We had the good fortune of connecting with Amiah Mims and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amiah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risks are opportunities to learn. Whether calculated or impulsive, they teach us through lived experience and push us beyond our comfort zones. The outcome may not always be what we envisioned, but there’s always a lesson within it. My entire creative career was born from a risk—leaving my full-time graphic design job at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after five years to pursue art and start my own company. It was a calculated leap, but a leap all the same, and I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not taken it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an ever-growing designer, painter and muralist. Previously, I was a full-time Graphic Designer for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, my need to invest more in my fundamental artistic talents motivated me leap out on faith and branch out on my own. Now, I offers a wider range of my creative services under my company, Works By Mimsy LLC.

My style is flexible, shifting with the content and context of each piece. I’m drawn to the emotional language of the human form and mind—how it reveals itself through movement and mannerisms. I also find symbolism in florals compelling, and often express these themes through bold reds, yellows, and blues.

As my work evolves, I remain grounded in curiosity and intention. I’m learning to embrace a slower process—trusting the flow of creativity as it unfolds, rather than trying to have everything mapped out from the start.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I have a friend visiting, we usually start at my apartment. It’s a cozy space with a gorgeous floor-to-ceiling stained glass window that sets the vibe just right.

From there, food is always a must—we love trying Indy’s restaurants. For breakfast, I recommend Borage, Milktooth, Luv Handle, Good Morning Mamas, or Café Patachou. For dinner, Bluebeard is perfect for fine dining, Maialina for Italian and cake, Bohdi for Thai, Julieta’s for the best tacos, Strangebird for ramen, Livery for Latin American flavors, and Sakura for sushi. Honestly, I could go on and on—my friends and I love a good meal!

Drinks pair perfectly with the food scene. Parlor Public House on jazz night is a must, Solely for wine, Kismetic for beers, and Mel’s Speakeasy when we’re in the mood for something swanky. These are just to name a few.

Indy also has beautiful parks—Holiday Park is my favorite—and artsy districts like Fountain Square. If my visitor comes at the start of the month, we always check out First Friday. The whole city comes alive with art exhibitions, concerts, and creative energy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents. As business owners themselves, they helped me navigate this new territory by sharing insight, tips, and guidance along the way.

Instagram: @amiahmims (personal) @worksbymimsy (business)

Image Credits
Occupy Visuals – Way.Too.G (1st photo. Lime green shirt) V.Knox Visuals – Arria Woolcock (4th and 5th photo. Black dress)

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