Meet Team Ubuntu

ubuntugraphix
April 25, 2024
4:55 am
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Creative Campaigns

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shay Chenette. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shay below.

Shay, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

Where do I get my source of optimism from? From gratitude! Seriously, transitioning my thoughts to being mindfully grateful for everything that I have instead of anything that may be lacking has changed the quality of my day to day life and stress level. An attitude of gratitude brings more moments to be grateful for in your -physical reality.

Becoming a full time artist in a foreign country has required so much optimism and faith, it has become vital to make sure everyday decisions are filled with logic but also positive thoughts paired with positive actions. I truly believe you are what you think. What you believe and say about yourself becomes your reality. Thankfulness is a powerful word that we cannot afford to take for granted. Being optimistic is an intentional mindset that I have learned to apply to every walk of life including my parenting, art and business ventures.

Having the privilege to visit, live and work with talented artists in different countries has given me greater insight into having a positive perspective and has drastically changed my worldview permanently .

I have learned many lessons on perspective, positivity and embodying an attitude of gratitude from my local Mexican community who work multiple jobs, who are kind and giving whether they have a lot to give or a little. Their energy teaches me gratitude and patience. Also, optimism is apparent with connection to the professional African community I work with and everyone in between. Living in a different country has provided so many uncomfortable situations that have caused me to grow and expand my thinking. To be grateful for the small things, to slow down and appreciate life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Ubuntu Graphix LLC is my digital art, marketing, and branding agency with a unique focus on fostering job opportunities for artists and tech experts in Africa, USA, Canada & Mexico.

But we are much more than technical words and edgy products. The word “Ubuntu,” is derived from the Zulu proverb, “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.” This phrase that teach the power of unity. It literally translates to I am a person through other people, my humanity is tied to yours. I am only because we are.

Our brand’s story revolves around bridging the gap between Africans and African Americans, encouraging collaboration and partnership in the business world.

I began a partnership with the first artist on my Team, digital artist & illustrator, Ifyeani NISEOL, out of Nigeria, almost 5 years ago. Although we have never met physically, I consider him the heart beat of Ubuntu graphix. Ifyeani has worked through illness, power outages and thunderstorms to make sure he provides high quality designs to our clients! Norhing gets him down no matter what. I shared the vision of Ubuntu with him and he never stopped believing in it and working hard from late nights to early morning to help us build it!

Ubuntu Graphix has since grown into a dedicated team of 7 core staff members and 4 freelance agents. This powerful combination enables us to provide a wide range of services, including website development, logo design, creation of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), social media content management, branding and much more.

Our primary goal is to empower African artists and tech experts by offering them meaningful employment opportunities through partnerships and collaborations. By leveraging their skills and expertise, we are creating innovative and impactful digital art, marketing, and branding solutions for clients both within and outside of Africa.

This journey of building a tech company has not been easy and it would be impossible without the team of creatives that have come together to build this dream into reality. Bright of Bankrah Studios, whom I refer to as B, is the right hand man and COO of Ubuntu Graphix. B manages staff out of Ghana and works long hours into the nite to ensure Ubuntu success. Partnership with such a trusted ally has helped to grow and expand Ubuntu Graphix on a universal scale.

We strive to promote cultural exchange, encourage economic growth, and amplify the voices of African creatives. We believe that by working together and leveraging technology, we can unlock the immense potential of the African continent and contribute to its development on a global scale.
The Ubuntu way!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I have to first address this question with another proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’’ I cannot emphasize enough the importance of accountability AND mentorship. Early on, when launchiing Ubuntu Graphix, we made costly mistakes, like investing in incompatible software, or not properly utilizing my staff according to their strengths. One of the most underrated practices any business can benefit from is setting up consultants and mentors to save you from challenges you may not have seen coming.

Insight is valuable. I recall barely sleeping due to the time zone differences between myself and the team and feeling completely overwhelmed with responsibility. I invested in business consulting with the amazing Phalie Charles, of West Phalie Charles business consulting. Phalie helps entrepreneurs create a structure and solid foundation for business to grow and strategies. This helped me drastically,especially my mental health, time management and capacity to effectively run an international business. Also, networking with expert consultants was the game changer for Ubuntu Graphix.

I am not recommending taking business advice from every person you encounter, vet your consultants well, spend what you can afford and have a list of detailed questions ready to optimize the bang or your buck. Small business and start ups usually struggle with funding and capital during these stages and it is ultimate a sacrifice to spend money in this area however getting the right advice will save you tons of money and tired tears in the long run. This is crucial.

As for merging countries to create a business, understanding and appreciating the cultural nuances and differences between Africans and African Americans is essential. It involves having a deep knowledge of the historical, social, and cultural backgrounds of both groups, as well as an ability to navigate and respect their diverse perspectives and values. Being culturally sensitive will enable you to develop effective strategies, create meaningful connections, and tailor your marketing and branding efforts to resonate with your target audience.

By focusing on these three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge, Ubuntu Graphix can effectively bridge the gap between Africans and African Americans in the technology industry, establishing itself as a reputable international business in this niche.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
At Ubuntu Graphix, we are actively seeking collaborations with the following individuals and entities:

1. Edgy Urban Entrepreneurs: We are looking for entrepreneurs who embrace innovation and have a bold vision for their business. Our aim is to partner with those who are passionate about incorporating cutting-edge technology and urban design elements into their branding and online presence.

2. Companies and Brands: We are interested in collaborating with forward-thinking companies and brands that value staying ahead of the curve. If you are looking to revamp your digital presence and create a lasting impact through your branding, we would love to work together to achieve those goals.

3. Influencers: We are open to collaborating with influencers who have a strong online presence and a dedicated following. If you are an influencer who aligns with our values and seeks to promote edgy urban designs and up-to-date technology, we can help you develop a captivating personal brand and online identity.

4. Persons invested in building the African/African American Market: We are particularly interested in working with individuals and organizations who have a focus on panafricanism. By collaborating with Ubuntu Graphix, you can leverage our expertise in understanding the unique dynamics and preferences of African audiences to create impactful branding and websites that resonate with your target market.

We believe in building long-term partnerships and investing in our clients’ success. If you fall into any of the above categories and share our vision for edgy urban designs, up-to-date technology, and making a positive impact. Contact us at Ubuntu Graphix to discuss how we can work together to achieve your branding and digital marketing goals.

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