Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paulina Tetteh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Paulina, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
For me as a Christian, my purpose is deeply rooted in my relationship with my Creator — God Almighty, the Alpha and the Omega. From childhood, I was blessed with a strong foundation in the Christian faith, and that grounding gave me the space to truly explore the question of why I was created.
Like many, I encountered different worldviews and human reasoning along the way. But the questions that stirred something deep within me were: Why was I created? And by whom was I created? It was in seeking the “whom” that I found real clarity. Understanding that I was created by God — intentionally and lovingly — helped me see myself through His eyes.
In Him, I discovered that I was created for His pleasure and in His likeness, especially in the area of creativity. After all, He is the Creator of the universe — the one that continues to awe even those who don’t fully believe. Seeing this helped me understand that my own creativity is not random; it reflects His nature. That truth brought my purpose into focus and made me feel truly alive.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a multidisciplinary creative, and my work lives at the intersection of faith, culture, and storytelling. Through my brands — *An Ode to Highlife*, *Friends of God*, and my personal art practice — I explore themes that celebrate identity, faith, and creative heritage.
My journey began quite young, back in school — I think I was in Year 7. I remember in a few of my art classes, my teacher would always mention how great an art student my older sister was. At first, I didn’t feel pressured, but over time it sparked something in me. I wanted to live up to the standard she had set — her work was truly top-notch. That quiet encouragement helped me see my own creative potential.
I started taking art more seriously, maybe semi-professionally, around 2017, just after completing my Master’s degree. That’s when I began to intentionally develop my voice and explore art not just as a hobby, but as a passion.
As an expressionist artist, I lean into colour, memory, and emotion to express what words sometimes can’t. Whether through illustration, painting, or design, what excites me most is being able to tell stories that connect — that make people feel seen, inspired, or simply at peace.
*An Ode to Highlife* is a tribute to the timeless genre of Highlife music — blending archival research, music storytelling, and community celebration. It honours the soundtracks of our lives and the histories they carry.
*Friends of God* is a faith-based colouring book series that offers people of all ages a moment to slow down, reflect on the names and nature of God, and create something beautiful. It’s a blend of scripture, stillness, and creativity.
Creativity, for me, is an act of worship — a way to reflect God’s beauty and truth while drawing from my cultural roots. Each project is a love letter to faith, family, music, and heritage — and I hope that through my work, others are reminded of their own stories too.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Faith – My faith has been the anchor of everything I do. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of stepping back — being okay with withdrawing from the noise, the pace, and the pressure of the creative world to draw close to God and get refilled. That quiet time helps me realign with my purpose and avoid burnout. For anyone starting out: don’t underestimate the power of rest and spiritual renewal. Your creativity will flow better when you’re connected to your source.
Self-awareness – Understanding who I am, how I work best, and what fuels or drains me has helped me grow not just as an artist, but as a person. Being honest with myself — about my strengths, limits, and values — allows me to make choices that align with my purpose rather than just chasing trends. My advice? Learn to listen to yourself. Journal, reflect, pray.
Community – Having a supportive community of like-minded people has been so important. Not just fellow creatives, but also non-creatives who bring different perspectives, wisdom, and grounding. These are the people who inspire me, challenge me, pray with me, and remind me I’m not alone on this journey. If you’re just starting out, be intentional about who you surround yourself with. Find people who encourage your growth and remind you of who you are — even when you forget.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One of the most impactful books in my development has been the Bible. It’s more than a spiritual guide — it’s been a blueprint for how I live, create, and navigate both personal and creative challenges.
One passage that has deeply shaped me is Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This constantly reminds me to approach my work with excellence and purpose, not to impress people, but as an act of worship and service. It reframes how I handle pressure, creative blocks, or even moments when recognition feels out of reach.
Another powerful idea is found in Psalm 1 — the image of being like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season. That helped me understand that there are wilderness seasons in life and creativity — and that staying rooted in God allows me to flourish inspite of.
These truths have helped me embrace a more sustainable, purpose-driven pace in my journey — one where I’m not just creating for applause, but from a deeper, eternal place.
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