Meet Haniyfa Muhammad Branka

We recently connected with Haniyfa Muhammad Branka and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Haniyfa, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

From an early age, my parents instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to and the importance of education. They taught me that true confidence isn’t just about self-assurance; it’s about knowing your worth and standing firm in your truth. They showed me that confidence comes from trusting your abilities, even when the path ahead is unclear. Most importantly, they taught me that my voice mattered and that I could take pride in who I was, regardless of how the world might view me. Confidence is rooted in my self-esteem and has been a key factor in my personal and professional growth. It’s not just a matter of “feeling confident,” but a more profound, intrinsic belief in my worth and contribution to the world.

As I’ve moved through life, I’ve realized that confidence has allowed me to thrive in many spaces where I might otherwise have felt overlooked. Confidence has empowered me to lead by example, to stand proudly in my identity, and to know that the space I occupy—both physically and creatively—has value. My art, driven by this confidence, is not just for personal fulfillment but serves as representation and advocacy. I remind myself that my presence isn’t just for my success; it’s for those who came before me and those who will come after. By showing up with pride, I carry the legacy of those who paved the way, knowing that my art and presence have power. Confidence allows me to take each step forward, shaped by the wisdom of past generations, and to create a path for others to follow.

Confidence also fuels my resilience. It’s not just about my determination; it’s about the community I’ve built along the way. The support of fellow artists, mentors, and friends helps keep me grounded and reminds me that I am never truly alone, even when I’m the only one who looks like me in a room. My confidence strengthens my resilience by allowing me to show up and contribute to the larger cultural conversation. Knowing that my voice matters and that my work has a place fuels my resolve to continue despite challenges.

I’ve learned to walk with my head held high and my heart full of purpose, knowing that my art—and my presence—has the power to impact those around me. My confidence comes from within, but it is amplified by my roots, resilience, and unwavering belief that, as a Black woman, I have something important to say.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

In 2021, my husband Matthew and I relocated from Georgia to Tennessee, bringing our beloved pets, Jackson and Una. Shortly after moving, we married and began a new chapter. Though we’ve since lost both of our pets, their memory continues to influence our journey. Moving to Tennessee became a pivotal moment for me—a chance to reinvent myself, reignite my creative passions and shift my focus after years of working in crime victims’ rights and human services.

Now, professionally, I’m focused on a multifaceted career that combines my business, nonprofit work, and artistic practice. As the founder of HMB Arthouse, I aim to make creativity accessible to everyone. Through our workshops and collaborative spaces, we allow people from all walks of life to explore their artistic potential. At HMB Arthouse, art is a universal language, and I’m proud to create a space where people can connect, express themselves, and grow creatively.

I am also a mixed-media artist, using various mediums—such as watercolor, acrylic, ink, plaster, and reclaimed materials—to create pieces that reflect the depth of human experience. Each artwork is a journey, expressing struggle, resilience, and interconnectedness themes. I am fascinated by the layers of color, texture, and form, which create emotional connections and offer space for reflection. My work is a conversation between mediums and reflects my belief that art can heal, bring people together, and spark meaningful conversations.

In addition to my business and artistic endeavors, I am the founder of Trust Yourself, a gender-based violence prevention nonprofit that serves six counties in Tennessee. Our mission is to create healthier, safer communities by providing education, advocacy, and resources for individuals impacted by gender-based violence. This work is deeply personal, and I’m committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and everyone has the support they need.

Sustainability plays a key role in my lifestyle, art and business practices. I use eco-friendly techniques and reclaimed materials to ensure my work is emotionally impactful and environmentally responsible. This commitment to sustainability extends beyond my art and into the heart of my business, as I strive to positively impact the community and the environment.

What excites me most about my work is how it bridges creativity and purpose. I can combine my art with advocacy and community empowerment through HMB Arthouse and Trust Yourself. The intersection of creativity, sustainability, and social justice drives me. I am proud to contribute to the arts and social justice fields, and I look forward to continuing this journey of making the world a safer, more inclusive place for all. In 2025, I have several art shows, exhibitions snd projects where I’ll showcase new work focused on sustainability and empowerment. I’ll also continue offering workshops and am always open to new projects.

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

• Resilience and Persistence: The ability to persist through setbacks has been crucial in my journey as an artist, business owner, and nonprofit founder. The creative and entrepreneurial paths are often challenging, but maintaining determination through difficult times has made a significant difference. Embracing failure as part of the process and drawing strength from the support of family, friends, and mentors has helped me stay grounded.

• Adaptability: The ability to adjust to new situations, trends, and challenges is vital. Whether evolving my artistic style or adjusting my business model, staying flexible has allowed me to grow and remain relevant. Embracing change has opened new opportunities and taught me valuable lessons.

• Collaboration and Networking: Building relationships within my field has been essential. Collaboration and sharing knowledge with others have been crucial to my development. Actively seeking like-minded individuals, attending events, and learning from others has opened doors and provided encouragement and support.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am always open to collaborating with others, and I am passionate about empowering communities through art, creativity, and social impact. Specifically, I am looking to partner with artists, nonprofit leaders, and sustainability advocates interested in projects focused on gender-based violence awareness, community empowerment, and using art for healing and social change. Additionally, I am eager to collaborate with those committed to sustainable practices in various spaces, whether in the art world or beyond.

Collaboration could include co-facilitating workshops, creating joint art installations, developing community-based programs, or supporting sustainable initiatives aligning with social and environmental goals.

If you’re interested in collaborating, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on social media at @healingmindfulbold. I look forward to exploring potential collaborations and partnerships that align with our shared missions and passions.

Contact Info:

• Website: www. hmbranka.com | www.trust-yourself.org | www. hmbarthouse.com
• Instagram: @healingmindfulbold @trustyourselftn @hmbarthouse
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealingMindfulBold | https://www.facebook.com/HMBArthouse | https://www.facebook.com/TrustyourselfTN
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trust-yourselftn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/haniyfamb