By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Keaton Lee, custom painter at Crazy K Kustomz, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Lee in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?
Keaton Lee: One year, and what I enjoy most is being able to express not only myself but my clients in my artwork. A lot of the time, I have freedom to do whatever I want, but sometimes I get clients who want something in their paint job that memorializes one of their loved ones. I love that I can be a part of that.
SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
KL: The most challenging part is everything. I am a one-lady shop right now, so I have to do everything--the business side, the marketing, the prep work, the paint jobs, getting customers, answering phone calls and the cleanup. I'm probably missing some stuff, but it's not easy having to juggle every single little thing. But I wouldn't trade it for the world.
SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
KL: I have been painting for about three years now. My first job in the industry was painting an old '87 Chevy K10, also known as the "squarebody." I did a black and red candy two-tone. It definitely was not my best work. I look back on it now and see how far I've come.
SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
KL: One quality has been self-motivation. I've always wanted to have my own business, and starting one at 18 is a bit difficult. I had to sacrifice a lot of "fun time" with friends to get to where I am today. Another quality is determination. If you have motivation but no determination, then you can't stick to something. I was determined to make something happen with my talent and now I'm doing it full-time. Lastly, being humble. I am a very humble person. I probably beat myself up too much on a lot of projects because I feel like they aren't ever "perfect." I'm always open to learning more every day because I know I don't know it all, and I know I'm not perfect and still have a very long way to go with my art.
SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
KL: I have had a few situations where other kids would say I'm just favored or I get things easier because I'm a girl, not because I work hard or prove myself. But I never let that get me down because I know it's not because I'm a girl. But there have also been some situations where I feel like I was recognized more for my art because I was a "young girl," and you don't really see that much these days.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
KL: I have a few role models. One of them is Taylor Shultz. He is also a custom painter, but he is out of California. He has helped me a lot in the industry and made me believe in myself and my abilities. Another one is Rae Ripple. She is a female welder who also creates a lot of art but in a different form than I do. I've always looked up to her and aspire to be half the woman she is one day. Watching her socials keeps me going and wanting to better myself every day.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received?
KL: I have received a lot of advice from a lot of people and they all have helped a ton, but staying humble was definitely one of them. No matter how good I get one day, I will always be the person who helps someone new because I was once that person. I will never be that cocky painter who no one likes because they think they know everything.
SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
KL: I've always been interested in the automotive industry since I was a kid, and now my business is based around it. I love the people I have met because of this industry and the business opportunities I have come across because of it. I will always be a part of this industry. It's where I belong!
SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
KL: My high school automotive teacher was probably the most influential. He was the one who introduced me to the custom paint side of things. From then on, I obsessed over it and never stopped.
Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.
