MS Success Honoree: Chuck Jeff, Artist/Entrepreneur

 

by Cyrus Webb

Along my artistic journey Charles "Chuck" Jett has been one of those rising stars that I am glad to call a friend. His passion for the arts and for the artistic community shows through in so much of what he does every day. 

In 2025 he surprised me with a portrait of myself, something I will also treasure and appreciate. Just another example of the kind of man Chuck is, using his gifts in service of others. 

When I was putting together the honorees for 2026 for Mississippi Success he was at the top of the list. This conversation will tell you why. 

Chuck, congratulations on being one of our Mississippi Success honorees for 2026. It's been great watching you over the years. What has it been like for you to have the work you do being recognized?

It always feels great to get a sense of validation for the work I do. I have decades of sweat equity and hustle behind (and in front of) me and it feels like a good marker of progress to get this recognition. It's kind of hard to self-evaluate while I'm constantly in motion. It takes time to figure out if I'm moving forward or just making lateral movement. I am very thankful for being  honored in Mississippi Success.

You have definitely been putting in the work. What do you want people to know about the Mississippi that you know?

The Mississippi I know is filled with many talented visual artists, authors, musicians, inventors and entrepreneurs. The rich history of the state overflows with great minds and creators.

Who has inspired you when it comes to wanting to make a difference?

I've never thought of myself to be someone who is making a difference. I suppose time will tell. I simply want to try to do my best work at all times. It's not my goal to be a mentor or a teacher; but I engage with artists of all levels of ability and we impart some advice amongst ourselves. Constantly learning is far more important to me than constantly teaching, but we all engage in both simultaneously if we are to continue to grow in our chosen professions and as humans in general. 

I suppose my greatest inspirational person(s) would be my friends and associates who allowed me to get real time feedback on projects I'm working on. I'm talking about REAL critiques and aesthetic based opinions. You can't surround yourself with "yes men" and others who won't be honest with you for fear of offending you. That is counteractive to growth, and I want to keep growing.

How as the state shaped you as a creative and the work that you do?

The open atmosphere I have always encountered in the arts communities I interact with has been amazing. Everyone is quick to share in possible opportunities across the state. Other artists I’ve known in the state have generally encouraged me to be a vendor at different events and enjoy sharing their experiences with the event (good and bad). It's been a great, inclusive community.

What helps you to remain optimistic about the future?

I have no control over what happens in the economy, in politics or in evolving social norms and restrictions. All I can control is how I react to events and situations.
 
I will constantly try to improve my skills and will continue to interact within the communities I can. On a more direct note: people often ask me my opinions about Artificial Intelligence created art. AI can only emulate (and it often does so shockingly well), but AI can not feel. It can reflect emotion, like a mirror. I am not in competition with AI, nor with other artists; I am only in competition with myself. I am very optimistic about my future as an artist, regardless of what the evolution will involve.

I will continue to create art with my own mind and hands and I believe there will always be an audience for original human-made works.

As someone who has shown what is possible when it comes to believing in yourself, what advice do you have for others when it comes to pursuing your goals and dreams?

If you haven't started pursuing your dreams, what are you pursuing? Yes, you will have to enter the grind to make money doing something; but, this can never be used as an excuse to not pursue your dreams. You have to make time for your pursuits. I think the lack of time management skills go hand-in-hand with a fear of failure. Get over your fear - you WILL fail. You will fail often, you will fail hard. There is no success without failure. Failing to start pursuing your dreams is your first and worst failure.

Well said, Chuck. Thanks again for your friendship and support. How can our readers stay connected with you?

They can find me on Facebook and Instagram both at OneWallGalleryMS. 

 

Introducing Our Mississippi Success Honorees, 2026

 Cyrus Webb and Conversations Media Group are excited to announce our 2026 Mississippi Success Honorees. These individuals have shown through their amazing work and contributions what it means to be the best of Mississippi. 

This year's Honorees are...

1) Gloria Elayne Owens, Community Activist

2) Dr. Victor White, Educator

3) Dr. Anissa Short, Author/Speaker/Media Host

4) Charles "Chuck" Jett, Artist

5) Carlista Moorehead, Entrepreneur 

This year's Honorees will be recognized by Cyrus Webb during MAX WYAD 94.1 FM's 12th Anniversary Event on Sat. September 12, 2026 in Yazoo City, MS.

Charles "Chuck" Jett: Using His Talents to Craft a World All His Own

by Cyrus Webb

When it comes to genuine artistry, Charles "Chuck" Jett is the real deal.

I've had the privilege of watching Chuck over the years, and his passion for creating and bringing things to life is something I have always appreciated about him. It's not about ego. It's about creativity---and knowing that he has something that others connect with on a deeper level. 

