Meet Rachel Armstead

We recently connected with Rachel Armstead and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is something I have fought against for many years, especially as a self-taught artist. With social media at our fingertips, it’s very hard not to compare myself to the more “traditional” artists who sought an education first. Growing in my relationship with Christ and being confident in the gift God has given me is the only reason that imposter syndrome seems to get quieter and quieter. I definitely still have my moments. Putting my focus back on the call I believe God has given me and thanking Him for the doors He has already opened through my art helps me refocus on doing what I love, alongside other talented and accomplished artists.

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?

I have been painting seriously and selling my art since I was 13 years old. Being an artist felt like a faraway dream back then. It wasn’t until I decided to shift my focus to creating more retail-based products last year that my art career truly changed. God gave me the vision for my current business, Proverbs and Pens, months before I even started working on it. Now, after a full year, we have a shop full of the artsy stationery and a year filled with the best memories with our customers and small business friends.

Proverbs and Pens is an art and stationery shop with a mission to encourage Christians to be bold in their faith! We carry all sorts of things, from notebooks, cards, and bookmarks to stickers, tote bags, and some apparel! I have learned so much about product development and designing handmade items for people to enjoy over the last year, and I’m excited to see what 2026 brings.

While I still paint and use my own artwork to design my products, shifting my focus to stationery and not just selling originals has been the best decision. I am so thankful God gave me this vision and lit a passion in me to combine the worlds of art and bookbinding. It has been a great way for our customers to enjoy art in a different way.

We look forward to more pop-up events next year, more paintings being released, and new products! The dream is to have our own brick and mortar one day so we can have a solid space to better develop products, serve the community, and encourage Christians to be the salt and light to those around them! If you would like to follow the journey, you can find us on Facebook & Instagram as @proverbsandpens or you can head to our website and join our email list. We love sending newsletters and updates to keep you involved and encourage you in your faith!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, I can see three key qualities that truly made the difference: my faith in Jesus, my ability to dream and cast vision, and my commitment to being a lifelong learner.

As a Christian, I’ll always point people to Christ first. I believe with all my heart that we’ve each been created with unique gifts meant to be used as we walk through life. It’s so much easier to see our God-given passions come to life when we walk in step with Him and the grace He provides. For years, I tried to force doors open in my own strength—but when I finally surrendered and let God lead, I accomplished more in one year than I had in nearly ten years of pursuing art on my own.

Dreaming big is another vital part of growth. It’s not about being discontent; it’s about not limiting what God can do in and through you. Scripture reminds us that our God is abundant and overflowing with goodness. When we allow ourselves to dream with Him, He can turn what feels impossible into something beautiful and meaningful.

Lastly, being a self-taught artist taught me the importance of being a good learner. We live in an age overflowing with information, but discernment is key, knowing what to take in and what to leave behind. I had to discover how I learn best, seek out mentors, and build relationships with others in the creative community. Asking the right questions and staying teachable has helped me grow tremendously and form connections with like minded people who understand the journey. Through it all, I’ve learned that when we stay humble, curious, and walk by faith, He’ll always lead us exactly where we need to be.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

One of the biggest blessings throughout my art career has been my parents. I was 12 or 13 when I had my “light bulb moment” and decided that I wanted to be an artist. Instead of discouraging me from pursuing a “starving” career, they supported and encouraged me to follow what I believed the Lord had placed on my heart.

They gave me the physical space to create and explore the world of art and supported me by driving me to pop-up events where I could sell my work and be inspired by other young creatives pursuing business too. I’m so thankful my parents listened to the Lord and encouraged me to do what I love. I still consider them my biggest fans today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://proverbsandpens.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proverbsandpens?igsh=MWR4b29pa29qYnNy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17LtnqYWqg/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rachelmarmstead?si=hw52c_P1j4U0edoV