Meet JL Lewis III | Teacher & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with JL Lewis III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JL, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I first decided to start my own business, I did so with the intent of using my artistic practice to give flowers to those artists I knew and appreciated. As I began to interview and write about said artists, the vision for my business grew into a desire to create space for their works to be seen. I am still planning out exactly how I would like to accomplish this goal. Patience and perseverance are my greatest assets during this phase of my business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My brand is called Decadent Identities. Currently it is a blog and IG page with the mission of giving flowers to artists and individuals who have made their creative practice their life. Decadence is often associated with a negative connotation. The word itself means “overindulgence in pleasure or luxury.” With my brand I am working to transform that definition to mean “an overindulgence in one’s passions.” Decadent Identities is one year old, and in that year, I have learned from various artists how difficult it is to give your all to an artistic practice. It takes serious commitment and some sacrifice to be a full-time artist. The struggle for the minimum acknowledgement and recognition of said art is real. It’s often overlooked as a “real” career because of politics and an undervalue of art in our society. My personal journey to embracing creativity began in college. I enjoyed the English/Language Arts courses I took more than my other courses. At the time I had also adopted the idea that there wasn’t a real future in pursuing my passion. It wasn’t until I graduated and started a job in corporate sales that I realized how much of a sacrifice it is to do something you don’t love every day. In 2023, I dove into my writing bag and self-published my first poetry collection titled, “Speak!” I also began work on my first fiction novel. Decadent Identities is not only a brand for the benefit of others but a reminder to dedicate real energy toward the pursuit of my writing passion as well.

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 would make sure to take them to Delwoods. Their burgers are the best and you have to try the shishito peppers. I would make sure to show them Ault Park as well for the views and the trails. The meditation walk setup down one of the trails is a cool find. Urban Architect is a destination because who wouldn’t want to check out a bar in a church? Then there’s Knockback Nat’s, best smoked wings in the city. I would make sure to take them to Oakley Wines and Natural Wines because the folks at those establishments are basically family. Regarding art museums I would take them to the Cincinnati art museum and Eden Park because the view from Mt. Adams is immaculate. Manifest Gallery is another must see due to the fact that I am friends with a few of the artists in residence and those that have art on display there frequently. Lastly, I would take them to the Banks and to the river to enjoy the beauty it holds. Cincy is a great little city and just taking the time to explore, possibly discovering a new spot, is a part of its majesty.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout Community Literature Initiative for helping to get me back into writing with their poetry publishing classes. They helped me to move past a huge creative block and believe in my ability to write again.

Website: decadent-id.com

Instagram: @decadent.id

Image Credits
Headshot image credit goes to Marc-AntonyGuillory of Zero Sense Production, LLC.