What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1229469
BECCA MARTIN-BROWN NWA Democrat-Gazette T heatergoers in Northwest Arkansas know Blakeley Knox for her strong, sure voice and her sweet, gentle performances in Pilot Arts productions like "Mamma Mia," "Freaky Friday" and "Little Women." But Knox has a world of different talents she's also pursuing — as a businesswoman, an artist and an advocate for mental health. Growing up in Fort Smith, "I performed in my first musical when I was in fourth grade and immediately fell in love," she reminisces. "'Peter Pan' was my first show, and I've done many since. I studied in New York at Camp Broadway, Stagedoor and Cap21 through the years as well as staying involved in community theater. I then went on to Oklahoma City University on a voice scholarship, where I studied for a year before transferring to Ouachita Baptist University to study musical theater. I finished school at Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga., and studied illustration." That's the first clue to the talent that is Knox's livelihood. "I moved home to begin the process of starting my own company, Rooney B, where I create the designs I have manufactured onto swaddle blankets. They are primarily sold online, but they have also been carried at several stores here in Arkansas as well as Texas. I also started my own company where I sell wrapping paper, cards, prints and state prints. I also personalize state prints for weddings and baby gifts that have initials, names and event details on them." End of story, beginning of successful career, right? But Knox hit a bump in the road, and instead of hiding it, she began to open up to something no one would have suspected. "I was initially diagnosed with depression this past summer after going through a rough time," she reveals. "I had no energy, cried a lot for no reason, was just overall exhausted all the time and had suicidal thoughts. "The first thing I did was that I reached out to my parents," she continues. "I told them that something just wasn't right, and I needed help. They ended up helping me find a doctor and schedule an appointment. I would advise finding someone you trust, whether it be a family member or a friend, and talk to them first about how you're feeling. That way you have a support system walking you through any diagnosis, medication trials and any misdiagnosis. "I was initially diagnosed with depression, but after trying different medications, it seemed to only get worse. This was what led to the diagnosis of Bipolar II. It took awhile to find the right medication, but once I did, it's like everything is leveling out. I still will go through moods, but they will be less extreme with the help of medication." As for her art, Knox says she had no plans of using it "to help work through APRIL 5-11, 2020 WHAT'S UP! 3 COVER STORY See Knox Page 4 Head And Heart Artist chronicles fight for mental health Knox lets the design go where it will, then adds the title as she reflects on the art. This one is called "Delicate." (Courtesy Photo) GO ONLINE! Art By Blakeley Knox rooneyb.com blakeleyknox.com