Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Jones.
Hi Tamika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Tamika Jones, the artist and founder behind Craftee Studio LLC. Before becoming an artist and entrepreneur, I spent many years working as a cosmetologist. Although cosmetology was my career, I’ve always been creative at heart.
In 2019, I began combining my hairstyling skills with canvas art, and that was really the beginning of my artistic journey. From there, my creativity continued to grow. I started experimenting with different materials and techniques, eventually retiring from cosmetology. I later stepped into another full-time career, while art remained a consistent hobby and creative outlet. More than anything, creating became therapeutic for me. It gave me a space to express myself, explore new ideas, and simply enjoy the process.
Today, Craftee Studio LLC is a multimedia art business where I create everything from acrylic pours, handmade domino sets, and customized home décor to clay pieces, epoxy and UV resin artwork, plaster and cement creations, polymer clay pieces, and handmade earrings. I also host paint parties and create hands-on paint projects designed for families to enjoy together. I love creating experiences where people can step away from their everyday routines, get creative, laugh, connect, and make something they can be proud of.
I’m also the Founder and Executive Director of Craftee Art Outreach, a nonprofit organization I created to bring accessible art experiences to people throughout my community and surrounding communities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, no. It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve learned that it isn’t supposed to be.
There have been plenty of obstacles, unexpected turns, and moments that required me to really look within myself. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of self-awareness and being willing to grow—not just as an artist or entrepreneur, but as a person.
What has carried me through is trusting God’s process, even during the moments when it was painful and difficult to keep moving forward. I’ve had to learn that sometimes the process doesn’t look anything like what you imagined, but that doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path.
My family, my friends, and my church family at The Word Church International have also been an incredible source of support. They have truly been my village. Their encouragement, love, and willingness to push me forward have helped me continue when things became difficult.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Craftee Studio is really an extension of who I am. I’m naturally a giver, so for me, creating isn’t always about the paycheck. Of course, running a business matters, but what means just as much to me is seeing someone’s face light up when they receive something I’ve created or knowing that a piece has become part of a special memory.
I work across many different mediums—including acrylic, resin, clay, cement, plaster, and more—because I don’t like to put myself in a box. I enjoy learning, experimenting, and challenging myself to create something new.
I also love creating opportunities for people to experience art rather than simply purchase it. I host paint parties and design paint projects that families can complete together. I believe art can bring people closer, create meaningful memories, and give families an opportunity to slow down and simply enjoy being creative together.
If someone comes to me looking for a custom piece that complements the feel of their home, a personalized gift, or something completely one-of-a-kind, I want to find a way to bring their vision to life while still adding my own creative touch.
I’m also the Founder and Executive Director of Craftee Art Outreach, a nonprofit organization I created to bring accessible art experiences to people throughout my community and surrounding communities. I volunteer my time through the organization because I believe in making art accessible and creating opportunities for people to connect, express themselves, and enjoy the benefits of creativity.
Art has been therapeutic for me, and I want other people—children, adults, seniors, and families—to experience that same sense of joy, connection, inner peace and accomplishment that can come from creating something with your own hands.
What matters most to you? Why?
I want people to understand that you can turn pain into purpose and that creativity doesn’t have to fit into one lane.
My journey has taken me from cosmetology to canvas art, resin, clay, cement, jewelry, home décor, paint parties, and family art projects. None of it happened overnight. It has been a process of learning, experimenting, making mistakes, starting over, and continuing to show up. Growing up in a housing project in Richmond, Virginia, has been a meaningful part of my journey and helped shape the woman I am today. I graduated from Hermitage High School and went on to attend J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and Liberty University online. Although I may not have earned a college degree, I am incredibly proud of myself for continuing to pursue knowledge, growth, and opportunities to better myself. As a mother of four and a proud grandmother of one grandson, I understand the importance of perseverance, responsibility, and leading by example. My journey has taught me that success is not measured solely by degrees or titles, but also by the obstacles we overcome, the lives we impact, and the courage to keep moving forward. My faith in God has been my source of strength and motivation, reminding me that my beginnings do not define my ending. I am proud of how far I have come, grateful for the lessons I have learned, and excited about what God continues to do in my life through my creativity, my businesses, and my nonprofit work. My story is a testament to the power of faith, determination, and believing that there is always room to grow, regardless of where you start in life.
I want others to know that it’s okay if your path looks different from what you originally imagined. The unexpected turns are where you discover parts of yourself you never knew existed. I want others to trust in the process of life, continue growing, and keep showing up—not only for themselves, but also for the people and communities around them. I am deeply grateful to my mother for giving me a strong foundation and keeping me connected to church, faith, and family. I am also thankful for The Word Church International for being the best church family and for providing love, guidance, encouragement, and spiritual support throughout my journey. I thank my family and friends for their love, encouragement, and support, which have helped shape me into the woman I am today. Their guidance and belief in me have strengthened my journey and inspired me to continue growing, serving, and pursuing my purpose.
Pricing:
- From $5 to $500
Contact Info:
- Website: Craftee Studio LLC
- Instagram: Crafteestudio1
- Youtube: @TeeRVA
- Other: https://crafteestudio.com
