Brette Sims
Founder of STUK Designs
STUK Designs—with “STUK” quite literally meaning “strong, talented, united and knowledgeable”—gives a whole new meaning to the mission of “artful loving.” Built by a community of creative women, the global art nonprofit works to provide art programs to girls in underserved communities. The organization also places an emphasis on the power in self-love education—helping girls to build confidence for their long-term in themselves, their work, their relationships and their greater world.
What motivates you to pursue this kind of philanthropy? STUK Designs (pronounced “stuck”), stands for Strong, Talented, United, and Knowledgeable. It’s a community of women who promote self love and creativity to underserved girls of color globally, through arts-driven programming and merch. The way in which my own journey reflects the journey of the girls and women I am helping is really my drive. I grew up being the only Black girl in my art classes throughout university. I exited university in 2009 during a deep recession when there were no opportunities being offered to me. I had to learn how to excel with no resources. I had to build up my own art career, build my own websites, create my own logos and start a nonprofit with no real guidance other than books and the internet. My journey included intense moments of burnout, anxiety and depression. Being the only artist in my family, I always felt like the black sheep. I don’t want any other women to have to go through the social stigma of rising as an artist in a capitalistic world. I want the journey to be easier on women artists and this starts with reaching underserved girls.
You’re an inspiration to so many — who has most inspired you? I don’t think one person really inspires me as I am really doing something that no one has done before. I take bits and pieces of business advice and spiritual guidance from the greats who paved the way, such as Bell Hooks and Frida Kahlo. I hope that as a society we can sort of move out of idolizing one person as a hero above all. I really believe in the power of the people as a collective. I believe in unity. I think so many activists have come before from Angela Davis to Frederick Douglass and they have left blueprints behind to guide us if we open up to the idea of coming together for a common elevated cause.
Best advice for someone looking to give back and get involved in their community: I recommend making a plan. I really recommend the book Impact by Christen Brandt and Tammy Tibbetts (founders of the nonprofit: She’s the First). This is a very powerful for beginner change agents. It basically helps you create a map and blueprint of how you want to layout your impact. It starts small and step by step – brick by brick. I found this book later in my career, but was blown away because this is exactly what I did. It starts with the vision and grows. First you have to map out your vision. What’s your focus? What makes your soul glow? Why? How can you give to others? These are some of the questions philanthropists must consider. The book impact really helps organize the visioning process.
What impact do you most hope to leave on the world? It is an impact I hope that I’ve already made with my artwork. And now that we are moving into the NFT space as an organization to garner funding, it is my hope that these art pieces will last long after I leave this world. My art and nonprofit organization aims to “stick” girls to higher purpose instead of seeing them “stuck” in toxic jobs, environments or relationships. STUK’s philosophy is “Self Love First” and “Do You.” STUK believes that in promoting self love to young girls; they will carry that love through their adolescence and into their careers. All my art depicts powerful girls and women standing boldly in their authenticity and each piece is embedded with self love affirmations. My organization and I want to change, shift and shake the art world up, challenging its exclusion of women of color and especially Black women.