The Sisterhood of the “Friend Cold Call”

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.”      — Anais Nin

Welcome to our very first blog post! We figured the best way to start this new chapter is to take you back to chapter one. Because before there was a book, workshops, events, or ArtPrayLove, there was just a nervous Facebook message and a cup of coffee.

A few years ago, I was scrolling through our neighborhood Facebook page when I bumped into a post by a local artist advertising her summer art camp for kids. Hmm… sounds like we have a few things in common. We were both teaching children’s art classes, and we were both artists. Now, making friends as an adult—especially when you are relatively new to the Nashville area—can feel awkward. But I (Helanka) decided to take a leap of faith and make a “friend cold call.”

I messaged Barb and asked if she’d like to grab coffee.

When we finally met up, we didn’t just share common interests; we actually looked like sisters. And sisters we became—“Heart Sisters.”

As we sat there talking, the connection went far beyond an uncanny resemblance. We quickly realized we attended the same church, shared a deep love for art, and were both navigating life as newcomers to the area. Within six months, we were teaching classes together and officially dubbed ourselves “Heart Sisters Studio,” launching a fusion of art and scripture called Art Pray Love.

What began as a simple cup of coffee and a cold call has grown into more than 50 classes, a published book, launching a website, several art events, planning workshops and retreats, and— most importantly—encouraging, dreaming, laughing, praying, and walking side-by-side through everyday life.

We’ve learned that when you follow those little nudges of faith, like sending a text to a stranger, God can multiply it into something bigger than you ever imagined. One dream has continually given birth to more, and we are so glad you are here to share them with us.

Dear Lord, please give us the courage to make the “cold calls” in life. Guide us toward connections that feed our souls, blossom our creativity, and remind us that we are never walking this path alone. Amen.