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

Hi Psalm, how does your business help the community?
When I started my business it was very different than what you see now. I have been a drug and alcohol abuse counselor for the past 2 1/2 years and I wanted to find someway to join the two. Last year I finally found a way to do that. There is a whole page on my website, dedicated to folks of color, queer folks, and people that are criminally justice involved to submit their art and are given the chance to get their name out into the community and receive the money made from it. This not only helps so many different artists that otherwise feel discouraged from starting their own business or quite literally cannot at the time. But also shows many other artists that anything is possible, it stands in our community, and hopefully the world as an inspiration.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In the past 2 1/2 years, I have been doing a lot of work in my community of queer people and people of color, especially those who identify as a person in recovery. I have been sober for three years! After I found the gift of recovery, I wanted to share it with people. I started off doing the 12 step program, I call it the foundation of my recovery, but I have since moved on and part of my work is to inform people that the 12 step program is not the only pathway to recovery, there are multiple and endless pathways to recovery. There is no universal process for somebody, there is no clean and clear path with a set of blueprints for you to follow. Healing is not linear and it’s different for every single person on this planet. My work is about informing people that whatever path you choose to heal is the right path and if you start out with one path it’s okay to outgrow it or use multiple pathways at a time. It’s about empowering people and giving them a platform to use their voices, because so many people have so much to say and we need to listen. Last year, 2022 was one of the worst years of my life. I lost many friends, family members, and also went through an extremely traumatic event, and even though it was incredibly hard and some days I didn’t think I was going to be able to keep going. I kept going and I’m really happy that I did because I am seeing some phenomenal change happen in our community and in our world, and I am so proud to be a part of that through my art, through my digital content, and through building interpersonal and strong relationships. I had to overcome a mountain of adversity to get where I am today, that’s why I do what I do, to show everyone that is struggling, that anything is possible for them, anything and that in and of itself keeps me very busy professionally.

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 am from a very very small town in Kansas and so when my family comes to visit me here, I like to take them to some of my favorite spots which are the fine arts center whether it’s just a walk around the gallery or they have a new showing of a play that’s always a hit. For coffee I love going to carnelian coffee. I’ve been going there for years now and it’s one of the only places as a young kid, I felt safe going as a queer person and a queer person of color. My family always loves to go to Manitou, so we will walk around, check out the local shops, and always get the best Ramen in town in my opinion, Oka Ramen! Lastly, for drinks, I am a sucker for speakeasies, and my favorites are District 11, and Brooklynn’s on Boulder.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love that the shout out series is recognizing where we came from and where we are now. I could not have gotten to the place in my business and in my artistry without my wonderful best friend.They take all of my product photos help me film for digital content, and have been effortlessly and constantly supportive of my art and my identity. Aside from my best friend, this comment would be nothing without mentioning my clients and the community. Who consistently reminded me that anything is possible, and to always keep pressing forward.

Website: https://hoodhippiejewelry.wixsite.com/hood-hippie

Instagram: https://instagram.com/psalm.kai?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088637120319&mibextid=LQQJ4d&dl_redirect=1

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.