We had the good fortune of connecting with Bre Hanks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bre, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I originally started my business as an Etsy shop for chalkboards, which is so fun to look back and see how far my business has come. After a long journey trying to figure out what was right for me and my business, it eventually evolved into what it is now… sharing women’s stories and creating art out of their words. I felt compelled to help women in some way, and the way I was doing it before didn’t have the impact that I was seeking. I knew I wanted to use hand-letting in my business, but trying to find something that felt right was really difficult. I realized that if I wanted true impact, I needed to pray and ponder on what it is that I needed to be doing. It didn’t just come to me overnight, it took weeks of constant thought and prayer. I can honestly say that my business has been guided by God and my faith, and that really took me to the next level, and I’m so grateful!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The art I create is so incredible and meaningful because of the story behind it. I have been given the chance to share these women’s stories in such a unique and memorable way that is special to not only them, but everyone who gets to see and read it. Women get the opportunity to share their story of trial, struggle, or challenge on my website and submit it to us. We read over their story and pull out words that they have said that are full of strength, hope, and love. From those quotes, I hand-letter their words and create an art piece out of the strength that is there. The submitter gets to keep the art piece for free, and together we get to share their story on my Instagram and Blog platforms as well as different products that I sell. Other women get to read their story and we all help each other through something that is hard and challenging. The goal is to offer a bit of relief to these women through other women’s words and trials. Sometimes we aren’t able to see the strength in our own story, so to be able to offer women a way to cope and grieve that is special and unique to them is such an honor. I love that we can talk about these taboo subjects and find so much solace and peace in the fact that we are not walking this path alone. There are other women going through very similar experiences that can walk with them, hand-in-hand. Art has always been a place of peace and relief for me. My story stems from anxiety and then later going through Postpartum Depression and miscarriage. Through those trials I was able to find immense therapeutic relief when I found hand-lettering again and submerged myself in my art. I really want other women to have that, but with a deeper meaning. Although my journey to this point has been long and hard, I’m forever grateful for the lessons I have learned along the way. I now sell prints and products from these beautiful stories, along with a few hand-lettering coloring books that are in the works. I’m excited to merge the beautiful quotes and stories with the therapeutic relief that is art. I hope you check out these stories and products on my website and Instagram! @bredesignco www.bredesignco.com

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love nature so much and can see how real the healing is whenever you step away from your phone and day-to-day tasks. I would snag my favorite bowl from Chipotle (and of course a cookie from Crumbl – a Utah must!) and we would head straight into the mountains! One of my favorite spots is up Big Cottonwood Canyon, where anywhere you go up there is pure magic! There is a little lake called Silver Lake, tucked up in the trees that has the most beautiful view of the mountains. Maybe we’d venture to a new area and find more beauty!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout is for YOU! Every single woman that tells their story not only gets a chance to tell their story to the world but gets to help other women who are going through something similar. YOU get the chance to help others with something as simple, but as powerful, as your words! Women from around the world can submit their story – A story of struggle, challenge, or whatever trial they are going through. We then take quotes from their story and help them share their strength through my hand-lettering and art. It’s the most incredible thing to see the responses come through telling us how much the words from the art and story helped them through a hard and challenging time. Not only do the story-submitters get to share their story to a community of strong, supportive, and loving women, but they also get a free piece of art that will always remind them of their strength and courage. I could not do what I am meant to do without the amazing stories and love of the women in our community. I’m so grateful to be able to help these women find their voice and share it with the world!

Website: www.bredesignco.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bredesignco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bredesignco

Image Credits
Heather Waegner Photography Jeremy Hanks

Nominate someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.