Life & Work with Udemé Salter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Udemé Salter.

Hi Udemé, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a Nigerian-American artist and performer from colorful Colorado. Since I was 3 years old, I’ve been an artist and performer. When I was in first grade, my artwork was displayed at the local mall gallery. I drew a portrait of my best friend from school Ashley. The drawing was made with crayons on a foam board. I remember putting lots of detail into my friend’s colorful winter sweater. Which is so adorable! That same year, I went to my first audition ever for Barbizon Modeling and Acting School.

Here is when my passion for show business began! A couple of years later, I started my first business venture at eight years old. I sold tie-dye-colored baby wipes for 50 cents around my neighborhood. I created these wipes by using my baby sister Bri’s wipes as inventory and my washable Crayola markers! As I sold more wipes in my neighborhood, I began to sell them at school as well. Within a month, my mother had me buying my supplies because she kept running out of wipes. Thinking back on it now, it all makes sense!

During my adolescent years, I focused on both Art and Performing Arts. In middle school, I had the privilege of learning to sew and sculpt with ceramics in art class. My favorite middle school art projects were a backpack from home economics class and a ceramic jewelry box from art class. I fell in love with clay that year. During this school year, I also participated in school productions and kept auditioning around Denver, CO. Then I became very involved in my Church’s youth ministry with my older sister Joslin as a singer and step-team member continuing into my teenage years.

It wasn’t until my 11th-grade year in high school that I decided art was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life! I received a lot of recognition as an advanced ceramic student with an innovative perspective. After high school, I started my college journey as a fine art student and a career in retail fashion.

After over 10 years in my fashion retail career, I created Art By Udemé in November 2018.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. The first struggle was feeling “worthy”. Before starting my business I found my worth in being a strong seller and great at customer service. Transitioning from having regular customers to creating my clientele was difficult. I had to work on my self-talk and self-love. It required me to trust the process and understand my purpose.

The second struggle has been time management and finances. In the beginning, I felt uncomfortable making my schedule that worked well for me because I am a bit of an owl. However, with e-commerce, I have to keep all time zones in mind. With finances, I had to learn what, when, where, and how to invest properly.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an acrylic painter who specializes in abstract/geometric designs. Abstract artwork from the late 1980s to the 1990s inspires me. I’m known for bold lines, colors, and textile designs.

I am most proud of my textile designs because they show my Nigerian culture. Somehow my roots come through my art without me even trying. What sets me apart from others is the way I combine abstract-geometric shapes with color, and add sculptures into my art.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to release a new collection of paintings, new wearable artwork, and a solo art show. One big change will be a solo exhibition.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://udemeisart.wixsite.com/artbyudeme
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/artbyudemeee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/udeme.salter.7

Image Credits
Brianna Mfon and Udemé Salter