Today we’d like to introduce you to Laggy George.
Hi Laggy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the founder and creative heart behind The Art Nest – the visual arts school at Nocatee – and 2 Facebook pages. Paintings by Lejibismi, where I focus on painting vibrant, emotionally resonant works inspired by the glamour of color around me. I also share my students’ art journey through my second platform, The Art Nest by Leji Bismi, where a growing community of students and art lovers connect.
Art has always been an integral part of my life. My earliest memories are filled with doodles, sketches, and splashes of color that soon grew into bigger experiments, like sculpting with dough or sneaking drawings onto walls. Somewhere between those playful beginnings and proud moments, medicine took over, and art quietly slipped into the background.
I began my career in medicine and research, but life soon took me on a different path. After marrying and moving to Singapore, I chose to stay home to raise my two boys. Away from family and the familiar, I found comfort in painting, a long-lost hobby. Before long, I began sharing my work on Facebook under the name Paintings by Lejibismi. To my surprise, my art resonated with people in ways I hadn’t expected. It sparked conversations, evoked emotions, and created connections. Encouraged by friends, I began teaching and even exhibiting. In January 2013, my first art exhibition took place in Singapore, planting the seed for something bigger.
In February 2013, I moved with my family to the United States. Like a sapling transferred to a new pot, I realized I had to start all over again. As I continued my painting journey, my sons grew independent, and I started searching for something of my own. The answer came in the form of my art. In 2020, I invested only my time and talent and created The Art Nest, later expanding its reach through The Art Nest by Leji Bismi on Facebook.
The Art Nest began as an at-home studio with just three students. Slowly, it started to take flight. I wanted to create more than a business; I envisioned a nest, a creative space where people could discover themselves through brushstrokes and pencil marks. Today, The Art Nest stands as more than an art school. It is a reflection of my belief that art isn’t just decoration, but a connection, emotion, and healing.
What began as a personal outlet is now both a platform and a brand. The Art Nest, Paintings by Lejibismi and The Art Nest by Leji Bismi allow me to share my creative voice, collaborate with others, and bring warmth, meaning, and inspiration into people’s minds and homes. Each time someone connects with a painting or finds joy in a class, I am reminded that art can universally bridge personal experiences.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path has not been linear. Like many creatives, I have faced doubts, setbacks, and the challenge of balancing passion with the practicalities of running a business. And just as the studio was finding its rhythm, the pandemic struck. Like so many socially responsible entrepreneurs, I closed its doors, unsure of what would come next.
Then came the calls. Parents, desperate for creative outlets for their children, asked for online art sessions. I adapted quickly, redesigning my teaching style for the virtual space and launching online classes. What started as a survival strategy turned into a soaring success, connecting The Art Nest with families across states and even beyond the U.S.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am recognized for creating intimate moments of connection through art, whether someone is hanging one of my paintings or joining a class. My style is warm and inviting, and my classes have been described as “structured without losing soul” and “the high point of my week.” One parent in her review even called The Art Nest a “silver lining amidst the pandemic.” That kind of emotional resonance means the world to me.
I am proud that my work has become both a restorative creative outlet and a community connector. Students and families have shared that my art and classes lift their spirits and bring calm when it’s needed most. That kind of impact, using art to heal, uplift, and brighten lives, feels deeply meaningful.
What distinguishes me is the way I balance structure with emotional depth. Like my paintings, my classes are thoughtful and well-organized yet playful and expressive. Whether someone is engaging with my art or learning through a class, the experience is intentional, uplifting, and deeply human.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/lejibismi80/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalArtNest/
