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Conversations with Jordan P

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan P.

Hi Jordan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi, I’m Jordan—but growing up, everyone called me Jojo. I’m a 23-year-old afro latina artist and aspiring tattoo artist from Harlem, NY. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I had a creative spark. My parents always encouraged me to express myself in any way I could—whether that meant building dioramas out of shoeboxes, reconstructing my clothes, or even making music.

Still, I never considered myself an “artist” back then. For a long time, creativity was just something I did—it was fun, it was natural, but it didn’t have a name. It wasn’t until high school that I realized art was more than a hobby—it was my escape. It helped me through some of the hardest times in my life.

Out of ten siblings, I was always the one who stood out—and my parents saw that in me before I saw it in myself. After they separated and my mom got sick, she sent me to high school out of state, in Naples, Maine, to give me better opportunities. That’s where things started to shift. I took classes in stained glass, painting, culinary arts, poetry, and even played two sports. I had incredible teachers and, more importantly, I made a promise to myself: keep doing what I love, and turn it into something real.

Two years after moving back to New York—in 2021—I officially began my art journey. I bought my first paint palette and brushes, started posting my work online, and was stunned by the response. Imagine walking into a room filled with hundreds of people, all there to see your art—that’s what it felt like.

Since then, it’s been a wild, beautiful ride. I’m still growing and figuring it all out, but I know exactly what I want to do. I started Cultivative Creations as a brand rooted in art, fashion, and self-exploration through creative expression.

In January, I launched my first batch of apparel. I’ve made earrings, hosted sip-and-paints by the Harlem pier, entered gallery shows, had my first pop-up shop, and connected with so many amazing people—like my photographer and friend, Ceecee.

Now, I’ve just launched my tattoo page, @lostgyrltattoos, and I’m currently building my portfolio with the goal of taking on clients within the next year. I specialize in trash polka and fine line styles, and I’m so excited to keep learning and evolving.

I have big dreams and endless passion—and seeing it all start to take shape, with the support of so many, has been incredible. This is just the beginning.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing up in New York, struggle was a constant in my life and not uncommon. I experienced housing instability from a young age, moving in and out of apartments and shelters. New clothes were rare, and putting food on the table was often a challenge. That kind of upbringing kept me in survival mode and made it hard to believe in myself or that my art could ever become something more than a dream.

I wasn’t a confident girl—bullied, overlooked, and burdened by more than my share of abuse and trauma. After enduring yet another painful and destabilizing situation, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life: at 21, I entered a single-woman shelter on my own. I spent all of 2024 there, juggling two jobs and creating art wherever I could—sometimes in a friend’s living room, other times in a broken-down bus I rented from another artist, which also became a place for me to sleep when I had nowhere else to go. All of this while caring for my sick mother. It was a lonely, painful chapter—but one that shaped me in profound ways.

Through it all, I chose myself. I knew that breaking the cycle of struggle meant believing in my own gifts and taking a chance on them. I walked away from what was familiar to uncover who I truly was—not just as an artist, but as Jordan. Every risk I took brought me closer to the life I’m creating now, and I carry no regrets—only growth, purpose, and vision.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Now can confidently say I’m a painter, clothing designer, and emerging tattoo artist with a passion for abstract and expressive art—anything that empowers people to show up as their truest selves. I believe creativity is a way to rewrite the world around you, to step beyond what’s familiar and build something entirely your own.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the courage I bring to every project, event, or new idea. I take risks because I truly believe in my ability to make things happen. That confidence—earned through experience and self-discovery—is one of my greatest achievements.

In a city like New York, where you’re constantly surrounded by people, standing out matters. But for me, what sets me apart is my energy—my childlike charm, my bubbly spirit, and the way I bring warmth into any room. I know what it’s like to feel invisible, so I make it a point to make others feel seen. Through my art and presence, I hope to inspire people to embrace who they are—loudly, boldly, and unapologetically.

What matters most to you? Why?
Human connection is what matters most to me. In a world where technology has taken over so much of our daily lives, I believe it’s more important than ever to bring people together in real, meaningful ways.

We often forget what true community and support feel like. The internet can blur those lines, making everything feel like a competition instead of a shared experience. It can isolate us, even while keeping us constantly connected.

That’s why I’m passionate about creating spaces—through art and events—where people can reconnect, feel seen, and be their most authentic selves. Whether it’s through a painting, a pop-up, or a creative gathering, my goal is always to foster connection and celebrate individuality. I hope to continue growing as an artist, mastering my craft in tattooing, and creating inclusive spaces where all kinds of people feel welcomed, inspired, and empowered.

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