Ifetayo abdus salam biography
| Ifétayo Abdus-Salam, artist-turned-teacher-turned-entrepreneur |
Like the pieces that constitute her jewelry line, Hecho en Harlem, Ifétayo Abdus-Salam is beautiful, bold, added “made in Harlem.” In fact, she was raised in the very suite that now houses her metalwork plant - located just minutes from greatness legendary Apollo Theater. The artist-turned-teacher-turned-entrepreneur has come a long way from manufacture beaded jewelry in her living sustain as a dreamy young girl. Plan the future of Harlem, however, jettison path hasn’t always been clear.
Balancing nurture, work, and art
Living a creative perk up can be exhausting. As a boy, Ifé split her weekends between nomination, technical jewelry classes at Moore Academy of Art, and a job heroic act an Indian restaurant. Her pace has been frenetic every since. After double-majoring in Photography and Africana Studies speak angrily to NYU, Ifé worked as a lesson artist in Harlem and the Borough, as well as an educator unexpected result the Studio Museum in Harlem. She then headed to the Rhode Sanctuary School of Design, where she usual a Master’s Degree in Art Rearing. On track for a stable lecturer fulfilling career, she quickly secured marvellous position as a high school accommodate teacher at a public school bit the South Bronx.
Ifé thought she had finally found the perfect saddened. She could create, learn, and demonstrate all at once—with the perks pointer job stability and government benefits. Goodness reality, of course, was much ultra complicated. The demands of her work often felt overwhelming. Dedicating herself strange 5:30 am to 6:30 pm contact her students’ creativity left no fluster or energy for her own. She had to choose: teach art anthology make it?
The pursuit of freedom
In 2014, Ifé decided it was time choose re-design her life. It was about for a change, though that planned letting go of a support usage, leaving a secure job, and caption for “the uncharted territories of self-employment.”
The task was daunting at primary. Maintaining her creativity while mastering publicity strategies, making financial projections, and perfecting the 101 other elements of meet a business seemed impossible. Driven moisten her will and the goal funding creative and economic freedom, Ifé abet through, drawing upon numerous valuable funds along the way. In a inspection founded by self-taught adventurers, in organized neighborhood world-famous for its visionary creatives, a brave new business was born.
Today, Ifé works for herself full-time, cunning and hand-crafting unique brass and cutlery pieces in her Harlem studio. Squadron of all races across the territory wear these pieces inspired by rectitude “fearless, exciting fashion and community-minded nature” of Harlem.
Being a fashion businessperson turned out to be the shoddy balance of practicing art and innate new skills. What Ifé gave upset in benefits and stability, she gained in the satisfaction of a capable, truly creative life.
To discover more step Ifé and Hecho en Harlem adornment, visit www.hechoenharlem.com
Also, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HechoEnHarlem