"Painting on HRT Pins provided a sense of purpose and healing." – Terrance Woolford
How can something so small be so powerful ?
Matthew 17:20
After returning home in 2010 from military duties in Iraq, I enrolled at The Art Institute of Philadelphia to study graphic design. One day, in class, fellow classmate Shanina pulled out a Bible from her backpack while searching for school supplies. That moment sparked something inside of me. I went home, opened the word of God and it unlocked a new creative path that I never expected.
I began making necklaces out of wooden stars and crosses, placing band-aids on the hearts, and walked around handing them out to strangers. My friend's Carter and Brookz suggested turning the hearts into pins. The rest is history.
From there we went on to starting a clothing brand, Natrl Born Heart Brkers, which became a cultural phenomenon in this city of Philadelphia and New York. At its height, NBA legend LeBron James wore a "King's Rule Together" HRT Pin courtside during the 2013 All-Star Weekend.
As I painted on pins, I imagined others experiencing the same therapeutic healing powers for themselves. That vision grew into hosting HRT classes—at Philadelphia’s iconic Love Park, the Philadelphia INTL Airport, Laundry Vintage Shop in Portland, local daycares, and private family and corporate gatherings.
Even my current style of creating artwork & sculptures from upcycled materials grew out of those first pins.
To date, I’ve been blessed to design custom sneakers for Kyrie Irving, the “Love Awaits You” Mural at the Philadelphia INTL Airport, building the “Love Letter to Philly” skyline sculpture for The Roots Picnic and Accenture, designing a jersey for the Phila. 76ers "Crossover" Artist showcase, winning Saladeen’s, JP Money Bear contest, creating the Status Store sign and countless other projects. All moments I'm grateful to have been a part of.
But this journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve wrestled with one question:
How do I share this experience with the world ?
As children, the first thing we're given at most restaurants are crayons and a placemats to create freely. As adults, no one hands us that same gift. My mission is to change that.
Through HRT Pins, I want to bring people closer together—friends, families, lovers, and strangers alike—united by one simple question:
“What’s On Your Heart ?”
Don't tell me... Show me. ❤️
- designed the.eazy.way