Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Swift.
Michelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was diagnosed with a mental illness at the age of 25, along with a math learning disability. Throughout my life, I had struggled with suicidal depression and anger. This was due to the many forms of abuse I was being put through when I was in Middle School to High School. Even in College, after my diagnosis, I was suffering from mental illness but I had this epiphany. I Baker Acted myself because I no longer wanted to live. And through the system of abuse in the psychiatric community, I realized my real purpose. I made a promise to God (general terms) that I would protect the people like me and be their warrior when needed. A promise I have not broken to this day.
I knew my purpose but I didn’t know how I was going to do it my way. Psychiatry left a deep scar in my heart and wasn’t working. (I can talk about how it’s an addictive system in the interview). So I decided to take it upon myself to create a nonprofit organization called KindStudio.org, a safe place for anyone who has a diagnosis or disability (mental or psychical). I started in 2018 and made it official a 501c3 sponsored project in 2019. Kindstudio is designed to bring art, spirituality, new learning techniques (that I developed through research) to allow anyone of any background to flourish as a professional artist or just to come to a place where they do not have to worry about the everyday toil of life. There’s a lot more about the program I’d like to talk about but that’s the general.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, the road has been difficult, I’ve carried Kindstudio myself with no help or support from any groups that involve mental health programs, including grants, etc. No one lended a hand. I stood alone, which is fine; I’m stronger for it. I managed the financials, the grant writing, the social media, the website design, the general program models, and research to improve. Even amongst peers, I was looked down and told I was going to fail. But they do not understand my survivability and tenacity. A lot of the people who did not believe in my vision were ableist, persons with no disability or mental illness. Financially the program was not supported by major organizations because it was considered a “risk.” I supported the whole program on credit cards because I truly believed this would save lives and change people’s lives.
Please tell us about KindStudio.
My business is being a mental health and disability advocate. Anyone who has been misrepresented by entities that are supposed to be empowering individuals is where I excel. Before Corvid-19, I spoke in public platforms about my success as someone with a disability as well as a social entrepreneur because of Corvid-19 that is being put on hold as I develop better programs. KindStudio.org was developed by me, the director, founder, and President, developed using different teaching techniques around the world to develop an overall program that can enable and empower persons with low to high functioning abilities. Including technology that would assist persons with physical disabilities. It’s extensive and I would love to verbally speak about it. I’m most proud that I made my dream a reality while so many doubted me. I the only Michelle Swift in the world. My mind is quite unique and complex.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, Miami is a cut-throat city. It’s cruel to persons who do not conform or are misunderstood. Miami is also a place for art and we would do many public projects around the city to improve the community. We’d also support our members by giving them 70% of the art sales, only keeping 30%. As well as providing jobs for persons with disabilities within the company. For someone starting out, I would recommend finding another source of income other than grants. It really lacks any capability to support major programs in the long run. Covid-19 destroyed many of the grants most non-profits were using to stay afloat. Create a for-profit business to support your non-profit. The city itself should really evaluate what programs are necessary to create a better education for the children of the future. Miami lacks art programs and music programs. These are all tools that were used as an outlet for expression. You take that away you have the problem we have now. The youth are depressed, angry and lost. Outlets for expression are like therapy but without the large bill.
Contact Info:
- Website: kindstudio.org
- Phone: 3052152569
- Email: ms.kindstudio@gmail.com
- Other: https://misswift27.wixsite.com/swiftmichelle
Image Credit:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-persons-hands-doing-high-five-3693912/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/orange-yellow-green-and-blue-abstract-painting-1704120/
all pictures are free to use
https://www.pexels.com/
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