Meet Jackie Wada | Artist

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

Hi Jackie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been training the youth in basketball for 8 years now and have been very fortunate to do what I love. My training business, Wada Life, has given me the opportunity to mentor kids and also, be around amazing families. During the pandemic, I started my art business, Wada Art, and let me tell you, life all of a sudden got pretty chaotic. I’m currently running 2 businesses and all the challenges have been a blessing in disguise. I’ve learned to admire the thought of being a student in everything I do and to always remain humble knowing that there will always be progress ahead. Both businesses have taught/are teaching me life lessons such as, time management, organization, consistency, and even the importance of self-care being essential to how I carry myself as an entrepreneur. My clients are my motivation, which gives my businesses their purpose. I’m beyond passionate about helping others grow, but with that comes with holding myself accountable as well. The one thing I’ve learned is, the constant stress doesn’t get easier, you just get better at balancing life. You get better at setting boundaries with yourself so that you can organize and prioritize what makes you stronger for yourself and for others. With that being said, I’m very fortunate to for both businesses and love what I do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Being an artist has been an emotional experience of wanting more every day but not necessarily knowing which direction to go. However, I’m learning that there’s no right answer and the only way to find out what’s best is to take risks and learn from mistakes. I’m confident enough to admit that I’m not sure what the future holds for my art but I’m currently admiring every experience and situation that allows me to figure out more of who I am. I’m aware that my purpose and passion is to give back to others, so I’m constantly figuring out how I can create art and connect with those around me. As an artist I’m learning 2 things:

1. Now a days, there are many different avenues to become successful. Continue to try everything and if it’s not for you and you fail, I guarantee it’ll still be a win because you will learn something about yourself no matter what. Opportunities are right in front of you, you just have to go for it. It won’t be easy, life actually gets harder, you just get better and managing all of it.

2. Be your authentic self. As long as you’re confident in who you are with good intentions, morals, and principles, then everything will fall into place.

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.
If my friend was visiting the area, I would definitely have a list of places to take them! First of all, I’m a foodie and have absolutely no business spending all my money on food, but it makes me happy haha.

Favorite coffee spots: Scorpio, Station 38 Coffee, and Mast.

My favorite breakfast spots are: The Morning Fork, Meet & Eat, Siblings, and Orphan Breakfast House.

Favorite dinner spots: Oz BBQ, Heat Shabu, Paesanos, Prelude.

I would take them down R Street, Midtown Market, and Downtown. I enjoy working out a lot so I would take them to Title Boxing, Muay Thai, and Game-Fit which is where I train the kids in basketball.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My businesses are successful because of the people in my life. I could not do anything without my community, my friends, and my family. My family has been a huge part of my businesses. First and foremost, they did an amazing job raising my brother and I and taught us life lessons at an early age such as, work ethic, commitment, the importance of being around good people, and instilling good morals and principles. Ways of life turned into habits that became a huge part of who I am today as an entrepreneur.

Last but not least, my significant other has been by my side through it all and was the one who pushed me to go forward with my art. He’s been my manager and a huge inspiration in my life and can’t thank him enough for being a best friend who believed in me more than I believed in myself.

Website: Www.Wadaart.com

Instagram: Wada_art

Image Credits
Jace Angelo Matt Photos Natalie Olmos