Smile, Bro.: A Visual Conversation of Healing & Joy

Our company exists to support artists, creators, and cultural visionaries in bringing their ideas to life. We specialize in creative direction, creative production, and content strategy—partnering with individuals, brands, and organizations to transform concepts into thoughtful, culturally resonant experiences. From visual storytelling and campaign development to project execution and digital content strategy, our mission is to help creative voices show up boldly and authentically. We believe creativity thrives when artists are supported both professionally and personally. In addition to our creative services, our lifestyle brand focuses on the well-being of artists and creators—offering thoughtful messaging, products, and experiences that encourage balance, inspiration, and the freedom to create fully. Through both our services and our lifestyle platform, we aim to cultivate environments where creativity can flourish and artists can truly feel seen.

Black Artist Forward is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit in Fayetteville North Carolina. BAF was founded in 2023 by April Mata of A. Mata Designs and Shakeyla Ingram of Haus Host after a successful Forum event in Fayetteville, NC. Heading the call for support for black artists, they quickly formed a board and built an online community and local events to continue to meet the needs of black artists in our community. Our passion is art and our community is black folx.