and designing products that make creativity — as a form of wellness — a natural part of your daily life.
So stay tuned. There’s a lot coming!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://noteworthycouture.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/noteworthycouture
• Other: https://joellemonique.com