Today we’d like to introduce you to Mimi Dukes.
Mimi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was a Studio Art major in college. Following graduation, I married my college sweetheart and started a family. My art was put on hold as I raised my three children and cared for our home. After becoming an empty nester, I picked up my paint brushes and art supplies again and haven’t put them down since!
During the past five years, I have been volunteering weekly at a school located downtown. Every week when I drive down to the school, I am struck by the amount of homelessness in our community. I started keeping supplies (water bottles, snacks, underwear, and rain ponchos) in my car to hand out as needed. I felt like I was being called to do more and looked into starting a mobile shower unit for those living on the streets. Through my research, I learned about an organization called Hope Thru Soap in Atlanta that provides showers, clothing, haircuts, and meals to the less fortunate. This organization depends on volunteers and donations, so I decided that going forward I would donate half of all my art sales to provide new clothing items to Hope Thru Soap.
This is a new endeavor for me and I pray that I will be able to continue to donate on a regular basis and to make a difference in the lives of those that need the help the most. There are so many faces to homelessness… so many stories… they are all God’s children…
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I am fortunate to live a comfortable life. At first, I was saving my profits from art sales for home improvements. Then, I thought… do I need that? Or do I want that? The people living on the streets certainly need what I am providing. For other young women, I would advise them to think of what truly matters and how they can make a difference in someone else’s life. My daughter once wrote in a post “stop scrolling, start strolling”. I feel that a lot of people these days are consumed with their phones and electronics and they miss what is right in front of them. Take a phone free walk around town. You will be amazed at the number of people in need. It doesn’t take much to make a difference.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mimi Dukes Art – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Well, I am thrilled to have the time again to focus my time on what I love…creating art! I am a mixed media artist. I paint mostly abstract landscapes and abstracts in acrylic. I also work in charcoal, graphite, pastel, watercolor, pen, and ink. I think what sets me apart from others is that I am fortunate enough to be able to donate half of my sales to those less fortunate.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
My mother was the kind of person that always helped those in need. She would bring meals to people that were experiencing tough times and she would work on service projects through our church. I know that watching her generosity as I grew up made an impression upon me. I have volunteered in various ways throughout my life and have seen those less fortunate. I feel grateful to be able to use my God given talents to hopefully make a difference in someone’s life.
Contact Info:
- Email: mimidukesart@gmail.com
- Instagram: mimidukesart
Image Credit:
Michael Dukes, Mimi Dukes
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