From Near-Death to Divine Purpose: Dr. Quahana Hendree's Journey of Faith and Business

Dr. Quahana Hendree's life is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and divine alignment. From a near-fatal injury to building a thriving art consulting business and ministry, her journey offers profound insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to integrate their faith with their professional calling.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Hendree's upbringing was steeped in music, laughter, and an unwavering foundation of faith. With a mother who was a worship singer and a family deeply involved in ministry, Jesus was introduced to her early on. "Faith has always been the foundation on which I did everything," she shares, a principle that would guide her through every twist and turn of life.

Her early career path was a blend of artistic passion and business acumen. Formally trained in art since age five, she initially pursued architecture before switching to business, earning a double major in marketing and management, and also organizational behavior, alongside minors in honors studies and art history. This unique blend of skills laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.

After graduate studies in arts management at Carnegie Mellon University, Dr. Hendree gained invaluable experience at the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, even leading the accreditation process for two museums. However, a move back to St. Louis saw her pivot to corporate America, where she spent 10-15 years as a marketing and communications executive. "The funny thing about a skill set is that it's transferable," she notes, highlighting how her diverse experiences enriched her capabilities.

The Turning Point: From Corporate to Calling

The turning point arrived when a corporate restructuring prompted her to launch her own corporate art consulting business. This venture was born from a desire to "marry all of that together" – 'that' being her love for art, her business expertise, her education, and her faith. She recognized the profound impact art has on environments, improving mood, decreasing stress, and increasing productivity.

Just two months into her entrepreneurial journey, Dr. Hendree suffered a near-fatal injury, with only a 10% chance of survival. This harrowing experience became a crucible for her faith. "You have a choice," she reflects, "You can either run away from God, or you can run towards him." She chose the latter, drawing closer to God and finding profound gratitude in every breath. Her medical team, still astonished by her recovery, often hears her declare, "God is how I'm here."

Answering the Call to Ministry

During her recovery, God called her into ministry, a path she initially resisted. "I had no desire whatsoever to be in ministry," she admits, citing the challenges she'd witnessed from family members in ministry. Yet, persistent divine nudges led her to surrender. "Finally, one day I just found myself weeping because I felt, I knew, that I was not doing what He was telling me to do." This surrender led to her licensing and ordination, and the birth of Masterpiece Ministries, inspired by Ephesians 2:10 (NLT). This ministry, which began with a college boot camp for youth, now focuses on teaching and preaching while continuing Masterpiece University College Bootcamp.  She chose the name Masterpiece Ministries because 'masterpiece' is an art term, but also a masterpiece is what God calls us as His children.

Despite the challenges of rebuilding her business after her injury and then navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Hendree has seen her enterprise grow, establishing itself as a thought leader in the marketplace. Her unwavering commitment to placing Jesus at the center of everything she does is the bedrock of her success.

Integrating Faith and Business: Dr. Hendree's Wisdom

For those seeking to integrate their faith and business, Dr. Hendree offers potent advice: "Always start their day with prayer." This practice, she explains, aligns daily decisions with God's will. "Stay in prayer, in close fellowship with God and really listen to His Holy Spirit's prompting... and obey quickly." She also stresses the importance of grace, both for oneself and others.

Addressing those who may lack a supportive family, she encourages seeking out a "chosen family" – like-minded individuals in church, school, or work who offer support and edification. Above all, she reminds us that "God is everything that you need." He is a father to the fatherless, a friend to the friendless, and provides for us in every aspect.

Dr. Hendree's journey underscores the transformative power of aligning one's life and work with divine purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, faith can not only sustain but also propel us to fulfill our highest calling, creating a masterpiece of a life that glorifies God in every endeavor.

Q. Hendree Art Consulting LLC - https://qhendreeartconsulting.com

Masterpiece Ministries [Ephesians 2:10 NLT] - https://masterpieceministry.wixsite.com/masterpiece-ministry