My background with art
Growing up, I had a knack for art that manifested from a very young age. It started with drawing and expanded to writing. I seemed to have naturally developed an interest in storytelling, and I was determined to pursue it through art. At a young age, I did not have the vocabulary to tell stories through words. So, I found a way to portray my stories through drawing cartoons and an ongoing comic storyline system that I had created.
(Pictures supplied by the owner)
I truly enjoyed it, and it was a highlight of my childhood. Alongside my love for storytelling, I also developed a love for fashion designing. This was inspired by my mom who was a fashion designer at the time. When she would go to work, I would take her fashion magazines and draw the dress designs I liked.
I would also take some of the dresses that she had sewed and wear them. Of cause I would drown in them because they were too big, but for me, those experiences were ethereal. I wanted nothing but to be a fashion designer like her. However, my mom had other plans. She vehemently discouraged my love for art and wanted me to focus on my academics. Eventually, I buried that dream in my heart but never stopped drawing and writing.
By the time I was in high school, I had evolved into novel style writing. I was convinced I would publish my first fiction novel as a teenager and was determined to make it happen. My love for drawing also grew. Along with my love for reading fiction books, these were the dreams that completely enveloped my entire teenage years. I existed in my own world. In fact, I never used to focus in class. I used to be drawing while the teacher was teaching. I actually had the audacity to be drawing cartoons in my schoolbooks. For me, every blank page was my canvas.
I actually grew up in a Christian household. Although I loved going to church at times, I did not find God until I was at university. I went through so many trials and warfare that made it apparent that I would not survive without God. After I graduated university and was unable to find a job, I truly learned to lean on God during a lonely and dry season. Around that time, I found my love for fashion designing again.
I managed to buy a mini sewing machine and taught myself how to sew. But truly, I believe God was the one that taught me. That same year, I was able to start my fashion designing brand named SMR by Khuthie. Somehow, I was also able to sell my products which slightly relieved my stress of being unemployed.
I had hope that I could build something. In that season, God brought people into my life who provided me with resources and opportunities that I needed for my business in times of trouble, and I thank God for those people. In a season of trials, learning and uncertainty, God used that time to prune me, grow me in my faith and bring me closer to him.