We’re looking forward to introducing you to Heidi Jeub. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Heidi, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up rather early, make a couple cups of coffee as I should read a book, but rather do a strict 5 minutes of socials to see what I missed as I slept (seriously have a timer on my phone because of this unhealthy habit). I have the privilege to not have to be anywhere most days. This season is when I do most of my strategic work in the office for my nonprofit (Heijeu Arts), build a new business to be launched in 2026 (Do Something Creative), and get into the studio at least 20-30 minutes a day.
Obviously, I try to be in the studio more than 30 minutes, but with the end of year business I need to accomplish, it’s not as possible now as maybe other seasons– But once I get started on a project, I go into my zone. That’s my happy place.
Midday, I work most days as a teaching artist (through COMPAS) in assisted living facilities around St. Paul at the moment, which is a fun way to spend my time. As the workday comes to a close, I love to invest time in dinner making– another creative outlet for me. To wrap up the night, my partner (Terrell X’avion, a musician / beatboxer) and I convene for our latest “show” and dinner.
I’m early to bed– and can sleep through his music in his studio. We’re a perfect match in that case!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a stubbornly artistic woman, insisting on claiming that title regardless of how people discourage or encourage me. I’m a teaching artist and painter, that will do an occasional public art project as time and resources allows. I started an organization in 2023 called Heijeu Arts, and we engage community through art education.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a really well behaved child. I cared about how authority saw me, and obeyed my parents. My siblings made enough trouble for me to learn what NOT to do. I didn’t drink, smoke or do drugs until I was out of the house.. and never developed a habit for the last two. (Drinking was part of the culture– I gave that up 5 years ago and feel great!)
I was always respectful, and still am. However I mistaken respectful with being non-confrontational. Now I have the guts to speak up if I feel something isn’t right. As a young person I played it a little too safe.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Until my art gallery closed, I believed that there was a specific way to experience art– and that there was a universal expectation in the world of art to be successful. A fine art gallery represented seriousness about art that you can’t find in other spaces.
I don’t believe that anymore.
I found that the gallery, at least in my community, was irrelevant. I thought it was the symbol of a healthy art ecosystem, but was really a space that a fraction of the community found welcoming. Oddly enough, the people who felt most welcome there were outsiders of the community– from larger cities or other countries. But for the community I wanted to serve, it represented something that wasn’t part of the culture. I felt that there was some self reflection to be done to understand this reality.
After I closed the gallery, I realized that galleries have their purpose but they are not on the top of the art-world hierarchy. Rather they are a safe space for archival presentation of fine art. They are also good for fun and sexy parties. Other than that, there’s art happening in all sorts of spaces, making more impact, are more relevant, and make people more celebratory. That’s why I changed my business model…
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Great question! So often, smart people think they are smarter than others. This is causing some serious division in the world. They ace the test on what and how to say things, being inclusive, and having knowledge in their areas of expertise, then criticize people for not knowing the same things as them. What they are lacking is curiosity of other perspectives, ability to connect outside their own bubbles, empathetic muscles to see where people are at, and how to build relationships.
Remember that phrase “you don’t truly understand something, if you can’t teach it”… well… nuff said.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop playing games on my phone!
Actually, I would keep going with my work. 10 years is the timeframe of succession from Heijeu Arts. I want to pass the organization onto leadership that can carry on the foundational aspects but give it new life.
I think I would stop acting like I’ll live forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heidijeub.com
- Instagram: heidijeubmn
- Linkedin: Heidi-jeub
- Facebook: Heidijeubmn
