Meet Amanda Sw Hall

We recently connected with Amanda Sw Hall and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

From a young age, I’ve faced significant hardships: homelessness, sexual assault, poverty, bullying, and the loss of a sibling to incarceration. My parents separated when I was two, and throughout my life, I’ve continually had to rebuild. The obstacles I’ve encountered have been so immense that typical solutions often feel inadequate. However, I know that God didn’t allow me to endure these trials without a greater purpose. Despite facing significant hardships, I graduated from college. I’ve had the privilege of staying in a mansion in Los Angeles, and I’ve been flown to Buffalo, NY, and Nashville, TN, for all-expense-paid trips, compensated for my work. I’ve had the honor of interacting with Grammy Award-winning artists and receiving mentorship from Chicago legends. Through these experiences, God has shown me both sides of the coin. My journey suggests that my purpose remains unfulfilled. Knowing this has consistently refueled my resilience.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur based in Chicago, with a diverse portfolio that spans art therapy, music, photography, fashion, and modeling. Currently, I work in the second most dangerous neighborhood in Chicago, West Garfield Park, where I lead the Seeds of Success Art Therapy program at Jacob Beidler. This program aims to combat systemic oppression in youth, while fostering confidence, success, and a sense of belonging. I also work part-time at Confidence Apparel, a faith-based brand created to inspire and uplift, in Navy Pier.

As an emcee, I’m developing under the mentorship of Phenom, focusing my music and poetry on powerful testimony. Alongside my music, I’m the founder of Melanin Blossom, a photography business that celebrates culture, beauty, and progression. You can explore my work on Instagram @eyepeepgame.

In addition to my business ventures, I’m an accomplished runway model and fashion stylist. I’ve walked in an All-Star Weekend fashion show and have partnered with Charles Gipson to produce Love Handles Runway 2020. I’ve styled notable figures like Parker McKenna, known for “My Wife and Kids”, and have worked with esteemed photographers like HimOverThere, Blake Martin, and Mastermind Photo.

I’m excited to be walking in Designer Zoh’s upcoming “The Garden Walk” on May 3rd as well as Akese Styline’s show on Juneteenth. I’m also currently creating a photography exhibit that will feature individuals who have experienced physical and mental trauma from violent occurrences in Chicago, that will narrate their lives prior to the tragedy and imagine how different their stories could have been had they not become victims.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Persistence, empathy and business etiquette were most impactful in my journey. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to stay persistent in learning more about your industry/industries and craft. The more knowledge you have, the more opportunities you have to expand and even create subdivisions of income utilizing your gift. In order to truly understand your clientele and deliver to them in a way that builds loyalty, you must empathize with your supporters and understand exactly who they are and why they’re invested in you. Lastly, perception is everything, so business etiquette is essential. Be it timeliness, appropriate dress, industry lingo, etc., professionalism is respected worldwide.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

I’d have to say The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

The most impactful things were actually the agreements themselves:
1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personal.
3. Don’t assume.
4. Always do your best.

These things stuck with me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @themelaninblossom @eyepeepgame

Image Credits

Image 2 from the collection and the photo from the prompt before of me is by photographer Kenn Cook. @bykenncook on IG