We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bieunkah Anwojue a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Bieunkah, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have always loved art and have been drawing since I was a kid. My mom kept every piece of artwork that I ever created and a giraffe that I sketched in high school sits in my office today. Drawing has always been a way for me to express myself and my feelings. As a kid, I drew a lot of animals and florals. Now, I draw mostly fashionable women and illustrations for children’s books.

I started back drawing after I began struggling with mental health. I had made the decision to begin therapy and one of my exercises was to find “something that distracted me”. Walking, music, board games and drawing became the things that helped me get through tough days.

I decided to start posting my doodles on Instagram, while sharing my story and fight with anxiety and depression. Other women began to share how my artwork helped them get through their day. From there, I thought about the lack of representation in the stationery space. A greeting card is something that is so simple, yet can be an impactful tool to inspire someone to keep going. It was at that point that I knew that I wanted to use my God-given gift for a professional path.

Bieunkah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am originally from Grambling, Louisiana. I moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2012 to begin my career in Information Technology, where I now reside with my husband and 3 kids. After working in Corporate America for 7 years, I went full-time as an illustrator and begin creating inclusive paper goods to show representation. I started designing greeting cards, bookmarks, notepads, mugs and other products that displayed my artwork. My motto is, “Send a card. Send a smile”! There is so much magic is receiving what many consider snail mail. A handwritten note is so special and has the power to turn someone’s day around.

In 2021, I published my first book, “Fashion Queens” which is a coloring book filled with affirmations and words of encouragement. This coloring book was designed to motivate you with each page. It was designed to take your mind on a journey to give you a little bit of peace as you color the girls and bring them to life. As coloring has many benefits, this book is the first of many to come. I have Success Journals for Kids coming out this summer and children’s books that will be coming this fall.

One of my proudest moments during this journey was seeing our oldest son, Jamarion take his battle with depression and create a Gratitude Journal for Teen Boys. We must be the examples for the next generation. One of my most Grateful moments was having someone reach out after purchasing my coloring book. She let me know that she was battling cancer and other health issues, but when she was coloring in my book, she didn’t think about chemo or her health, she was just happy to read the words and color. That touched my heart in more ways than she will ever know.

Whether I am illustrating a children’s book, designing a new product or just sketching something to help others get through their day, I remembered how the smallest act or gesture could put a smile on my face. My hope is that for anyone who receives one of my greeting cards, books, or any other paper goods, they remember who they are and always know that they matter and have a purpose.

I am rebranding and will be launching Speckled Magnolia this summer. This brand will be a full line of stationery items. I believe that if we just have a speck of Faith, it is just enough to keep us going.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to create to inspire. To creating something that will live on long after I am no longer here physically. I see the resilience in my children and because of them, I cannot give up. Creating books where they can see themselves represented. Creating products where they can say, “That looks like me!” is important to me because I did not see that growing up. I hope that my work and books inspire others to live out their dreams and take each day as a Blessing.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish that I had gotten a mentor sooner in my creative career. It has been life changing for me. I believe in the importance of being teachable. If I’m always the smartest person in the room, I’m in the wrong rooms. I try to surround myself with people who are on paths of growth. Whether 1 person or 10 people, having like-minded people around you matters.

In addition to my creative work, I have an academy in the works where others will be able to learn everything from how to self publish a book to ways to make passive income. Giving back is important to me and sharing the things that I have learned along the way is my way of planting seeds to help others reach their goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Bieunkah.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bieunkah_illustrations/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/BieunkahIllustrations/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bieunkah-anwojue-mba-b1609684
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/bieunkah
• Other: https://msha.ke/bieunkah/