As an elite athlete for most of her life, Imani always knew her identity and purpose. Sports shaped who she was gave her direction. When her athletic career ended after college, she found herself in unfamiliar territory, unsure of what was to come next and feeling as though she had lost part of herself.

In 2017, during a stressful transition into her first full-time job, Imani unexpectedly discovered a new path. One day after work, she decided to paint a self-portrait as a way to relieve stress. She had no formal training, artistic background, or previous interest in art, so surprised she was by what she created!

The next day, Imani shared the painting with her coworkers, and one of them commissioned her to create a portrait. That single opportunity became the spark that ignited a passion she never knew existed. Through the process of creating, she found a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Today, Imani exclaims "Art is more than something I do - it is how I express vulnerability, tell stories, and connect with others. Looking back, I believe God was guiding me all along. What once felt like an ending became the beginning of the journey I was meant to take."