Today we’d like to introduce you to Qadiira (Lucky).
Hi Qadiira (Lucky), can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Richmond, Virginia, and moved around alot. Since a young kid, I was always into art. It started with drawing, and then I found myself engaging in more visual media. I lived overseas most of my life, so in elementary 2nd grade, I went to the youth center after school. One of my counselors, Mr. Jeremy, was a filmmaker, and he introduced me to the world of editing and filming. We used to make so many videos and summer recaps, and I was just so interested. I would also always ask my mom for a disposable film camera to bring on trips.
That opened up a new world for me, though I wasn’t sure exactly what to do. I knew I wanted to do something that brought people together. Around the end of high school, I still had no idea what I wanted, so I went to college without an idea of where I was headed. I started a business during COVID in Huntsville, AL, called 4001, which soon came to an end a couple of years later. That’s when everything started to come together. I got to direct shoots, create my own things, and simply just have fun while sharing a message.
I had my first event (REBIRTH) around that time as well, and it brought so many people out. That night, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Interactive events that allow people to display their art, live performances, and also have a theme and a message. From there, I started meeting so many people and developing who I was/am as a person. And now I’m preparing my third solo event and fifth event as a whole.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Truly, things became rough, but I saw the light. Losing my brother some months after my event really pushed me to keep going. My brother was my biggest cheerleader and also the reason for my name, surprisingly enough. Lucky44, it was actually going to be a name for a project, but I preferred it as my own artist name. It means, highly blessed to be in the right space at the right time and being protected always. I took a hiatus for some time, trying to figure myself out in order to deliver the best of the best projects, which I recommend everyone do. I definitely lost myself and had to sit with myself.
Now I’m working on being more consistent without overthinking and just putting myself out there.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I always ask myself what exactly I do. The best thing to describe me as an artist is a multi-disciplinary artist. I like to dig into multiple forms of art instead of only sticking to one. I think most people know of me from the SMILE DRINK WATER MEDITATE era aka the 4001 era. That quote was plastered on hoodies, shirts, and bags during the start of my career. I am definitely very proud of that it shaped me it opened many doors. But I think more people are finding me through events I’ve hosted. I tend to do events people haven’t done. I think I’m also known for my way of capturing the audience. Not a hello as usual hosts do, but a story, a monologue. I grew up in theater, so that’s never left me, and I tend to add those elements into shows to set the tone and mood, and get the room quiet. I’ve never seen anyone do that, so it’s always fun to see how I can create something new at each event. Now I am forming this character, Lucky, which has been very fun, they are the forefront of everything, the alter ego, the logo, the brand. Outside of all of that, I have also hopped into modeling every now and then. It’s been very enjoyable. Helping other artist create their own projects and visions. I didn’t really see myself as a model until I did my first one with Awa a couple of years ago.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Dropping out of college was a big risk, and truly, it wasn’t for me. But it was a start of networking and learning how to talk to people. Creating my own things that I have never seen anyone do was a risk as well. My biggest question was how people were going to react to the art I do. Doing things scared is the biggest risk I’ve learned that everyone needs to take. Hesitating or not doing things at all will definitely pass you by, and the next person will do it for you. You have a path, take it, no matter how crazy it may feel. Everything works out.
Another thing that will always remind me to take risks is my family, my friends. They remind me to just do it and not look back. You always need those beautiful people in your corner to help keep you afloat and remind you of your goal and the reason you are taking this risk. A big shoutout to my favorite people and the ones I love the most.
I’ll leave you with these beautiful words from Ehime Ora: “Step into who you need to become. The time will pass anyways. Lean into the weight of your destiny.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whereslucky44/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Whereslucky44
