A Business Spotlight Interview with Ameera Muhammad of ArtistikFreedomShop
Photo Credit: Ameera Muhammad
Reading Time: 15 Minutes
I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to conduct this inspiring business spotlight interview with Ameera Muhammad. She shared with me the inspiration, history, mission, and purpose of the creation of ArtistikFreedomShop. Ameera discussed in the interview how she is overjoyed and thankful to be able to share her artwork with our people!
Nadine Muhammad: Please, would you tell our readers about yourself?
Ameera Muhammad: As-Salaam Alaikum dear readers! My name is Ameera Muhammad. I’m a proud member of the Nation of Islam. I’m a “Nation Baby,” but I accepted the Teachings for myself in August of 2016. (Shoutout to Muhammad Mosque #55 in Memphis!) I am an artist and illustrator, with a focus on character design. I’m also the owner of “ArtistikFreedomShop” on Etsy, where I sell keychains, stickers, and art prints. In my free time I enjoy listening to lectures by Minister Farrakhan or Sis. Dr. Ava (PBUH), writing the occasional short story, and baking.
Nadine Muhammad: Share with us the story behind ArtistikFreedomShop: the inspiration for starting, history, mission, and purpose.
Ameera Muhammad: “Artistik Freedom” was a name that I decided on in my mid-teens. I thought I was so original and unique for choosing that name (smile). A quick Google search proved otherwise; it’s a name that existed within the artistic community long before I “came up with it.”
Photo Credit: Ameera Muhammad
“What does it mean to be free,” is a question that has stuck around in the back of my mind ever since my parents assigned a book report on “The Flag of Islam” by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Freedom is represented in our Flag of Islam by the Sun, who beams her gorgeous rays down upon us all. Her light is not something that one has to “earn” or “deserve.” It’s given freely.
It is my opinion that art should also be accessible to the masses, whether it be the creation of or viewing of artwork. Art is accessible by nature. You can create with just about anything, within any time frame, with any level of skill or creativity. Anything can become a beautiful song, poem, or painting. You only have to possess the desire to bring it into existence.
Art is one of the freest fields out there! If I want to create something, in any genre, with any medium, I can. While drawing is my main focus, I also enjoy writing. I would love to dabble in sculpture, and music, whenever the opportunity presents itself.
I chose the name “Artistik Freedom” because I didn’t want to limit my creativity.
As for the shop itself, I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Since birth, my parents drilled into my siblings and I the importance of “Doing For Self!" When I was as young as 7 or 8, I remember wanting to sell my watercolor paintings—done on printer paper of course—for 25-50¢. I even had a BOGO deal (laugh). Once, I brought a little ziplock baggie of handmade friendship bracelets to a believers meeting. I was overjoyed when I sold one for a dollar. During my teens, I sold baked goods, and the occasional artwork on the mosque parking lot, after the Sunday meeting.
I started selling my artwork on Etsy in 2021. It was just a little something to do on the side while I worked as a barista, and went through college. In March of this year, I had to quit that job as a barista, and put an indefinite pause on my college education, due to health challenges that left me unable to work or focus in class. Suddenly, I had a lot of free time, so I decided to put more effort into my small business, and online presence.
Since I had nothing to lose—but time and money I guess (smile)—I designed products that I personally enjoyed. I have trouble finding cutesy, colorful stickers and accessories for Black women and girls. Yes, Black women are resilient, and bold, but we can be soft too. Neutrals are fine, but we can enjoy pastels, and sparkles, and I think pink suits us. Drawing cute things helped me enjoy the process of designing, which in turn kept me busy, and took my mind off of my health.
I designed a keychain inspired by the MGT Vanguard on a whim. I wasn’t sure if anyone would be interested in the design. I just knew that it was something that I wanted to see. I listed the design in my shop in late May.
After a cry sesh about student loans, and the reality of quitting my job of 4 years, I said the Refuge Prayer. Right afterwards, I got an idea for a simple video showing off the keychain, with a text to speak voice proclaiming, “This one is for the girlies tee-hee.” (I used text to speech because I didn’t want anyone to guess that I had been crying (laugh).) I posted it on Instagram without a second thought. A couple weeks later I uploaded a “Pack My Bag with Me” video, which featured the keychain in use. To my surprise, the MGT loved it! I sold out in a weekend, something that’s never happened in the 4 years that my shop has been open.
Now, 4 months later, I’m in the middle of updating my shop for the 4th time this year. All I can say is “All Praise is due to Allah (God), Who came in the Person of Master Fard Muhammad!” I was—and still am—overwhelmed by the support from the MGT class in particular. Words cannot describe how overjoyed and thankful I am to be able to share my artwork with my people!
I asked Allah (God) to put it in the heart of the believers to support my work, and He did! It’s like I got confirmation from Allah Himself that He has me, and that everything is going to be okay.
Nadine Muhammad: Tell us about the products and services that you offer to customers of ArtistikFreedomShop.
Ameera Muhammad: On Etsy, I sell keychains, stickers, bookmarks, and more! I have multiple designs inspired by the MGT class, including Vanguards, and women in headpieces. Inshallah I’ll be adding new designs very soon, including designs inspired by the 7 Units, and Black girlhood. The next shop update is scheduled for September 26th.
Photo Credit: Ameera Muhammad
Photo Credit: Ameera Muhammad
I also take commissions, so if you’re looking for someone to draw a cute profile pic, or illustrate your next children’s book, I’m your sis!
Photo Credit: Ameera Muhammad
Nadine Muhammad: How can we order your products online? Also, share with us the value that customers will obtain from using your products and services.
Ameera Muhammad: By supporting my work, you aren’t just helping one girl live out her lifelong dream of being an artist and entrepreneur; you’re also beautifying your bags, journals, and sketchbooks with positive representation for Black women and girls, and members of the Nation of Islam.
Photo Credit: Ameera Muhammad
You can visit my Etsy shop here: https://artistikfreedomshop.
For commission inquiries, you can shoot me a DM on Instagram (@artistik.freedom), or email me at artistikfreedom00@gmail.com.
Photo Credit: Ameera Muhammad
You can follow me on Instagram for updates and behind the scenes videos about the shop, to view commission prices, and to give your input on upcoming shop updates
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Nadine Muhammad has a Master of Science in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. She is the owner of an online bookstore, Nation's Products, and NLM Economic Development Services. For a consultation with business plan writing or developing an economic development strategic plan for your community, send an email to nlmeconomicdevelopmentservices@gmail.com
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Waynee Denzel Black,
Thank you for visiting our bookstore, reading our interviews, and providing feedback on our business spotlight interviews with our youth that are entrepreneurs. I am inspired by our youth as well and it was an honor to be able to interview them and I am grateful to share their stories with our readers.
Peace and Love,
Sister Nadine Muhammad
This interview was very informative and very interesting about two young people discussing life situations and I really appreciate that young people are making a impact for the future especially for next generations to be inspired by this and helping the communities to grow better for the future and next generation.