How Dr. Quahana Hendree Uses Mission-Aligned Art to Transform Corporate Spaces

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

I’m Dr. Quahana Hendree, ThD, FRSA — a St. Louis–based Art Consultant, Theological Art Historian and Royal Society of Arts Fellow. As Founder of Q. Hendree Art Consulting LLC (MBE | WBE | WOSB | HUBZone), I partner with corporate, commercial, institutional and government clients to elevate their workplaces through strategic, mission-aligned art curation.

Blending lifelong artistic training, a Faith-centered perspective and research-driven best practices, I design environments that not only look exceptional but also support well-being, reduce stress and reinforce the culture organizations want people to feel the moment they walk in. My work sits at the intersection of art, identity and impact — turning professional spaces into powerful brand experiences.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes — I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Even as a child, I was creating, organizing, selling and building things that blended art, purpose and service. Over time, that instinct only grew stronger. Every role I held taught me something valuable, but I always felt called to create my own lane — one where I could merge my Faith, creativity and strategic thinking without limitation. Entrepreneurship was never a surprise for me; it was the natural next step toward doing the work I was uniquely designed to do.

Are you a mamaprenista?

No, though I hope to be one day, I’m not yet a Mamaprenista in the traditional sense. But through my business, ministry and life, I have many “babies” I mentor, encourage and edify as they grow in their Faith and walk out the call of God on their lives. My advice comes from that place of spiritual motherhood: Stay prayerful, stay present and stay purpose-driven. Pay attention to the needs and the gaps — and be willing to pour in where God leads you. Serving, guiding and uplifting others while stewarding a business requires grace, boundaries and discernment, but it has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

When I first launched my business, my marketing strategy was rooted in visibility and relationship-building — showing up in the rooms where my future clients were, connecting with architects and designers and educating organizations on the value of mission-aligned art. But nothing went as planned. Two months after founding the company, I suffered a near-fatal injury that completely derailed my business and forced me into years of recovery and regrouping.

That season reshaped everything. Instead of abandoning the dream, I rebuilt it. Slowly, I refined my message, clarified my niche, strengthened my expertise and reemerged with a deeper sense of purpose and resilience. My marketing became less about hustling for visibility and more about intentional alignment — speaking directly to the people and organizations who value the strategic power of art. In many ways, the setback became the foundation of a stronger, more focused, more mission-driven business.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

I’m most proud that I didn’t give up, cave in or quit. Despite injury, full business restarts and a pandemic, my company is not only still here — it’s stronger. Q. Hendree Art Consulting is now a multi-certified firm, an emerging thought leader and an industry contender expanding its reach and impact.

What makes me proud isn’t just survival, but evolution: Refining my niche, elevating the value of mission-aligned artwork and helping organizations understand that art is a strategic asset for well-being, mission and mandate. Building a resilient, purpose-driven business that continues to grow despite every obstacle has been my greatest accomplishment to date.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

I wish I had known that the journey wouldn’t be linear — and that slow seasons, setbacks and detours don’t mean you’re off track. As a former overachieving perfectionist, I used to believe success had a specific pace or pattern, but I’ve learned that God orders steps and isn’t tied to our timelines. Every delay, restart and roadblock was preparing me, refining me and strengthening the foundation of my business. Had I understood that earlier, I would have carried far less worry and far more confidence that purpose unfolds in its own time.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

My go-to interview question is: “What do you do when you don’t know the answer or can’t do something?”

It tells me everything I need to know about someone’s humility, resourcefulness and problem-solving approach. In a mission-driven, detail-sensitive field like art consulting, I need people who aren’t afraid to ask for help, seek clarity, collaborate and find solutions with integrity rather than guessing or hiding gaps. Their response shows me their character as much as their competence.

What did you go before starting your own business?

