Detroit resident Sandra Epps overcame lupus and shares her inspirational journey with other Black women and girls through her creative works.
Photo courtesy of Sandy’s Land LLC
After being confined to a wheelchair, a Detroit woman lost a bit of self-confidence after having to relearn how to practically do everything all over again after three near-death experiences she faced while dealing with lupus since a young age.
Sandra Epps, an inspirational author, artist and professional face and body painter, established Sandy’s Land in 2005 with the self-publishing her first children’s book, “Imani Has The Most Exciting Dream!” that introduced her young readers to the power of affirmation and explains (age-appropriately) lupus to a child, according to her biography.
“I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 14. The disease had attacked my central nervous system, kidney and heart,” she told the Michigan Chronicle. “I was confined to a wheelchair twice and had to learn to walk, talk and eat again. However, it was the negative impact the disease had on my self-esteem that changed my life.”
She added that after years of struggling with how she looked (due to hair loss and weight gain) she decided that she wanted to spend a full-time career encouraging women and girls to love themselves.
“With women and girls of color already being disproportionately marginalized…dealing with discrimination because of the hairstyles and skin complexion, I wanted to do my part to remind them of their greatness,” she said.
Epps ensures that others know the power within them through her key message, “Love the Skin You’re In” according to her website. Through her entertainment service, Sandy’s Land LLC, she has a mission to ‘Party with a Purpose.’ After three near-death experiences due to her medical journey, Epps decided to make a full career of inspiring women and girls who look like her.
Sandy’s Land LLC holds art parties, sells inspirational books, accessories, apparel and hosts the annual Detroit Doll Show which is the largest doll show of its kind, according to her website. The Detroit Doll Show, founded in 2011, attracts over 1,400 attendees. Previous shows climbed to over 2,000 visitors, including guests from around the world.
The Detroit Doll Show celebrates history, culture, self-love and diversity with the promotion of Black dolls. The Doll Show typically brings in up to 50 vendors that include doll makers and manufacturers from around the globe. The Detroit Doll Show also includes children’s authors and fine artists with unique handmade items that provide products promoting positive Black imagery. This annual event has a program that includes a doll look-a-like contest, workshops, arts and crafts, photo doll box, panel discussions, hands-on games, photo booth, music provided by a DJ, and the Doll Legacy Award for individuals who have or are doing things to uplift people in their community.
NyRee Hardyway, a friend and fan of Sandy’s Land, told the Michigan Chronicle that their friendship has blossomed over time after her own personal tragedy.
“She’s one of my favorite people. Sandy wowed me with a shirt design ‘Images of Beauty’ in 2000. I had lost my mom and her shirt design was a perfect gift to give my sisters,” the Detroit native said. “We’ve been fast friends ever since and now best sister friends. She continues to amaze me with her artistry and ability to organize the doll show which has given the largest platform to doll artist and collectors.”
Epps added that her work has power to help change.
“There is power in speaking affirmation and creating art. Both of these things, yet simple, can provide a huge impact with changing the dynamics of a person’s life.”
View Epps’ latest collection, visit sandyslandllc.com.
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