Andrea Wood Schmitz, CEO of Inkovator, and coloring book illustrator and author of the upcoming book, #everyoneneedsgrace, The Coloring Book, recently requested that Grace VanderWaal write the introduction. VanderWaal is not only a well-known singer and songwriter, the America’s Got Talent finalist also sings in her local church.
“Of course, I first became aware of Grace as an incredibly humble yet focussed 12 year old singer on America’s Got Talent. But after reading more about her as well as watching her interviews and youtube channel, I realized how much more there is to her. I truly believe God gifted her and is preparing her to bring great hope to America and the world,” said Schmitz.
Schmitz was attracted to VanderWaal’s humility and genuine charm. In her audition for America’s Got Talent, VanderWaal proclaimed moments before her performance, “Miracles can happen!”
I Don’t Know My Name, immediately earned VanderWaal a golden buzzer from judge Howie Mandel, who called her “a living, beautiful, walking miracle.” “I hundred percent think we’ve got a star,” judge Simon Cowell said. “I really do. This girl is special.”
“Always have humility when you create and grace when you succeed, because it’s not about you. You are a terminal for a higher power. As soon as you accept that, you can do it forever,” Quincy Jones has been known to say, “I tell my kids and I tell proteges, always have humility.”
#everyoneneedsgrace, The Coloring Book, refers to the Christian understanding of the grace demonstrated in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you” and serves as a reminder to God’s provisions in all aspects of life. “Our church is just such an amazing spot,” says VanderWaal’s mother, Tina, in an interview published on The United Methodist Church’s website. “They have been so supportive of her, and it’s really an inspiring community to be a part of.”
“I imagine colorists worldwide listening to Grace on youtube, allowing her texts to sink in as they color in #everyoneneedsgrace,” says Schmitz. “I get a lot of feedback from people who buy my coloring books. They especially love the whimsical themes and find them unique and just a bit on the crazy side. I think this new book will capture the hearts of Grace’s fans nicely and will compliment the energy she demonstrates in her stage presence. But above all, I think we all wish Grace strength, wisdom and a wonderful time during the finals and all that follows.”
Publisher and illustrator, Andrea Wood Schmitz, turned to coloring book designs and publishing when she a close relative was diagnosed with aggressive cancer. Since then she has been publishing coloring books that help adults relieve stress, engage in digital detox and reconnect with their higher purpose in life. Schmitz is the CEO of Inkovator and creator of the Grown-Up Coloring Book Bonanza FB Events.
For more information on Andrea Wood Schmitz and her company, Inkovator, please visit Inkovator.com.