Today we’d like to introduce you to Jide Fresh.
Hi Jide, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into entrepreneurship was born out of adversity. Following a life-altering hit-and-run accident in July 2018, coupled with a challenging divorce, family court battles, and the weight of depression and anxiety, I faced a pivotal crossroads. I had to make a choice: let these experiences break me or use them as stepping stones to rebuild. I chose the latter, refusing to surrender.
In December 2020, with limited resources, I embarked on a quest for immediate income. Drawing from my background as a graphic designer, I decided to create and sell postcards. I purchased paper, utilized the local library’s Makers Space, and crafted my designs. That day, at a Kwanzaa event, we sold $70 worth of postcards, marking the start of my transition into product-based entrepreneurship.
Our next venture involved selling Cincinnati Reds postcards during the Reds’ opening day parade. In June 2021, I relocated to Louisville, seeking a fresh start after an eviction and emotional turmoil. It was in this period that I began working on a coloring book focused on resilience and personal growth in the face of adversity. Little did I know that this project would become a turning point in my life.
Louisville nurtured and healed me, while Cincinnati propelled me to new heights. Today, my journey stands as a testament to the power of determination and creativity, and I’m committed to sharing this message of resilience and growth through my art and business.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has been far from smooth, but it’s in the challenges that I’ve found the most growth and inspiration. When I embarked on this path, I was stepping into unknown territory. I had never been an illustrator in this capacity, and creating coloring books was a completely new venture for me.
I remember how it all began. I was watching entrepreneurial videos on YouTube, and one concept caught my attention – creating books to sell. I decided to give it a try, but I didn’t take the easy route suggested in the videos. Instead, I poured my heart and soul into making a coloring book that was deeply meaningful to me. I delved into research on healing, breathing techniques, Zen Philosophy, and more. In essence, I created the book I needed for my own healing journey.
When I moved to Louisville and started selling postcards at events like the Melannaire Marketplace, it opened doors for me. Those early sales of postcards were just the beginning. The turning point was when I introduced my first coloring book. The response from customers was incredible. I brought out 25 coloring books to test the waters, and to my astonishment, they all sold out. That moment was a profound turning point that completely changed my world.
The challenges I’ve faced have been many. I had to learn a completely new skill set, from illustration to selling and interacting with customers. Figuring out how to finance the production of books and supplies was another hurdle. Humbling myself and embracing the role of a student was essential.
Interestingly, just two years after we started, we received an invitation to go to Switzerland because of our business. In the middle of the Alps, in a town called La Punt, I had an epiphany. Walking up a hill during the day with others was one thing, but descending that same hill at night, unable to see the steps in front of me, was a bit intimidating. It was during that nighttime descent that I realized the profound analogy to my entrepreneurial journey. Starting a new path in life felt like walking up a hill with a blindfold on. Trusting the process, believing in the steps, and having faith that everything would be alright became my guiding principles.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is centered around creating art that heals, uplifts, and inspires. I specialize in producing unique coloring books, postcards, and canvas art that serve as powerful tools for personal growth and healing. I’m known for my distinctive approach, which combines intricate illustrations with profound messages and themes.
What I’m most proud of is the positive impact my creations have had on people’s lives. Hearing stories from individuals who have found solace, inspiration, and healing through my coloring books or who have been moved by my art is incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart from others is the deep personal connection and intention I infuse into each piece of work. My coloring books aren’t just coloring books; they are therapeutic journeys. My art isn’t just visuals; it’s a catalyst for transformation. I create from a place of authenticity and a genuine desire to make a difference in people’s lives. That passion and purpose drive every stroke of my pen and brush.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Absolutely, I’d like to leave you with a powerful message about resilience and the transformative potential of adversity. Life can be a tumultuous journey, and we all face challenges that test our resolve. However, in the crucible of hardship, there’s an opportunity for profound growth and wisdom.
As novelist Pearl S. Buck so eloquently put it, sorrow can be alchemized into wisdom. It’s a process that might not always bring immediate joy, but it can lead to lasting happiness. In the face of life’s trials, remember that you have a choice: surrender or fight. Not every situation demands the same response, and sometimes surrender is an act of courage in itself.
Stay flexible, stay curious, and embrace the lessons that adversity offers. Even the darkest times are temporary, just as the brightest moments are fleeting. What endures is your resilience, your capacity to learn, and your ability to find gratitude even in the most challenging circumstances. These qualities are the crucible in which greatness is forged. So, keep going, keep growing, and never underestimate the transformative power of your journey.
Pricing:
- Each Coloring Book $25
- Large Canvas Pieces $250
- Small Canvas Pieces $175
Contact Info:
- Website: www.inflywetrust.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/inflywetrustinc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@inflywetrust8375
- Other: https://inflywetrust.com/pages/who-is-jide-fresh
