Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Herdina.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for the arts began at a young age while dancing on coffee tables, drawing chalk sketches all over my basement floors, and trying desperately to impress any ear that would lend itself performing in my high school musicals. Later in life, I found another passion while serving youth in disadvantaged situations. It was during this time that my eyes were opened to the world of domestic violence. Working alongside Sharon and Kelly Stone, whose ambition in life is to bring hope to the hopeless, I learned the importance of creative expression and how it contributes to healing in our youth. Working with Planet Hope, traveling the world on missions, and living in a former country of genocide, I have experienced firsthand how the Arts can truly begin to transform the heart in a child who has been impacted by abuse and trauma.
heArt studios, a newly launched organization headquartered in Nashville has been my passion project for as long as I can remember.
We are made up of a group of crazy talented creative people that find a common good in the world of fine Art. We are committed to pouring into our youth by empowering THEM to find their creative communities as well. Our young adults come to us from many varying backgrounds, with different degrees of hurt. We have teamed up with professionals who teach classes for our youth to explore a creative healing journey.
Through these partnerships, we are able to provide 1:1 counseling, coaching, and mentoring, as well as group sessions, art and floral therapy, and guide them along a health and wellness plan for their futures.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Isn’t any destination all about the journey — there are bumps and divots and potholes all along the way. It was scary moving to Los Angeles right out of high school, from an extremely small farm town in Minnesota. I didn’t know anyone, but that’s what inspired me to get involved in as many things as I could–events, nonprofits, pageants, red carpet shows. I didn’t have another option, so “making it work” became my banner statement. When you have that attitude, you start to experience obstacles in a different perspective.
In my life story, my faith is what’s kept me going and God has a funny way of moving me on to my next adventure. It’s when I’ve felt at my worst or that I can’t get my footing, He uproots me and moves me — sometimes across the world! Moving to Nashville from LA, then Rwanda, and back to the States, the challenges have all been so unique. Some personal. Some emotional. Some physical, relational, geographical, financial — the whole gambit. I’m no different than anyone who’s faced a challenge, but I’m extremely blessed to have overcome them. I don’t take this journey for granted. I’m still just learning from it…
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
While I wouldn’t consider myself a professional artist by trade, I am a creative. That’s the common thread throughout my entire professional career. I started with a merchandising degree out of college, bound and determined to design window displays in NYC or wedding gowns. Ya know, either one was fine… I quickly realized I was really good at planning, producing, and directing and with my role at Planet Hope, I was able to use those skills to plan our programming and events. From there, the creative blood kept flowing as I dabbled in styling and curating custom events and parties.
I’ve had a full career in the events industry and I definitely specialize in the design aspect, my eye for a space or table that someone else might not see. I dream and plan in the stars for my clients because I work from the right side of my brain. I’ve been told I have a talent that’s incredibly unique because not only can I see something most people can’t, I can execute it.
However, I think my proudest endeavor is the one I’m currently on — launching heArt Studios. We aim to be a fully functioning, debt-free venue that houses a variety of creative art studios for youth to work with artists in their specific art genres. I’ve dabbled in all forms of art, but I’m more of a connector and I think that’s what sets me apart the most. Introducing our artists to the kids, to use their incredible giftings, and share their stories is something I could have only dreamed. My passion is empowering our youth to experience the Arts in any way we can. Healing from trauma they have experienced naturally and organically begins during this process and I’m just honored to be a vessel through it all.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Ohmygosssssh I love this question! Don’t judge me, but I’m your typical Disney princess. Everything makes me happy! I’m most excited during the Christmas season when everything is so festive and bright (and yes, I still want to star in a Christmas movie…). I LOVE traveling, going to shows and theatre productions, listening to live music and concerts, and being a foodie. I lovvve food. Being outdoors and camping is what gives me life. Creating. Yoga. Horses. Corgis. Sloths. I mean, come on. My family, nephews, nieces… the laughing shrieks from little kiddos.
But why does it all make me happy? Because it’s what keeps us alive. These things fill my lungs for one more day, and I just love living life.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@heartstudios.org
- Website: www.heartstudios.org
- Instagram: @heartstudiosorg
- Facebook: /heartstudiosorg
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8lTdRAZhhn8lJX5bTF7X7A
