If you’ve been following Dainty Jewells on Instagram, you may have seen the sketches sent in by Jacy Pulford of Hello Awesome. We’ve come to love her work, and definitely appreciate her shared faith, as well as her desire to illustrate modest fashion, and use her skills as an artist to bring glory to God. We’re so happy to share an interview with you today, and learn some of the things which inspire her! (Read through for a surprise at the end!)
We can’t wait to hear more about your art, but first, could you start by telling us a little about yourself? Where are you from? What inspired you as an artist – did you start at an early age? Please give us a little about your background and your current life.
Well I’m a New England girl through and through. Was born here, raised here and now live here with my own little family. Growing up, almost all of my family members had a creative touch. My father played a bass and wrote songs for a local salsa band along with my uncle. As a little girl it was inspiring to watch. It moved me to see those close to me doing something they loved and affect those around them.
When did you begin your journey as an artist? What inspired you to start creating – did you start at an early age?
I was creative since I could remember however I was eight years old when I felt a pull towards art. There was an amazing teacher who would pursue me to practice. She saw something I didn’t see within myself. It took me many years to see it too. All I knew was that through art, I could express myself and speak what was in my heart. It saved me from trying to express myself in other ways that may have been unhealthy. I would spend hours in my room sketching and drawing. It was my release.
What inspires you currently? Do you have any favorite “places” that you look for inspiration?
The Lord is truly my main inspiration. Just knowing who He is and how much He loves us is enough to propel creativity for a lifetime and beyond. My husband and my son have taught me so much as well. It’s those nurturing relationships that help me connect my art to other hearts. When I’m looking for inspiration, I pray and read His Word. I also love Pinterest to gain different perspectives and Instagram. I love following people who are bold in faith and rich in creativity. I can’t help but catch their fire.
How do your beliefs guide you as an artist? Your shop name is Hello Awesome, how did you choose that name? It’s very clear that your intent is to inspire and encourage young women through your art and products, do you have any new products that you’re working on behind the scenes?
To me, my beliefs are who I am and being an artist is what I do. So they go hand in hand just like a marriage. We are witnesses of Jesus. It would not be a very good testimony if I say one thing yet my drawings don’t glorify God. I allow myself to be convicted spiritually so that Hello Awesome stays authentic to it’s Apostolic roots. The name Hello Awesome really wasn’t planned at all. I had a different name but knew it needed to be refreshed. One day I sketched two birds talking to each other. One was saying “hello” and the other “awesome.” I put down the sketch, walked away to do something for a moment, came back and a light bulb went off. It was like God opened my eyes and the words illuminated. I literally said out loud “Hello Awesome! Yes that’s it!” I would say that the meaning behind it is greeting the good things around us no matter what our situation is.
As for new products, I just created our first Wake Up & Make Stuff pocket journals. Besides being an artist, I’m also a writer and just self-published a devotional about emotional purity called Breaking the Chains. It goes hand-in-hand with my first book The Palace Keepers: Protecting the Purity of the Heart. I’m currently taking pre-orders for the devotional. This spring, I’ll also be launching our seventh Hello Awesome Tee design. So lots of exciting projects!
We love the pieces you chose to illustrate from the Dainty Jewells collection. Do you have a favorite piece from the current (fall or spring) collections? Or a favorite DJ piece that you wear quite often?
Oh it was such an honor illustrating such beautiful pieces! I absolutely love the A Night in Paris dress. I actually haven’t ordered anything yet because it’s taking me forever to choose something…I really love everything DJ creates. Beautiful and classy. We need more modest apparel in this world today. DJ is a much needed ministry.
In closing, it’s obvious that your faith plays a huge part in your art. As an Apostolic lady, what one piece of advice would you share with other like-minded women?
Never compromise. It doesn’t matter what you gain in money or fame, the cost is higher for your soul. I’ve had to turn away many projects from people asking for me to draw immodest apparel or using my creativity for something that didn’t bring God glory. If it doesn’t feel right in my spirit and isn’t true to who I am, then I cannot waste energy on it. I learned this very early when conflicted with one of my first custom inquiries. After sharing what I felt with my husband, he responded with “You already have your answer.” I keep that in mind all the time now. If I’m questioning whether or not it’s God, it probably isn’t.
Do you have a Scripture that is especially meaningful to you? What is it and how has it inspired hope and encouragement in your life?
The Word is truly amazing! I often have different scriptures that become pillars to me spiritually, where I can look back and see a landmark in my life. Currently I’m engulfing myself in the beautiful book of Romans. My absolute favorite verses are Romans 8:38 and 39:”For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
We are all in this life for a short period of time. I’m so comforted in knowing how much God loves us and that He draws us closer every day. These verses remind me that no matter what is going on, what situations I’ll face, there is nothing or no one that can separate me from the love of Jesus! How encouraging is that! Unless we ourselves decide to walk away, God will never walk away if He knows our hearts desire Him. People in this world may look at Christians and think we’re in bondage. I used to be there and think that. It’s been 8 years since the Lord called me out. These verses point to a deeper relationship than what the world can see. When we seek the Lord first, we are truly free indeed! That alone inspires me more than anything else.
(Jacy has a gift for our readers, of a 15% off discount code. Just use the code AWESOME15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase! (This code expires in two weeks)