Meet Shyrlia Mitchell | Artist/Creative Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shyrlia Mitchell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shyrlia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was struggling to make ends meet and was thinking about getting a second job however, I couldn’t stand the position I was working at the time and thought why do I want to make myself even more miserable? That’s when I decided to put myself out there. I wanted to make money doing something that I love and in turn create something that would hopefully bring joy to someone else.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always loved art. I had an art class every year in school from elementary to high school and even attended the Art Institute of NY for a time. I used to draw a lot but slowly fell away from that and started crafting more. I would assemble our family photo albums and make scrapbooks. I used to make collages in my agenda in school of my favorite actors or of me and my friends. As I got older it stuck with me, and I would use my skills as an outlet. I am still fairly new to the business side of it, but I feel I have learned so much in almost 2 years. I have gotten so much support and there are times I am really amazed at what I have accomplished. There are also times when business is slow or non-existent and I wonder if it’s still worth it, but I quickly remind myself that I am not just doing it for the recognition or the financial support. It genuinely brings me joy to challenge myself with new ideas and then to execute them and see the elated look on someone’s face when they see what I have created at their request. Knowing I brought someone that kind of joy gives me the push I need to keep going.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, I live in New York City, so the options are endless. The first thing that comes to mind is we would have to go see a Broadway musical; my personal favorite show is Wicked. I would also take them to brunch, probably a spot in Harlem called Blvd Bistro which is always a good time, with good food, good music and great people. Another one of my many hobbies is reading, I love a good book. On my birthday last year, me and my friends/family went on a “book tour” around the city. We visited various bookstores from Brooklyn to Manhattan, so we would have to do that again. I also love to picnic in DUMBO park in Brooklyn, the view of the Brooklyn Bridge is amazing, and it is so relaxing, we could bring our new books with us and just vibe out, maybe grab some ice cream too. Oddfellows has some very interesting flavors.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would have to shoutout my late cousin Sierra who passed away in 2020 from COVID-19. She was brave enough to start her own successful party planning business before her untimely passing. When I decided this was something I wanted to try she was absolutely my inspiration. She always suggested we needed our own family business, and I know if she were still here to see me today she would be my biggest supporter and most encouraging mentor. I miss her so much.

Instagram: @shyrliajoaneeforkeeps

Other: TikTok: @shyrliajoaneeforkeeps
Gmail: shyrliajoanee@gmail.com