Meet Hannah Lim: Director of Operations at The Hesed Project

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Lim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
By training, I am a Studio Artist as well as an Art Historian. My passion lies in creating an artistic voice for those who have been marginalized. Through various thoughts happening a few months ago, I started a small business called “The Hesed Project.” My initial thought was that I wanted to create art for a cause. In light of multiple social movements, I wanted to contribute my artistic efforts to show compassion to others. I was making my own paper products when I met with graphic designer Caroline Kyle. Ultimately we came up with the idea to create coloring books and donate the funds to a charity. From there, we chose to sponsor a child with the funds; that way, we can see our donations’ direct, positive impact. We came up with the name “The Hesed Project,” with much prayer and consideration. We wanted this to be a business that promotes God’s love on all fronts. Hesed love is the unconditional love that humans should have for each other, just like God’s love for us. We wanted to create a relaxing, creative product that helps others to show that love. It is comforting to know that people can spread compassion to Manshi, our sponsored child, by buying our coloring books. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently attending the University of Northern Colorado for a B.A. Through U.N.C.’s Art Department, I was able to work at the University Galleries as a Gallery Docent. This was the first step into my art career, and it made me realize that my passions were in sharing and spreading creativity. Following this experience, I was able to apply for a program called “Diversity in the Arts” (D.I.T.A.). D.I.T.A. is a program that connects interns of underrepresented communities to art organizations that want more diversity, and they connected me to the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. My role there was to evaluate the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and provide feedback. I proposed a few different programs they could implement to engage more communities that have historically been marginalized in the art field. Soon after my internship had ended at the Arvada Center, I became one of the board members at D.I.T.A. The process of growing my art career was not easy at first. Often in the arts, there is a lot of rejection and competition for the same jobs. However, I’ve learned to grow a persistent and clearer vision of where I want to be and what impact I want to make.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In my perspective, the best places to visit are places that stimulate creativity! I would head to downtown Denver to show them local art museums and galleries for places to visit. My heart always feels at home at the Denver Arts Museum, so that would be a for sure location. I would also go to local bubble tea shops. You can never go wrong with sweet drinks and pastries!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wanted to shoutout to my friend and co-worker, Sage Scorse. She is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at The Hesed Project. I could not have started this business without her. She is one of the most encouraging friends I know, and it is thanks to her tremendous and incredible efforts that The Hesed Project was able to get off the ground. I also wanted to shine a light on Pam Meadows and Kiki Gilderhus, both professors at the University of Northern Colorado. They have been pivotal in opening my understanding of art, and they have helped me break down so many walls so that I can have a fantastic start at my art career.

Website: https://thehesedprojectart.wixsite.com/website
Instagram: @curatorial_experiences
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-lim-8b2b09139/