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

Alright, Sarai thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

After parting ways with the retailer I worked at for 12 years, I decided it was time to pursue my passion to be a professional visual artist more aggressively than I ever had before. It was not an easy transition. The phrase “starving artist” could explain my life post ending my career with my former job. As I maneuvered my way through trial and error these last 3 years, I can proudly say that I’ve unlocked a new level of artistry. My art is priority over everything now. It’s still very challenging to gain support outside of my local community, but I just keep the faith that God is going to work things out for my greater good and the best is yet to come. While I’m not as popular as some, my craft and ability to create is well respected. I’m glad I chose to follow my dreams a couple years ago. This is all I ever wanted to be. I’m here now and making my mark in history one painting at a time.

Sarai, 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?

My name is Sarai Middleton. I’m a true “Chathamite” from the C-Port City of Savannah, GA. I am a 36 year-old visual artist, painter, and crafter. From elementary to present, art has always played a large role in my life. I began my journey with pencil drawings and fell in love with painting during high school. Shortly after graduation, people began to recognize my talents. Creating one-of-a-kind designs bring me peace. It offers me a place to dwell on the beauty of the world and share it through my eyes with various forms of media. My goal is to captivate my audience and encourage them to feel the magic my artwork is attempting to portray. Cool Rai Designs offers an experience whether it is creating visual art or crafting.

I’m most proud of my willingness to not give up on my professional goals. I want my supporters to know that the things I create come from my passion for visual artistry. I am one of one. It is my desire that I one day become a million dollar artist. My destiny is headed towards greatness and I’ll never stop pushing myself towards greater things.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It has to be the feeling I get after selling or finishing a project. Witnessing the design unfold, then seeing the finished product is an amazing experience. It motivates you to create more, knowing you have spent countless hours, days, and sometimes months or years composing a piece. All the time and effort put into it is worth every minute you’ve spent working on it.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The pivotal point of my life happened this year when I lost my Aunt Sarah in January. Her death changed me. I’ve experienced months of emotional uncertainty and anxiety while still trying to manage my businesses. With it only being me, things have not been easy. I shutdown sometimes and have to focus on my mental health. Grief is sometimes hard to handle, but I make it through it. Through prayer and faith, I’ve learned how to cope with it. I won’t say that things have gotten easier for me emotionally, but I’m hopeful that I’m taking the proper steps to get me into a better space within. I’m grateful that I haven’t allowed my thoughts and emotions to get in the way of my quality of business I produce. I’m human and I’m thankful for my clients because they are so understanding, uplifting and supportive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stardustattire.shop/
• Instagram: @cool_rai_hendrix
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/energydoyouloveme?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@CoolRaiHendrix999?si=227xgDabFzqZSHiB
• Other: www.coolraidesigns.com https://www.facebook.com/rai.middleton?mibextid=9R9pXO

Image Credits
Child of 9 Services