Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharifa Callender.
Hi Sharifa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Sharifa, and I am the owner of Sharifa Creates, a do-it-yourself arts & crafts blog. I started my blog 12 years ago after graduating from college. At that time, like many new graduates, I was trying to figure out what was next. The workforce? Sure! Graduate school? Maybe. I wanted to be sure I was heading in the right direction, so I surrendered my will to God’s. I boldly prayed: “Lord, wherever You lead, I will follow.” Not long after, I felt a gentle nudge from God to start a blog to showcase my creativity. And so, Sharifa Creates was born.
I made something new every week and posted it on my blog. Back then, all I had was an old point-and-shoot camera and “vintage” craft supplies. I had faith in God that my small beginnings would lead to remarkable growth, so I created and posted consistently. Today, I publish high-quality arts & crafts tutorials, sell my creations online and in person, and make custom work for clients, all while encouraging other Christian creatives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As much as I love blogging, it has not been a smooth road. I believe one reason God prompted me to start Sharifa Creates was to help me overcome fear. Since childhood, I have had a great love and gift for artistic creativity. However, in college, I majored in math partly because I believed a lie that I could not have a successful career in the arts. I hid my creative light, trying to appease… I am not even sure of who.
Writing for Sharifa Creates forces me out of every box I have placed myself in, even now. Every time I hit publish, I wonder if my work is good enough or if anyone really cares. Overcoming the battlefield of my mind is a struggle, but I persist because I know that people need what I create.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a skilled worker. I can see something and make it with ease. I work in various art media, such as drawing and sewing, but specialize in mixed-media abstract painting. I fell in love with abstract painting 10 years ago because it is one of the few things I can do without making mistakes. I experiment with bold colors, textures, and the prophetic. As I create, I worship God and allow my creativity to flow freely. Once I complete a piece, I take a step back and allow God to give me its interpretation. My artwork brings joy to viewers and illuminates rooms.
I also design and make liturgical dancewear. My grandmother taught me the art of sewing at the tender age of four. Learning how to sew sparked my interest in fashion design. I am a liturgical dancer. In recent years, I noticed the need for beautiful yet meaningful dancewear, so I branched into that niche.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love math! I have a bachelor’s degree in math and run a math tutoring business (Victory Over Math). Call me a creative problem solver!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sharifacreates.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharifacreates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharifacreates
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sharifacreates
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/sharifacreates/
