Chanda "C.J." Epps – Artist & Creative Visionary
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Chanda "C.J." Epps is an abstract artist from Hampton, VA, whose artistic journey began with sketching on her bedroom walls as a child. Her frequent trips to Paul's Arts & Crafts, where she explored different art mediums, led her parents to enroll her in various art programs, nurturing her talent and deepening her passion for painting. Her motto: “My art is not a hobby, it is a part of who I am.”
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In 2011, C.J. founded New Art by C.J. Epps, LLC, a thriving art business where she sells her original artwork, commissioned pieces, stationery, and The Bloom Collection—a line of inspirational t-shirts and merchandise designed to uplift and inspire.

Driven by her passion for youth empowerment through creativity, she founded Afternoon Artists in 2015, a youth art program where she volunteered as an instructor, helping children explore their creativity using multiple mediums. The program served youth ages 6-10, guiding them through hands-on art experiences over five weeks.

From 2018 to 2024, C.J. led the Live Love Paint Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing creative art experiences through customized Art Speaks! Art Kits for youth and young adults in Hampton Roads, VA. After closing her nonprofit, she continued her mission by founding Creative Expressions Art Studio at Kingdom United Fellowship Marketplace Resource Center in Hampton, VA —a place “where creativity and community come together to inspire, heal, and grow.”

In 2024, C.J. expanded her impact by launching Chanda J. Epps Consulting, LLC, where she helps organizations and leaders foster engagement, creativity, and connection through professional learning experiences, strategic planning, and leadership development. Her work blends creativity with purpose, empowering others to build cultures of belonging and impact.

With over 20 years of experience in program management, event planning, and training and development, C.J. holds an M.S. in Human Resources Management from Troy University, a B.A. in Communication Studies from Christopher Newport University, and a Certification in Non-profit Management from Tidewater Community College.​

Photo by Mike Nims