Before launching my firm, I spent many years in Corporate America and nonprofit corporate environments across banking, finance, museums, galleries, healthcare, ministry and community outreach, primarily in marketing and communications. Alongside that work, I continued my long-standing training in visual art and deepened my studies in art history and theology, supported by degrees in Business, Arts Management and Theology. These combined experiences gave me a clear understanding of how organizations communicate identity and culture — ultimately inspiring me to build a consultancy that uses art strategically and meaningfully within professional spaces.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I started my business because I saw a clear and consistent gap: Organizations were investing heavily in their spaces but missing the strategic, mission-aligned artwork that brings identity, culture and user experience together. After years across corporate, nonprofit, cultural, and ministerial environments, I saw firsthand how art can transform people and places—yet it was often treated as an afterthought. With my background in marketing, communications, the arts and theology, I knew I was uniquely equipped to fill that need. Launching my firm allowed me to merge Faith, strategy and creativity to help organizations use art not as décor, but as a powerful asset that supports well-being and communicates who they truly are.

Do you have any recent wins?

Yes — this past year has brought several meaningful wins. One of the highlights was being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), an honor that affirms my work at the intersection of art, identity and impact. I’m also grateful for the growing visibility of my business and expertise through multiple features in both digital and print media — from podcasts to publications — each one expanding the conversation around mission-aligned artwork and its importance in professional spaces. Celebrating these milestones reminds me how far the business has come and how much possibility still lies ahead.

What's one app on your phone that you cannot live without?

The one app I absolutely cannot live without is the YouVersion Bible App. It keeps me connected to Scripture, grounded in my Faith, and centered no matter where I am. Whether I need encouragement, clarity or a moment of peace between meetings, it’s the app that supports my spiritual rhythm and helps me stay aligned throughout the day.

Who are your customers?

I serve corporate, commercial, institutional and government organizations that understand their space is part of their brand. My clients seek mission-aligned artwork for new, renovated or refreshed workplaces—environments that inspire people, support well-being and communicate their purpose the moment someone walks in.

What's your top productivity tip?

My top productivity tip is a blend of organization, prioritization and what I call “Strategic relaxation.” I stay organized by keeping my tasks and projects visible, structured and easy to navigate. I prioritize by identifying the one or two actions that will actually move the mission forward each day — not just the tasks that feel urgent. And finally, I build in intentional rest. Strategic relaxation helps me reset my mind, protect my creativity and return to the work with clarity and focus. Productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters, with a clear mind and a grounded spirit.

What's your favorite business tool?

My favorite business tool is the Adobe Creative Suite. It gives me the full creative freedom and precision I need to develop visuals, presentations and artwork concepts that reflect the quality and intentionality of my brand. Whether I’m editing images, designing layouts or preparing materials for clients, Adobe’s tools allow me to bring ideas to life with clarity, excellence and artistic integrity. It’s truly essential to the way I communicate and create.

What's your approach to work-life balance?

My approach to work-life balance really comes down to perspective. I view my life as a whole, not as competing compartments. My Faith, my purpose, my work and my personal life are all interconnected, and keeping that perspective helps me move with more peace and less pressure. Instead of chasing a perfect “Balance,” I focus on staying aligned — knowing when to pour into my work, when to rest and when to be fully present with the people and priorities that matter. Perspective allows me to integrate, not juggle, and to honor the season I’m in without guilt.

How do you avoid burn-out?

I avoid burnout by staying anchored in my Faith. My relationship with God is the center of everything I do, and it brings the refreshment, discernment, fellowship and rest I need to stay aligned. When I intentionally pause to pray, reflect and reconnect spiritually, I’m reminded that my steps are ordered and I don’t have to carry the weight of the work alone. That grounding allows me to move with clarity, peace and purpose — instead of pressure — and it keeps burnout at bay.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

My advice for aspiring Entreprenistas is simple: Stride, don’t strive. Striving comes from pressure, perfectionism and pushing in your own strength. Striding comes from moving with God — steady, aligned and confident that your steps are ordered. Start with what you have, stay prayerful and teachable and let Him set the pace. When you lead with integrity, Faith and consistency, the right opportunities will meet you on the path.

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