Rising Stars: Meet Samaiyah Abdur-Rahman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samaiyah Abdur-Rahman. 

Hi Samaiyah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
One holiday I decided my make my family and friends gifts instead of purchasing them. I wanted to give them something memorable. After realizing how much I enjoyed creating individual gifts I started taking custom orders. I received a positive response from the custom picture collages and decorative mason jars. From the holiday gifts for my family and friends my small business was born, SJL Creations LC on September 24th, 2018. – My customized gifts evolved into acrylic pour paintings. I learned how to paint pour by watching YouTube and Instagram videos two years ago. I made my first pour painting on July 31, 2019. I have been perfecting my paintings by mixing colors and using household items to create various designs. I have hosted three Sip Paint Pour Parties at Jo’s Gallery Cafe in Detroit, Michigan where I taught people how to make their own pour paintings. I have sold over 50 acrylic pour paintings since 2019 and the largest print I sold is 36x36in. My paintings are featured in 11 establishments between coffee shops, galleries, and boutiques in Michigan and Ohio. I am creating new works of art every week and I want my small business to grow city to city and be internationally known. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a small business owner, it has not been a smooth road. Art is subjective and it is not something people purchase on a consistent basis. Marketing my art has consumed the same amount of time of creating my art. I find myself creating various color schemes and unique designs to art lovers. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud of my resilience. My ability to reinvent my products. My putting a fresh new face on abstract art. My collaboration with other small business owners at pop-up shops. Being a part of a community in the art world. 

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
You can follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook @sjlcreations. You can book a private or attend a public Sip and Paint Pour Party. You can visit my website https://sjlcreations.bigcartel.com, order a customized project, or purchase a painting. 

Pricing:

• Original paintings 8x10in. starts at $30
• Extra-large prints 36x36in. starts at $300

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://sjlcreations.bigcartel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjlcreations/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/sjlcreationss/
• Other: https://www.josgalleryonline.com/artist/samaiyah-abdur-rahman