By Anna Skinner
Sarah Hensley has a passion for writing, art and photography. Perhaps above all, she has a passion for encouraging others to do what they were made for.
That’s why Sept. 15 she launched MADEblog, a contributor’s blog.
“I get really discontent when I’m not doing what I am made for. I find that the longer I do things I’m not passionate about, I’m not myself,” the 23-year-old Westfield resident said. “I really want to build a team of artists, writers and designers for it, but for now it’s a contributor’s blog. So I can run the blog, and then have writers submit their work until I’m at the point where I can build a blog. Everyone gets credit, so it’s an awesome way for people to have their work known, build portfolio and also share what they’re made to do.”
The idea for a blog originated a month ago when Hensley had her first desk job at Northview Church. Although it involved writing and assisting with leading a blog team, Hensley realized it wasn’t a fit for her. She had always contemplated the idea of a contributor’s blog or magazine, and she decided to run with it.
“I know what it’s like to be afraid of actually doing what you’re made for and going out on a limb,” she said. “I want to help people find the bravery to do what they’re made for. This feels like a fit for me, the long term of MADE feels like a fit for me. Eventually I would love to have a magazine and conferences and events where we can really just vision cast and get people built up. I’m made for writing, speaking and dreaming. I’m super goal-oriented and leadership-oriented, so MADE fits right in for me because I can do 40 different things and projects all at once.”
Hensley is funding the blog herself. She said in the future she hopes to become a nonprofit.
MADE features different sections that include the challenges of doing what someone is made to do, how to get to where someone wants to be, personal stories and submissions from various artists and writers who contribute.
“I’ve blogged personally for a while, and I love putting words and images together,” Hensley said on why she chose a blog to be the foundation of her dream. “I hope people can read other people’s stories and see there are thousands of different ways to figure out what you’re made to do.”
To subscribe or to submit work, visit http://www.mademag.org/.
What she’s made for
Sarah Hensley, a Westfield resident who launched a contributor’s blog Sept. 15, found out she was made for painting and writing when she spent time at IUPUI and eventually left the school. She began painting in school and increased her production when she left.
“When I left school I painted more and more. That was one way I filled my time,” she said. “It was a time of processing because I felt out of place, and painting was the way I processed it. I did oil paintings for three or four years and picked up watercolor last year.”
To view Hensley’s artwork, visit http://www.rawartists.org/shensleyart.
In addition to painting, Hensley also enjoys poetry, creative writing and spiritual columns.
“That’s what gives me the motivation and ability to move forward. I love working through the heart of knowing God and writing about that. That’s what keeps me writing,” she said.
Other hobbies include kayaking, hiking, exploring used book stores and finding new coffee shops.
