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

Sylvia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

I came up with the name of my Ministry through my dark moments When I was not even thinking about starting a Ministry the name came to me way before I was ready to create this Ministry.Basketcase is normally looked at as someone who had lost it.I also referenced it to Moses in the Bible.He was put in a basket and drifted on down the river.He became very powerful.This name may not be popular, but it has great significance to me.
I also thought about in the early years of the soldiers in the military. Many soldiers would get wounded.They would use whats called a basket and carry the soldier to a place of safety,until it was safe to be out in the open.I feel like that soldier,we need to be carried sometimes when we’ve been wounded spirtually physically,or mentally . Basketcase Ministry will carry you when you can’t carry yourself..It is a spirtual basket for the weak,tired,lonely..
The name was very timely and on point.I love the name and would not want to change it.

Sylvia, 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 a middle aged woman who has a passion to help others.As a very young woman I faced many challenges. So much so that life became very hard for me as a young mother.I had to deal with a son who had open heart surgery and a daughter with a blood and bone disorder.I felt that with this and other problems, I suffered depression. I began looking for help and realized that there was no where to turn.I turned to my spirituality which opened the door to a church which I began attending.This would soon bring some relief to the severity of issues I was facing.I began thinking I would want no woman to have to go through this type of suffering.Time would go on and as I was in the midst of a divorce,being a single mom with sick kids,the words Basketcase kept popping up in my mind.I didn’t know why,but I just assumed this described me a total Basketcase. I was given a vision that I would lead a ministry and that I would help many through this
Ministry.But why,Basketcase I kept asking myself.The revelation came to me.You will name this ministry Basketcase case ministry because the basket represents a place that needs to be filled with something and to be carried.I recall saying,I have so many things to put in my basket.I mean it would be filled to thd brim.Then Jesus would carry all the things that was weighing me down.I had a real Basketcase.I never questioned it,but years later I see would create this Ministry to help people all across this world.
This led me to hit the streets praying for people.I began ministering to those who were homeless sick,addicted lost,and thosde with mental challenges.I started a Prayerline so that those who were desperate would have hope.This began my passion to help those who really don’t know where go turn to.I have not looked back and offer my ministry wherever I am at in the world.I am a Ordained Minister and let every one know Basketcase Ministry has no doors,but is a doorless Ministry that reaches you no matter what part of the world you find yourself in.I am delighted to say,now as I look back over my life it took the pain,the problems and disappointments to birth Basketcase Ministry.I offer a Spiritual Service of spirtual counseling,meditation,intercessory prayer,one on one help and emergency prayer.I am available to do homegoing services and grief support.I feel this is what my souls purpose is and I know this is what Ive been called to do.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

It has always been word of mouth and referrals from those who have been satisfied how I have impacted their life.I know I had got a call from a Lady one evening and she was very emotional. The first thing she said was,Are you Minister Sylvia.? I told her she I was.She told me that her son was in very bad shape and she needed a Miracle and heard I was a fervent prayer warrior.She needed me to intercede immediately for this son.I told her.I would .He was healed that night and taken out of ICU and released out of the hospital within a couple days.She was grateful that someone who knew of Basketcase Ministry,my reputation and my passion for what I do would tell her of me.She began someone that went on my list to minister to if needed.Another source is Social Media and the number of people you reach.It gives you the opportunity to minister to those overseas,different states.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I know for me it was my strong faith.You must have a belief in knowing that if you pray for someone,it will manifest.If you are skeptical or a doubter,no one will have any hope in you. I have always been consistent in my beliefs and helping others.This has built-up such a powerful reputation.When you say,Basketcase Minisry the first thing that comes to peoples mind is, Oh that’s the Miracle Ministry. When people are hurting they need assurance,confidence,belief and to know you have something that will help them in their crisis.Your reputation is the driving force behind any creative and successful market. I am grateful to be a overcomer and my vision and purpose is to help others come to that place of confidence..

Contact Info:

• Facebook: [email protected]
• Twitter: [email protected]
• Youtube: Sylviafaircoth@ youtube.com

Image Credits
David Hoffman Documentary. VENMO Mclean Hospital Deconstructing Stigma Project Featured Story