Today we’d like to introduce you to Misti Watkins.
Hi Misti, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I have always been artistic. As a little girl, I was taught to paint/the basics of painting by my great aunt Bobbie, and Bob Ross of course! I took a long break in anything art-related all through high school and after high school. It wasn’t until the year Covid took over the world that I even picked a paint brush up again. Being quarantined for weeks had me stir crazy, I needed an outlet, my husband recommended I paint again knowing I used to once upon a time. I also knew I needed to rest all my worries, concerns, anxieties at the feet of my Lord and savior. I was baptized at the church I grew up going to and then really wanted to help others dive into His word and promises to us during the troubling times EVERYONE in the world was facing. I combined the two… painting and God’s word. Slowly but surely, I started getting my name out there, working with Christian influencers, everyday life influencers and other Christian small businesses on Instagram and my hand-painted bibles have made it in other countries even! Which was so exciting for me!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
2020-2021 was my first year creating this ministry/small business and it was not easy. I had many many many highs and just as many lows, I made many mistakes and had to own up to those mistakes and make things better as I grew, figure out solutions to any problems that arose! Learn to handle a proper workload by myself as the ONLY painter, all the behind-the-scenes work, the emailing, the inventory, the customer service questions… detailing and deadlines for orders… etc. I had to find what products worked for me personally and which ones were duds. Surprisingly I had to learn about paint and product safety, and all the different types of paints to use for different textures and bible materials. All those little details mattered and took time to figure out and perfect. I’m still figuring out things as I go along.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I hand paint bibles! I’m known as Valee of Vision on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Etsy.
I’m most proud of my growth in a year, not only as a platform but my PERSONAL growth. I’m proud and BLESSED to be doing something that will grow God’s kingdom and excite my other brothers and sisters to dive into the word of God with their very own special, beautiful and unique bibles for their hands alone.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
My 5-year goal is to have my artwork printed on bible copies through a Publisher. And I would like to create more unique study tools to help people on their journeys with God.
Contact Info:
- Email: Mistivalee3@gmail.com
- Website: www.Etsy.com/shop/ValeeofVision
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/valee_of_vision
Image Credits:
Mallory Woods
