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

Hi Kaity, what do you attribute your success to?
I would say there are a few things that are important for my brand right now. First, I want to ensure that the consumer is receiving a quality product, as they invested their hard-earned income to receive the piece(s). Secondly, my focus is to take all the proceeds and place them into reputable charities that support the Black Lives Matter movement. It’s important to take a stand for the part of our community that is suffering right now. This platform of mine is being utilized as a resource to help our fellow black brothers and sisters who are suffering from a long lineage of oppression, police brutality, inequality, systemic racism, and more. We as a society cannot say that all lives matter until Black Lives Matter, too. The day they get the equality they have deserved for a long time is the day my brand will feel successful. We must continue to urge people to vote, educate them on the history that was not taught in schools, and be a good neighbor to the people suffering around us.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art is what truly saves me from life, it gives me the opportunity to feel grounded. It’s something I’m truly passionate about in many ways and forms. Lately, I picked up my pens and started stippling art after about a 3 year hiatus. The intention I’m putting out is to share these pieces, ones that make me feel, impact, advocate and campaign for. I created an Etsy shop to debut each piece that I make, and they are offered for sale. In return for each sale, I will be donating all the proceeds to a charity that supports #BlackLivesMatter. Every week will be directed at a different charity to help those in need during these times. I’m proud in a sense that I can help my community. It’s important to stand up for your suffering neighbors and speak to the injustices around you. This is a way for people to help out if they are unable to in other ways. I can honestly say, it’s not easy to sell art at this time due to job losses from Covid-19. Many people are struggling alone from the effects of the virus. I’m learning that this is not about a personal gain in ego or finances. I’m hurting too because of Covid. However, I know in my heart that the financial support is duly needed elsewhere to those who are struggling more than I am. This is my way to give back. My art is priced at $5.00 per peice, to which all goes to charity. Please join me as we take on the world little by little to make a difference and to bring peace to our wonderful brothers and sisters of color. Together we can make a change, and I can’t do it without you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many places to see in Phoenix, this is hard to choose! However, first and foremost, if there is a show going on at The Van Buren, we’re there; I have to support the family. Drinks at Crescent Ballroom, Valley bar, Gracies, and Thunderbird Lounge afterwards, because they too, are family to the TVB crowd. Some of the best tacos I’ve had so far are actually right outside Boycott Bar, just amazing and super affordable! Brunch is definitely at The Vig at Filmore, lunch or dinner at either Hula’s Modern Tiki, Pizza Heaven, and McKenzies Tavern (My girlfriend and I love our favorite bartender, Jody!). As far as adventures, we have to drive up South Mountain to see the city lights, hike around Dreamy Draw, and see all the flowers near White Tank Mountains. If they’re into taxidermy, crystals, and all things majestic, shopping at Curious Nature will fulfill all that. First Friday is a must in Downtown Phoenix; it’s the largest gathering that I’ve experienced. Full of local music, art, all the doggos, food trucks galore! It’s such an exciting place to be, and the perfect chance to support your local artists.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out the Downtown Phoenix Community, more so the individuals who I work with and make things happen at The Van Buren. From the bar staff I work alongside, to the audio/lighting department, security, kitchen, box-office, and management/owners. The amount of support they give for local artists, and artists of all natures is beyond words that I can express. Their biggest mantra is to “be nice,” for everyone is going through something in life that we may not understand or experience ourselves. They put the community of Phoenix forward by sharing our passions in music, food, diversity, and having a sense of belonging– everyone is welcome at The Van Buren. When they see a part of the community suffering, they jump forward and will do anything to help support them. Their efforts to empower the diversity in Phoenix is what helped motivate my own desires in pursuing art to raise money to support those in need. I also want to shout out my girlfriend, Jena, who challenges me to think outside the box, and keeps me encouraged in my purpose in life while supporting all my endeavors.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZaiserArt?ref=search_shop_redirect
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaiser.art/