In 2025 Chuck surprised me with a painting of myself, and he joined me on Wed. October 29, 2025 when I broke the Guinness World Record for Most 12 TV interviews in 12 hours. As we were preparing this issue of Mississippi Success Magazine I am glad we get to highlight not just Chuck's talent but his wisdom, too.  

Chuck, congratulations on another busy year. What has it been like for you to reflect on the attention your art is getting?

It has been an interesting and fun journey involving a lot of unique projects. It’s very exciting and humbling when a satisfied patron comes to pick up their custom piece or opts for one of my existing pieces. I began this newer phase of my career as an artist just a few years ago. I decided to bring my art face-to-face directly with the general public in an environment which is casual (a flea market type environment) to bring custom artwork options to the working class. 

Many of my patrons don’t frequent galleries and often feel that commissioned art and original artwork is something only the wealthy can obtain and I’m trying to change that perception one client at a time. The response has been overwhelming from the public and life changing for me. I have sold art through galleries and never really got to meet the buyers because they weren’t “my clients”, they were clients of the gallery. 

I’m not bashing galleries, they are necessary amazing places that fulfill a grand curated purpose; I’m just thoroughly enjoying exchanging ideas and having conversations directly with my clients without the need of some aggregate like a gallery.

 

When did you realize your love of art?

 As a child I loved drawing and had a fascination with tearing my toys apart and attempting to rebuild them. I guess I never grew out of these attributes from my childhood. Having great nurturing parents is probably the biggest factor of my early creative growth. I learned at an early age I could receive some sense of validation from creating art for adults and fellow classmates, this is likely what solidified the journey.

 

What role has social media played in helping you share your work with others?

 I was an early user of “My Space” and later “Facebook” and “Instagram” just to be a part of this “new” social experiment. I never really used social media as an actual marketing tool until much later. Social media helps me to keep in touch with my peers locally and accross the globe and see what kinds of art they are creating and how they are marketing and showing their works. I use social media for learning as much as for promoting. I just see what others are doing and what works for them and try to customize their formulas to fit ymy own needs.

There’s no reason to “reinvent the wheel.” I am going to update my social media usage this coming year with possibly a “TikTok” account. In all honesty, just becoming a feature at a local weekend venue every weekend combined with social media outreach has been the smartest combination I’ve ever accidentally stumbled upon.

 

Mississippi is known for its creativity. What is it like for you to show people what is possible when it comes to pursuing your dreams?

 I love encouraging other creatives to just “jump in” and take the immersive plunge into bringing their art to the masses. There is no “one size fits all” formula, but I love supporting other artists. Many artists share more information with me than I can ever instill in others. These younger artists are fully integrated into social media and they were birthed into it in a way.

 

As we prepare to welcome a new year, what are you looking forward to in the near future?

 After learning that the “Flea Market - Mississippi’s Trading Days” flea market in Flowood, MS would be closing at the end of the year, I was shocked and devastated. Then, the founder of this flea market had acquired new venue space in his hometown in Canton and invited me to make the move I was extremely relieved. This move just eels right. It’s going to be sad in ways because some of my patrons won’t be able to visit as often, but many new connections will be made. I’m not at liberty to discuss much about the new location and business model, but it is going to be amazing and the city of Canton is in full support.

 What advice would you give to others about pursuing their own goals and dreams?

“Just Do It” is the popular catch phrase trademarked by “Nike”. I would add, “Just Research it a Bit First.” Don’t just jump blindly into something. I can only speak on creative journeys and those trying to capitalize on their creativity:

1) Always Be Creating - First and foremost, always be involved in a creative project. Always practice your art. You are never “o the clock” with creative pursuits.

2) Best Work Only - Rewrite those chapters, paint over that canvas with a better composition,  push that clay back down and throw a better pot, do what you have to do to show only work you are somewhat pleased with. I’m my own worst critic - every piece I create can be better. I am a growing, living, evolving artist that tries to put my best work out there. Listen to critics, but not religiously.

3) Have a Plan - Set realistic and obtainable goals with realistic time tables. Look at the examples of others but remember that you are unique - it won’t work exactly the same for you. Don’t expect unreasonable results.

4) Niche? - Don’t get bogged down into any particular niche of subject or delivery, but recognize a niche that may come along. For instance - Pet Portraits in Acrylic on Canvas is very popular with my clientele at this time, but I still create a variety of work in a variety of mediums instead of simply concentrating on pet portraits only.

5) Take all advice with a grain of salt. I am not your mentor nor am I your enemy. My advice comes from my learning experiences along the path on my particular artistic journey and my journey is ever evolving.

Thanks for the time, Chuck, and continued success. How can our audience stay connected with you?

By late February of 2026 I should be set up every Saturday and Sunday at the new venue (info to come). You can still catch me at the Flea Market in Flowood, MS on Flowood Drive. You can follow me and message me on Instagram and/or Facebook.  I operate my art business as The One Wall Weekend Gallery.

Instagram:  onewallgalleryms

Facebook: onewallgallerym