Today we’d like to introduce you to Miracle Sam-Ekhator.
Miracle Sam-Ekhator, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way–things I had no words for.” – Georgia O’Keeffe.
Growing up, I never really knew how to express myself. Whether it was to family, siblings, teachers, or friends, I always found it difficult to properly express myself to others. That inability soon turned into frustration, which eventually turned into a lack of communication, especially when it came to my feelings or emotions.
I spent elementary through middle school quiet, not that I was insane or troubled, but entirely out of the fear that nobody would understand or “get” me. On top of that, I had a very soft voice. I felt as if it was almost useless to speak unless spoken to.
However, the one thing that did speak for me was my art.
I grew up madly in love with art. From painting, drawing, writing, designing, to even crocheting. Art was the one thing I absolutely loved, and at that time, I felt like it was the only way anyone could understand me.
Every brush stroke was a sentence, slowly explaining to others what my mouth could not.
I ended up spending most of my free-time painting & drawing.
It even got to the point that in middle school, other kids would just crowd around me to watch me paint or draw.
It turned out that I could say more in one painting than I could in a 4-hour conversation. My passion for art and my talent grew over the course of time.
In high school and college, I participated in many shows, art events, and sold many of my artwork.
My senior year in college, I started an amateur side business selling baseball hats that I designed using acrylic paint. I even had a few opportunities to create and host my own Sip & Paint events as well.
Throughout all of that time, the inability to express myself gradually diminished. As I got older, I understood that my belief that nobody could understand me was a lie straight from the enemy.
The day that I finally understood that was the day that I finally saw art through the lens of the greatest artist Himself.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10.
I realized that in order to truly use my gift of art to God’s glory, I would have to speak boldly, with or without the paintbrush.
Can you give our readers some background on your work and brand?
I am the owner and creator of MyJesusPeace, a Christian clothing brand based in Atlanta, GA.
I sell and personally design every individual t-shirt, crewneck, hat/visor, sweater, and even car decal and mug.
The vision of this clothing brand is to empower our generation to be BOLD for the Kingdom of God and to be a bright light in the midst of a dark world, representing the gospel of Jesus Christ in every aspect of our lives.
So I guess the next question would be, why My Jesus “PEACE” instead of “piece”?
I went from pieces to peace. Quite literally.
From being broken into pieces to experiencing Jesus’ absolute peace, I believe many can relate.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives…” John 14:27. This verse has become the foundation of my clothing brand.
There’s something about the word of God that grants us unimaginable peace.
That is why I make it a mission to use biblical scripture when designing ideas for my clothing.
Catchy quotes and feel good messages are nice, and all, but the word of God is truly the real source of peace, whether you’re reading it or wearing it.
On the other hand, a Jesus piece is typically a form of jewelry, usually a necklace or pendant, that is in a shape of a cross or depicts the face of Jesus. People try to get their peace from this. From many other things.
But true peace comes from Jesus Christ.
The play on words wasn’t completely intentional!
The goal of this clothing brand is very simple. An individual’s attire is the boldest accessory a person will notice first. I want people, young and old, to use the platform of their clothing from MyJesusPeace as an opportunity to evangelize, share the gospel, be a light, and encourage. I love hearing testimonials from customers who bought merchandise and were able to evangelize or just encourage a stranger! When people stop to ask questions or compliment my t-shirt, that gives me an open door to speak to them & encourage them. Coming from somebody who hated talking for years, it is a miracle to see what God can do when you trade you worries and fears for His amazing peace.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
My advice: get out of the comfort of your bedroom or your studio! A dog owner wouldn’t meet another dog owner just sitting on his or her couch all day; they would go to a dog park! A weird example perhaps, but that is just to say that in order to connect with other artists, you have to go out.
For me personally, I didn’t start meeting other artists until I went to my first art show. Up until then, I just hid in my bedroom and painted in my lonesome.
I am actually hosting an event this summer, June 29th, 2019 where many different artists, photographers, singers, painters, dancers, hair stylists, and more, will come out. That day will be a perfect opportunity to connect with other artists in the Atlanta area and to network! For more information, just contact me or visit my website!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
To see my clothing brand, visit my website, MyJesusPeace.com, on any desktop, laptop, smartphone.
For Instagram users, @MyJesusPeace, my personal @MiraNmeri
To contact me via email: MyJesusPeace18@gmail.com.
To buy artwork or paintings email me at MSamEkhator@gmail.com.
Definitely support!
Contact Info:
- Website: MyJesusPeace.com
- Phone: 4043174703
- Email: MyJesusPeace18@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/MyJesusPeace
Image Credit:
Darren Onyirimba
Miracle Sam-Ekhator
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