We recently connected with Sandra Epps and have shared our conversation below.

Sandra, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

After surviving three near death experiences due to lupus I had turned to art and dolls for comfort. Little did I know at the time I was practicing art and emotional therapy. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus at the age of 14. It would be years of struggle living with a chronic illness. Losing my hair, ballooning up to nearly 200 pounds at 4’11, being confined to a wheelchair, learning to walk twice, eight month long hospitalization and taking over fifteen pills per day had taken its toll on my self-esteem. My confidence as a young woman was bleak. The dis-ease over a course of time had attacked my central nervous system, kidney, heart and skin, however. I’m most grateful to have grown up in a spiritual household. The fight to stay alive spiritually and physically became my life’s mission as was this strong desire to be first in my family to finish college. Time had passed, nonetheless. I grew fond of the power of affirmations. It was then that words and art helped to transform my mind and the direction of my life. My life’s purpose was established, the pursuit to encourage women and girls to love themselves.

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

I enjoy comedy and a good self-help or inspirational book. It brings me joy to put smiles on peoples faces by way of my art. And I am the proud owner of Sandy’s Land LLC established in 2005 with the first self-published book of, “Imani Has the Most Exciting Dream!” that gently introduces young readers to a chronic illness and the power of affirmations. This inspirational story of hope, love and optimism set the path for me becoming a full-time entrepreneur. I sold over 2000 copies of my first book with plans to do a second edition. To date, I’ve self-published a total of five inspirational books, three geared toward girls and two for women with more to come.

As an H.O.P.E. pusher (Help Other People Elevate) I use art to uplift. Body painting has served as a form of celebration for women who have battled with cancer, live with lupus or suffer from alopecia. When I paint these women who are experiencing challenges, typically I use butterflies because they are symbolic of transformation, rebirth, peace, hope and prosperity. There’s healing in touch as it’s calming, reduces stress, lower blood pressure and decreases anxiety. Body painting has been the most rewarding as clients feel empowered and they have images to cherish and to remind them that they matter.

I’m also the founder of the Detroit Doll Show which is coined as the largest black doll show in the nation. We celebrate history, culture, self-love and diversity with the promotion of dolls of color. The event has turned into a family affair where people of all ages, various ethnic backgrounds, male and female attend the annual event.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a full-time entrepreneur our family, friends or people who have 9 to 5 jobs will not understand your passion. The sacrifice you make to maintain your vision will look ridiculous to others. Since 2014, I struggled with credit card debt, as I continued to grow the Detroit Doll Show and expand Sandy’s Land LLC brand, times got difficult. In mid 2019 I was drowning in debt and desperately needed a way out. So it was time to let go of Big Red, my F150 Ford Truck that I adored and used for business. It’s been two years I’ve been without a vehicle, nevertheless. I am debt free, my credit score is 700 and I have money in my savings accounts. I have started the process of creating the Doll Museum in the Butterfly Garden which is one of my most sizable dreams.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2020 Sandy’s Land LLC in person events: art parties, body painting and Detroit Doll Show totally shut down. Submerged in confusion, grief and devastation personally and professionally my biggest concern was how would I survive? Then the pivot commenced. With stillness (focus) and intensity I came to terms with returning to my mission, encouraging women and girls to love themselves. During covid the surge in mental health assistance was on the rise. Creating art and journaling were therapeutic resources. In mid 2020 I self-published two books: Girlfriend, It’s Time to Soar! A Journal for Personal Transformation and Let Your Light Shine An Inspirational Coloring Book for Women of Color. Sells from these books, handmade dollightful ornaments and pillow paint kits sustained me through the pandemic. And as of October 30, 2022 I have self-published my 5th book, She Looks Like Me, An Inspirational Coloring Book for Girls and Doll Collectors.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sandyslandllc.com/media
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sandysland
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sandra.epps.79
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sandyslandllc
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/sandysland1

Image Credits
Photo of Sandra Epps with dolls outdoors taken by Andrea House.
Photos of Sandy taken in purple are by Nicole Ashley Gee