We had the good fortune of connecting with T. Nikki Paige and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi T. Nikki, how does your business help the community?
Ladybutch by Chad Kenzie is a sustainable luxury decor brand that features art created by queer artists of color. Each piece tells a unique story of the intersection of queer and cultural identity with an eccentric, opulent flair. At Chad Kenzie Studios, we believe that sustainability is sexy. All items are ethically handcrafted to order by skilled artisans to eliminate the waste that is created by an oversupply of inventory. All artwork is created with non-toxic, eco-friendly pigments, and all woodwork is created with FSC certified forest-friendly wood.

What should our readers know about your business?
Chad Kenzie Studios is an arts and technology production house that creates immersive audio/visual art experiences. Our in-house artists include visual artists, musicians, poets, and interdisciplinary artists. Ladybutch by Chad Kenzie is where consumers can purchase functional home decor items that feature the artwork produced by artists at Chad Kenzie Studios. I’m most proud of the fact that all of the art is designed by queer artists of color and that the items are sustainably created. I am a proud Black woman and a member of the LGBT community, and I happen to like nice things. Many high-end companies don’t create home decor with us in mind so I wanted to keep queer, Black themes central to our designs. Our collection features everything from fine china to accent furniture, all with an eccentric ethnic flair.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve lived in Los Angeles for eight years now, and I still love being a tourist in my own city. I’d take them to the rooftop at Mama Shelter’s in Hollywood. There’s a great view of the Hollywood sign there. I’m vegan, so I’d highly recommend Sage Vegan Bistro in Culver City. And I’d definitely take them to a drag brunch at the Abbey. I also recently checked out the meditation exhibit at Wisdome LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ladybutch by Chad Kenzie is a pandemic baby. During the winter months of lockdown, work was slow and I had recently completed studies to become ordained as a queer minister. I didn’t have much to do and found myself creating artwork like crazy to combat boredom and isolation. With the support of my wife, Haddijatou, I was able to transform pages of sketches into a full collection. She’s been the administrative and emotional support that helped get Ladybutch on its legs. She definitely deserves a shoutout for that.

Website: www.ladybutch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladybutchxck/

Image Credits
Images courtesy of www.ladybutch.com.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.