Opportunities are Imagination with Jidé Fresh (EP170)

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Jidé Fresh is a dynamic and versatile digital artist, author, photographer, and documentarian with over two decades of experience in graphic design, videography, photography, web design, and sound design. His artistic journey took root in Louisville, KY, driven by a spirit of rebellion and a deep commitment to social justice. 

Your WHY 

As an artist and illustrator with over 20 years of experience in graphic design and multimedia, I am passionate about using my skills to promote mental health and self-development through art. 

Life gave me pain. I chose to turn it into purpose.

Your Background 

My work is all about connection, healing, understanding oneself, and growth. After surviving a hit-and-run accident in 2018, I decided to focus on my mental health and use my art to create channels for better mental health, particularly in communities of color, poverty, and those who view mental health as stigmatizing.

I hold a Bachelor of Integrative Studies and African American Art from Northern Kentucky University. I am a published author of 5 self-development coloring books, with four of those books translated into Spanish. I have also produced over 90 individual art pieces and exhibited my work as an artist-in-residence at the Louisville Public Library and in my first solo exhibition at the 1512 Portal in Louisville, Kentucky.

How did art help you overcome the physical and mental health challenges you were going through? Why do you say it was a pivotal moment in your life? 

I was out riding my bike one night to think about my crumbling marriage, and I got hit by a car. I was pretty messed up. It was a hit-and-run. I was a mess, and a good Samaritan took me to the hospital. I was in the hospital for 8 hours and then sent home. I didn’t know how bad I was until I got an infection a week later. The infection was pretty bad, and the doctors put me on antibiotics. They also checked me out and told me I had two broken legs, a torn ACL, a decimated shoulder, and a broken hand. They kept me for a week. I never anticipated the journey that one night (July 26, 2018) would shatter my life into a myriad of pieces. Rehabilitation took three years. During that time, my marriage ended, and a family court settlement and devastating finances. I hit bottom.

When you lose everything, you can be anything.

Amidst the wreckage of my life, my art emerged. My daughter believed in me and my art. She encouraged me to do postcards. Then both of my children helped me set up outside the front of the Cincinnati Reds stadium on the opening day. We sold $70 worth. Next was the bustle of street vending at the Juneteenth Festival in Louisville.

I started delving into mindfulness, meditation, and the profound wisdom of Zen philosophy. My journey as a documentarian, photographer, and full-time digital artist has led me to create self-development coloring books. 

We cannot control the bad things, but we can control the reactions.

The loss of what I held dear became a gift – an opportunity to become more than I ever imagined. Art allowed me to release the pain, the anger, and the hurt. What I gained was not just artwork, it was a newfound strength.

Who am I now?

In Fly We Trust

At In Fly We Trust, we are on a mission to use the power of art to inspire positive transformation and healing in people’s lives. Creativity, self-development, and mindfulness are vital tools for personal growth and well-being. Through our diverse themes and captivating designs, we aim to create a world where art heals and empowers individuals to find balance and fulfillment in their journey of self-discovery.

My vision for In Fly We Trust goes beyond coloring books; it encompasses fostering a supportive community that finds solace and healing through creative expression. Join me on this artistic voyage as we embrace the power of art and storytelling to empower lives and to spark a positive impact on individuals and communities alike. Together, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and artistic growth.

Art became my sanctuary. From the sanctuary, a ministry emerged –one of mindset, mental health, and radical optimism.

What is M.E.S.H. Books?

M.E.S.H. (Mental, Emotional, Social, Health) books empower holistic growth and mental wellness through science-based activities, providing clear, effective guidance for personal development anytime, anywhere. Each book is crafted to meet you where you are, with content that adapts to your personal needs and goals. The evidence-based activities are drawn from proven therapeutic practices, ensuring that your journey to mental health is as unique as you are. Here are 3 examples of the coloring book covers:

Be intentional about what you want!

Jide Fresh’s Contact Information

Website: www.inflywetrust.com
Email: inflywetrust859@gmail.com 
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/inflywetrust 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inflywetrustinc/ 
FB: https://www.facebook.com/inflywetrustinc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonhillcincy/

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I hope you enjoyed my conversation with Jide Fresh. It was an honor to learn about his story, and I am grateful that he shared his WHY with me on my virtual porch.  I met Jide at the FETC conference in line at an event. He told me his story about his art, his coloring books, and what changed his life. I wanted to learn more, so I made sure we connected and decided to do a podcast. I enjoyed our conversation and hope you did too. Please share this post and podcast with your friends and make sure you connect with Jide.