My story

I first met the founder of Apu healing center in 2021 during pivotal a period in my life while battling severe depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. Growing up as a child of substance abuse, divorce, and later in life a survivor of domestic violence, my story is one rooted in resilience, reclamation and courage. At my lowest point I began medication while continuing intensive therapy to regain my strength and spirit. I was never a big fan medication as I found it numbed rather that helped to process my pain. Yet I’d always felt in my bones there had to be another way. And so, determined to carve a new path, a new way, I began to face my fears and trauma through talk therapy. Over the years I learned about various new ways of healing: meditation, somatic therapy, yoga, plant medicine and although I’d never officially done art therapy, this is where my artwork came in.

I didn’t dive into my art headfirst to save me like most might think, I actually hated creating and couldn’t for a long time. Nonetheless my creativity walked alongside me just as my therapist, family and friends did. Like a friend it taught me some of the greatest wisdom about myself. I slowly as I rose out of a victim mentality and disdain for life, I found a will to live within my bloodline that is fierce and thriving. I realize now this transformation, is like a gem that lay dormant within us all. Once uncovered it became a superpower that gave my life purpose. I found that my heightened sensitivity, the very thing which struck me to my knees, was actually my superpower. To feel everything so deeply could be a gift. What was once a curse, pungent in my bloodline, became a superpower and I, the hero of my own story.

It is my mission now through my work and life, to empower and inspire compassion in others as I have learned for myself. To teach others that you can reclaim your life, rewire your mind and embrace your weakness as strengths through a life rooted in creativity. To live a creative life is to walk with both feet on the ground knowing you can take flight at any moment. It is true freedom, to remember your power. As I embark on my next journey to the mountains and jungles of Peru I hope you will join me in spirit and support. It is because of my community and united ecosystem that continues to believe in me that I am where I am. your support means I can continue this work and share many, many more stories and teachings.

Ase,

Jasmine

My career & work in the community

It is through her dedicated devotion to her own healing that Jasmine is able to make the impact she has in her community. Within public arts, Jasmine’s work as a muralist, public arts coordinator and educator bridge gaps between diverse communities and harmonizes versatile perspectives. In 2020 she received the Newsmaker of the Year and Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 under 40 award for her work as an artist liaison with Windows GR project where she led hundreds of artist to connect and heal through creativity. Her inspiration to illuminate truth followed her as a muralist and coordinator for several public art projects across the city as a muralist and coordinator highlighting historical Grand Rapids history and shedding light on hidden stories. Her work has been featured in respected establishments in Grand Rapids including the Grand Rapids Public museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum and Civic Theatre. Her work can be found in permanent collection of the Grand Valley Art Museum as well as Aquinas college. Jasmine’s works takes her across the nation sharing her impact and gift at music and arts festival where she finds, “the most impactful moments are minute, when I am on the ground, in the community holding space like a light in the dark for anyone willing to let the art call them forward”. Answering the call to educate, jasmine teaches an array of divers groups as an adjunct professor at university level, illustration teacher for high school students and teaching artist for people with disabilities. Jasmine currently works as the Arts and Enrichment instructor for City of a Kentwood parks and recreation department.