O.Makeba Waddy of atlanta on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to O.Makeba Waddy. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning O.Makeba, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Professionally, I’m most proud of building a company with a strong spiritual undertone—something that isn’t always visible on the surface, but deeply felt by those who engage with us. It’s a foundation that guides our mission to serve the community through the arts. While we remain mobile—traveling along the East Coast to share our work—our focus is on creating meaningful, transformative experiences. Our impact might not always be seen, but it’s present in the energy we bring, the stories we tell, and the creative spaces we help nurture.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Makeba, and I am the Founder, Lead Artist, and Spiritual Advisor of Seven Arts Center. I bring together a passion for teaching, a background in Fine Arts and Information Systems, and my experience as a musician and certified yogi to offer a unique, holistic approach to creative education and personal growth.

What makes Seven Arts Center truly special is its fusion of creativity, spirituality, and community engagement. Through our work, I aim to inspire imagination, build self-esteem, and explore meaningful topics that resonate—especially with youth. As a spiritual advisor and energy healer, I also provide guidance and support through the spiritual arts, helping individuals reconnect with their inner selves and embrace healing on the levels of Spirit, Soul, and Mind.

We are currently focused on growing our mobile arts and wellness programs, bringing our offerings directly to communities along the East Coast. These programs emphasize self-expression, cultural enrichment, confidence-building, and creating inclusive, supportive environments for individuals, families, and organizations.

Whether it’s through painting, music, movement, or mindfulness, our goal is to nurture creativity, encourage healing, and build meaningful connections within the community.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and must now be released is the tendency to overextend myself in the name of service, believing that sacrifice was the only way to make a meaningful impact.

For years, I operated from a place of doing everything for everyone—pouring out creatively, emotionally, and energetically—without always preserving enough for myself. That mindset helped build the foundation of my work and deepened my empathy, but it also led to imbalance.

Now, I recognize that true leadership, healing, and creativity thrive when rooted in balance and boundaries. Releasing the old pattern of over giving makes space for more intentional, aligned, and sustainable service—where my energy can flow freely without depletion.

Letting go of that old version of myself allows a more grounded, nourished, and spiritually attuned version to rise—one who trusts that rest is productive, and that impact doesn’t have to come at the expense of personal well-being.

This evolution is reflected in my work. I’ve recently launched the Bumper Books collection—now available on Amazon
—to assist children in their creative and emotional development through engaging, educational stories.

In addition, I’ve introduced The NIBBLETS, a vibrant stop-motion animation series available on YouTube
, designed to encourage imagination, cultural exploration, and joy in young audiences.

These projects reflect my ongoing commitment to serve through creativity and spirit—but now from a place of balance, inspiration, and joy.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—during the height of COVID, I faced one of the most difficult moments in my journey. We lost our physical location, a space that had become a vibrant hub for creativity, community, and healing. It felt like the foundation we had carefully built was slipping away overnight.

There was a moment when I questioned everything—whether I could continue, whether the vision could survive such a major shift. But in that loss, something powerful emerged.

Rather than giving up, we reimagined our mission. The challenge pushed us to evolve into a mobile arts and wellness center, allowing us to expand our reach and bring creativity and healing directly into communities. What felt like an ending became a profound new beginning—one rooted in adaptability, purpose, and deeper connection.

Now, I see that moment not as a breaking point, but as a turning point—one that taught me the strength of resilience and the beauty of reinvention.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The version of me that the public sees is a true reflection of who I am—an artist, teacher, spiritual advisor, and community builder. I don’t separate my work from my purpose; what I share publicly is grounded in the same values, passion, and spiritual foundation that guide my personal life.

Of course, there are layers that go deeper—parts that are held sacred and private—but the energy, intention, and authenticity you experience through my work and presence are fully real. I believe in showing up as my whole self, whether I’m leading a workshop, offering spiritual guidance, creating art, or connecting with children through storytelling and animation.

Being aligned publicly and privately is not only part of my truth—it’s part of the healing and transformation I aim to inspire in others.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
Honestly—what I’m doing now.

If I had let fear, exhaustion, or doubt stop me, I would have deeply regretted not stepping fully into my purpose. Creating spaces for healing through art, offering spiritual guidance, empowering youth, and sharing creative works like the Bumper Books and The NIBBLETS—this is the work I was meant to do.

I would have regretted not honoring the vision that was placed in my spirit. I would have regretted not using my voice, my gifts, and my journey to uplift others and help them reconnect with their creativity, culture, and inner light.

So, I’m grateful that I chose to keep going—especially when it was hard. Because this path, with all its challenges and beauty, is one I would never want to look back on with “what if.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sevenartscenter.com
• Instagram: @sevenartscenter
• Facebook: @sevenartscenteratlanta
• Yelp: @sevenartscenter
• Youtube: @thesevenartscenter
• Other: https://www.omakebaonline.com

Image Credits
Fitness for Life – Wellness & movement programming, Jordan – Drum Instructor & rhythm educator, The NIBBLETS , Bumper Books
Partners: Monster Citi (Creative collaboration)
Tri-Cities Christian Academy