How Alvin Leonard turned passion for creative arts into a thriving business

From humble beginnings and a bold creative vision, Alvin Leonard, founder of Broken Canvas, has transformed artistic passion into a thriving business empire.

What started as a dream rooted in creative arts has grown into a dynamic enterprise, blending innovation, strategy, and resilience. Leonard’s journey is a testament to how talent, when nurtured with discipline and entrepreneurial courage, can evolve into a powerful brand that reshapes industries and inspires a new generation of creators.

“What began as a grassroots vision has grown into an international movement focused on restoring hope through creativity and human connection.

Broken Canvas was founded on the belief that art has the power to transform lives. Precious Ezeamama, my co-founder and I recognised the silent struggles many young people face, particularly around mental health.

The purpose, he said, is to design and implement creative workshops, mental-health education programmes, outreach initiatives, and advocacy campaigns.

“We saw how creativity could help break that silence. The inspiration came from witnessing how even one safe, supportive environment could change a young person’s mindset and future,” he said.

The creative artist and mental-health is passionate about using art as a tool for healing and empowerment, and has dedicated his life to creating safe spaces where young people and vulnerable communities can express themselves, build resilience, and access mental-health support.

He established Broken Canvas in 2012 in Miami, Florida. as a grassroots initiative, hence, he began with minimal capital. According to him, “The early stages were self-funded through personal contributions, community support, and small fundraising efforts. Over time, partnerships, donations, and collaborative projects helped us expand our reach.”

Though the business started small, it has grown to a reputable organisation. And the niche that stands Broken Canvas out among is its integration of creativity with clinical mental-health expertise.

“We don’t just host art events, we intentionally combine art, storytelling, music, and spoken word with licensed professionals like doctors and behavioural therapists.

“We also focus heavily on culturally tailored programmes. Whether in Nigeria, Rwanda, or Grenada, we adapt our approach to the local culture, ensuring that our impact is meaningful and sustainable. Our model is relational, community-driven, and rooted in dignity,” he said.

This has helped the organisation to grow both geographic and impactful. Leonard emphasising on the growth, said, “We began in schools such as North Miami Senior High, Edison Senior High, and North Miami Middle School, mentoring at-risk youth. Today, we operate internationally, impacting communities in Haiti, Grenada, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.”

To mitigate the murky business space amid surging inflation, he said that his strategy focuses on sustainability through partnerships, donations, and collaborative programming.

“We leverage community volunteers, in-kind donations, and strategic alliances with institutions and NGOs to reduce operational costs. By keeping our structure lean and impact-driven, we are able to remain adaptable even during economic challenges,” he noted.

Some of the challenges he encountered along the way include funding limitations, mental-health stigma within certain communities, and logistical difficulties when expanding internationally, among others.

To overcome these obstacles, he explained that his team had to embrace persistence, strategic partnerships, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement.

“Education has been key in addressing stigma. Collaboration has helped us navigate funding and logistics. Above all, staying mission-driven has allowed us to keep pushing forward,” he stressed.

Despite all, Leonard believes that Nigeria presents both challenges and tremendous opportunities. He emphasised that while economic pressures and inflation affect operations, there is a growing awareness around mental health, youth empowerment, and creative industries.

“The opportunity lies in bridging creativity with structured mental-health education. Young Nigerians are expressive, innovative, and culturally rich.

“By providing safe platforms and professional guidance, the industry can experience significant growth and meaningful social transformation,” he said.

He reiterated that his plans to expand the social impact organisation include scaling brushstrokes and breakthroughs to more cities in Nigeria and other African countries.

Besides, he intends to deepen institutional partnerships with hospitals and schools, expanding mental-health education programs across orphanages and underserved communities, and develop structured training programs for facilitators and community health workers internationally.

Leonard counsels young entrepreneurs to start with purpose, not just profit.

“Be clear about your mission and remain consistent even when growth seems slow.

“Build strong relationships, stay adaptable, and don’t underestimate the power of starting small. Impact compounds over time when rooted in authenticity and service,” he said.

Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years.

He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team.

Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date