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Daily Inspiration: Meet Neeka Jackson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Neeka Jackson.

Neeka, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?My journey began in the Midwest, growing up I was heavily into sports and dance, you really couldn’t tell me anything! That was literally my life. Exploring lots of different creative outlets always led me to want more, I moved to New York in my early 20’s after snagging a job in Fashion & Production. I think it was there where I was introduced to so many different mediums of design. Being a Stylist assistant & intern to world rebound fashion stylist and editor Patti Wilson was a pivotal point in my journey as well. Art & Fashion were colliding into one and it was amazing to see. From Music to Fashion and everything in between I always knew that I wanted to work in all fields. I just didn’t know how I would make it work. Later I would spend time still dancing, then I would take time off to just travel or I would dive into stickily work work work. Finding it difficult to always find balance I made the decision to step away from fashion & Dance and focus only on DJ ing and that is what I did full time for a total of 6 years. Fast FWD – My Rug Making journey has been an uphill joy – For me coming off of the pandemic, having lots of time to sit and explore other creative outlets, interior and home goods has always been something I’ve automatically been drawn to since I am a visual person. Rug-making specifically, ummmm whew… I kept saying I wanted to do it but honestly, I did not think that I could. I mean, it is a very technical and tedious craft. It was one of those things that you see from afar but for me, that was just it.

After losing my last job, I set out to put my all into learning the tufting skill and craft – so that’s exactly what I did. Hopped online and found a local rug-making class, I want to give big thanks to Ruben at Artisans Playhouse. This is where I learned the fundamentals on rug making and the rest was up from there. I am always still perfecting my craft in the tufting world. There are endless possibilities with a skill like this. I am happy with it and grateful for the continuous support from all over.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Umm, I don’t think there’s such thing as a “smooth road” in anything. There is always a bump, you know. Things happen but to me, thats just what comes with it. I take everything as a learning tool to get me to the next lesson.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Most recently known for my rug art it has been an ongoing passion of mine since I started. With my first love being dance, this is what I was known for, for many years up until I started DJ-ing. I have been a full-time independent mobile DJ for 7+ years and counting now. A lover for all music, dance and arts. All of my passions merge together and I am now actively pursuing all of them at the same time and I love that for me.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Oh my gosh yes, Most important lesson I learned is to appreciate stillness. Being a full-time DJ pre covid that was my only source of income at the time so my life changed drastically. It was very scary, I did not know how I would make it out of the crisis but allowing myself to finally have still time also allowed me to explore my creativity in other mediums.

Contact Info:

  • Email: neekajacksonbookings@gmail.com
  • Instagram: neekasodope
  • Twitter: neekasodope

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