Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Denise N. Silas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation; we’ve shared it below.

Denise, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I taught preschool for over twenty years up until 2020. In April of 2022, after being unemployed for two years as a result of the global pandemic, I took a huge leap with my last $300 to lease studio space. My art materials consumed my apartment. I was using my kitchen to paint and my bedroom to store supplies. It was time! I had no idea from where the future payments for the studio space would come, but as my time there grew so did the resources. The new studio allowed me to create in a space that was specifically for me to do what I loved. By the summer, I had the privilege of working part-time with a local art gallery and in the fall, I started my first year as a full-time art teacher with the public school system in my county. Throughout this time, I have met phenomenal people and participated in incredible things. I currently have one of my first 24 x 36 paintings poured in the studio now installed at a new locally black-owned restaurant here in Maryland. We celebrated the venue’s opening night in the New Year along with other contributing artists.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

During my high school years, I developed my interest in design and creativity. I learned to use a sewing machine there and how to marbleize paper. After graduating, I studied fashion design with the Art Institute of Philadelphia, changed my major and received a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Management in 2021 with Southern New Hampshire University. I taught preschool full-time while studying part-time and developed professionally as an early childhood educator. The marbling done in high school left such an impression on me that I continued to teach an age-appropriate variation of it to my students throughout my twenty plus years as an instructor and youth leader before discovering fluid art.

Paint pouring and canvas paint parties are a few creative works that I provide for my clients. I have taught corporate team building canvas paint classes and instructed intimate paint pouring lessons with locals. I also create designs for t-shirt printing, promotional items, business cards, flyers, banners, brand kits, and websites. When communicating with new customers, a project brief is always the initial step before beginning a new job. The brief is a two-way communication between the client and me. It is a research tool for tracking design details to ensure the project is a complete reflection of the needs of the client and targeted audience. I am most proud of the quality of my work. Seeing my design ideas come to life is a complete joy.

Are there any books, videos, or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

No other book is more impactful than the Bible. Then my top resource outside of the scriptures would have to be “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. This documentary lays out the significance of manifesting with emphasis on The Law of Attraction. After listening and writing out affirmations, I created a vision board that I now can say has contributed to the events in my life within the last decade coming to fruition. This includes me launching my personal brand and graduating magna cum laude. Books like, “The Law of Teamwork” and “Developing the Leader Within You” by John C. Maxwell, along with “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and the addition of Effective Communication and Team Building training all have had a significant impact on my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. I enjoy participating in opportunities for personal growth and development.

I am blessed to have the support of great people in my circle that see me and are constantly pouring into my life. Then there are those firsthand lessons that have given root to the seeds planted. Both my life and work experiences have been the best teachers.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing how my accomplishments in such little time have gotten me so much recognition. As a teenager, becoming a fashion designer was a part of my initial plan. As an adult, being an emerging artist and art teacher was never a part of my actual vision board. Scripture states, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). Now that I am teaching art, I am also learning and am excited about what the future will continue to unfold for me as a creative. I can confidently say, the Lord’s purpose succeeds.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://denisensilas.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisensilas/

Image Credits
Erick Silas