Connectors

Real Connection Needs Real Community: Meet The Konfession Korner, a The Skin Deep Connector

At The Skin Deep, we believe connection isn’t a solo journey. It’s co-created with honesty, transparency, and community. That’s why we launched the Skin Deep Connectors program: to partner with people already making space for honest, meaningful conversations.

Luana Costa

12 Aug 2025 — 3 min read

Vena J. at a Konfession Korner event using {THE AND} Strangers Edition

One of those Connectors is The Konfession Korner, a powerful platform created by Vena J., a social worker, storyteller, and community leader. Her work centers on mental health, self-discovery, and making space for real, human conversations, especially among Black creatives.

Here’s the story behind the platform and what drives its mission:

What Is The Konfession Korner

This wellness-driven space brings together Black artists, creatives, and influencers to share their journeys — from creativity and identity to mental health and healing. Through digital storytelling and in-person events, it creates space for deep, honest connection.

It’s represented by an equally powerful creative agency, The Sola System, founded by oyindaSOLA Ekunseitan. The Sola System merges the transformative power of art with the strategic impact of commerce, building an ecosystem where creativity and business thrive. Through curated experiences, brand development, visual identity creation, and artist management, they connect artists, brands, and entrepreneurs in ways that drive growth, stability, and community impact. With innovative spaces like AYE, an art gallery and altar studio, and Outer Space, an intimate botanical greenhouse for transformative gatherings, The Sola System reimagines how art shapes culture and business. As part of this visionary network, The Konfession Korner joins their mission to cultivate a more colorful, prosperous, and deeply connected creative community.

Its signature event, Kreative Keynotes, is an intimate live panel series in Baltimore where guests share stories, exchange perspectives, and reflect on their inner worlds in front of a community that listens with care.

What this Partnership Looks Like

We’ve partnered with Vena and The Konfession Korner to bring {THE AND} card game into their Baltimore-based events. The cards have helped spark deeper conversations between panelists and the audience, supporting the kind of emotional honesty and presence that both our communities value.

The host has also shared moments from these gatherings on social media, helping others see how our conversation card game works in real-life spaces, off-camera and in real time.

0:00

/1:22

{THE AND} cards being played at Kreative Keynotes event

Why It Matters

For their community, {THE AND} conversation card game help create space for vulnerability and real talk, making it easier for people to open up and feel seen.

“Partnering with The Skin Deep has been an incredibly meaningful experience. They truly understand the importance of authenticity and the power of community. Personally, I’ve even incorporated the {THE AND} Self Edition deck into my journal practice and have enjoyed every moment of it. From their phenomenal decks to the enriching conversations with their team, The Skin Deep consistently brings innovation to how we connect with the community through necessary and impactful dialogue. It’s been a joy to grow alongside them within that shared ethos, and we look forward to many more years of building together. We absolutely love The Skin Deep!” — Vena J.

For The Skin Deep, it’s a chance to see our mission come to life. It shows how our cards can be a tool for connection, whether it’s used by two people like you see in our videos, or on a panel in front of a full room.

How You Can Support The Konfession Korner

Follow them on social media and attend a Kreative Keynote if you’re near Baltimore.

{THE AND} card game displayed on the Kreative Keynotes panel by The Konfession Korner

Photos captured by Niajea R.
Video footage for Deep Konfessions by Madi.Low

Want to Become a Connector?

The Skin Deep Connectors Program partners with creators, events, and storytellers who bring our mission into the real world. If you love what {THE AND} stands for and want to bring it into your community, we’d love to have you join our Skin Deep Connectors Program. As a Connector, you’ll receive: