We were lucky to catch up with Faith with an E recently and have shared our conversation below.

Faith with an E, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

When I started on this journey I had no idea what I was doing. I had no clear thought or intention. I started creating art during a dark time in my life to release. Most of my pieces spoke to how I felt and what I was gong through at the time. They evoked deep sadness and the want to be free from that never ending sadness. The ability to create during that time eventually bought me out of that sadness and I was able to create pieces that exuded a lightness and vibrancy that was able to experience at the time.

All my pieces featured black women but for no real reason. I was just creating who I was. A conversation with my then six year old daughter changed the trajectory of my creative journey. She expressed to me the hate she had for her poofy hair because it didn’t look like the other girls in her school. There were not many black girls there. While explaining to her the beauty she posses on her head I thought to myself how many other girls may feel the same way. Also, there may be women who feel this way because they weren’t able to resolve those feelings from childhood. That’s when I created my first series called “I got good hair..I’m mixed with black”.

From then my mission has been to promote the beauty of black women. I wanted to create art that uplifted and inspired them. My pieces were vibrant and full of life, all what I believed black women were. I wanted to not only speak to black women but the black girl inside that never received that encouragement. I set myself apart by creating pieces with only noses and lips because those were the two features we were most judged by. I felt this was a unique approach and would get people’s attention. They did gain attention, some negative but mostly positive. I receive it all because it starts a conversation I wanted to bring light to.

When I first started I didn’t plan on starting a business but that’s where this journey and bought me. People wanted to purchase my pieces to hang in their homes and that was the birth of my business. My business is just starting but the impact I have been able to make on a few women lets me know I’m heading in the right direction. It’s more than making money for me. It’s about encouraging women and inspiring them to chase after their own dreams as they see me pursue mine. Black women need this and they need it from another black woman. I’m excited about the thought of being able to reach more women and touch more lives. I am simply a vessel doing the work God set out for me to do.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a graphic designer turned artist. I left the graphic design field because wasn’t able to freely express myself the way I wanted to. I started my art journey by posting my art pieces online. My audience have been witnesses to my growth and my mission. I aim to create pieces that uplift and encourage black women. I use art to do that. I provide wall art, office supplies and accessories that feature my work along with positive affirmations. The presence of only noses and lips remind black women of the beauty and power in our features. Getting daily messages from women who tell me how my work has helped them through and encouraged them to keep going is what makes me most proud. At the end of the day it’s the women I touch that keeps me going. Its important for them to see another woman who looks like them going after what they want in life.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Sharing my work is what started my growth. The more work I shared the more people shared. Sharing is what started it but engaging with my audience and forming relationships is what kept my social media presence growing. Not only do I share my work but I share a bit of the women behind the work. I think it’s important for my audience to understand where the pieces I create come from. Way too many people go through things and feel they are they are the only ones experiencing it. I think being transparent (without sharing too much) can help people to relate to you and they deeper connect with the art. If they relate to not just the art but also to you thats how you gain more supporters.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My story is my current circumstance. 2023 was not any easy for me. I experienced a tremendous loss and was put out of my residence and had a rude awakening that not all family is for you. I was in a tough spot financially so I stayed with family while trying to get back on my feet. I was used by who I thought was family and then was thrown out when they felt they no longer needed he money I was providing them. I found myself with no place to go with two kids. Through all of this I continued to go to work, complete art pieces and run my business. My unfortunate home situation didn’t stop me from completing any duties I had outside of the home. God has provided me with a new temporary residence while I build my life from scratch in a new city. Although scared I’m excited for the new opportunity and the continued growth in my busness.

Contact Info:

• Website: faithwithane.com
• Instagram: instargram.com/faith_with_an_e
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartistybyfaithe/