J.j. Philips

Artist, Designer, Illustrator, Author

JJ Philips

Jeanine Johnson-Philips (aka JJ) had an interest in art at a very early age, pursuing it from middle school through college. After getting married and raising a family, her art was put on the back burner. By the time her children were older, she’d toyed around with the idea of revisiting her artistic side, but being a fulltime corporate employee, there just didn’t seem to be enough time to commit to her art.

In 2010, JJ’s mother suffered a major stroke. Being an only child JJ took some time from corporate to care for her mother, during that time she found space to create. Shortly after her mother’s stroke, JJ lost her aunt, her mother’s sister; who was also an artist. Almost losing her mother and then losing her aunt made JJ realized how important life was. Grasping the concept that time can be fleeting, nor does it stand still, JJ decided to give her art her all.

JJ’s style has always been quite unique, inspired by natural hair and fashion. Like many other artist, her style has progressed over the years and her designs have invoked a collaborative spirit that she shares with others. Her company j9sTyle&Co. has taken off with major collaborations to place her art and illustrations on accessories and even illustrating a children’s book Catharyn’s Garden. JJ along with her daughter have also illustrated children’s book A Home for Us

Although not yet published she has since gone on to start writing a book about personal experiences in hopes to help others.

Adding author to her creative portfolio is just the beginning of a new chapter for JJ.