In 2014, I found myself in a season of uncertainty, feeling lost and without direction. I spent days and nights pouring my heart out to God, seeking guidance and purpose. I reminded Him of the stories of LeBron James, who started playing basketball at 9, and Rihanna, who began singing at 7. I reflected on my own journey, realizing that I had started painting at 10 years old. Though I wasn’t sure how art could be my purpose, especially in a country where few artists made a career out of their craft, I held onto hope.
During this time, I meditated on Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” This promise brought me comfort and reassurance that God was working everything out for my good.
I went on to pursue a degree in accounting at a University in Nairobi- Kenya, working hard to achieve academic excellence. Though I graduated with a first-class honors degree, I faced challenges in securing a job with the big four accounting firms. However, something remarkable happened during my university days. I discovered opportunities to share my art with the student body through body painting and various school functions. My clients requested that I post the artwork i had made on Instagram, which led to the creation of my page, @bellaartug.
Fast-forward to 2018, when God led me to meet a lovely lady who gave me my first body painting gig in Kampala. From that single opportunity, I received three more gigs that paved the way for my partnership with Tusker Lite in 2019 and collaborations with prominent brands and event companies in East Africa. My Instagram page had become a community of art lovers, and in 2020, it gave me the confidence to launch Paint and Sip Uganda.
Today, I am humbled to see how Paint and Sip Uganda has revolutionized the art industry in Uganda, with many entrepreneurs seeking to replicate our model. While imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I am grateful that my journey has shown young people that art can be a viable career path.
Over the past nine years, my art journey has allowed me to employ over 50 people directly or indirectly, serve more than 500,000 individuals, and change mindsets about the nobility of art. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with people I admire and respect, and I am proud of the exceptional customer service and satisfaction we deliver.
As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of Proverbs 22:29, which says, “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” And Proverbs 18:16, which states, “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.” My team and I have had the privilege of serving kings and queens, treating every client like royalty.
