Page 207 - From the Outhouse 4 -21

207 | P A T R I C I A R A E M E R R I T T W H A T L E Y

I used my son’s middle name, Tajiri, which means “rich” in the Swahili language spoken in Africa; hence the name, Tajiri Arts – “Rich
Arts.” I wanted Kamili’s name to be represented. Kamili’s dad, John Hitchmon, was very instrumental in me developing an

entrepreneur’s mentality. He is very brilliant in this area and was a well-established business owner for over 40 years in Miami. Kamili

Tajiri used his creative, brilliant mind to design the first Tajiri Arts logo. It was printed on our first brochure, which listed the classes
we offered.

Now, let me back track and pick up where I left off. After I called Roz, I called three other people: Dr. Stephen Caldwell Wright, a
professor at Seminole Community College; Mrs. Sandra Petty, a fellow church member, member of our vocal ensemble The

Christians, and Music Teacher at a local middle school; plus Mrs. Martha McKinney, a parent who I knew from the Rosenwald

Exceptional Center. I had worked with her handicapped children and wanted to include exceptional children in my program.

I talked with each of them individually. Did they think the parents would allow their children to come to my house? How did they
feel such a program would be beneficial to the children in Seminole County? I was delighted to find out that they all agreed and gave

positive thoughts on my performing arts program. Not being as strong in the Lord at that time, I afterward consulted God; He should

have been first! For three days I fasted and prayed on the situation, and God gave a resounding “Yes!”

With faith only, Tajiri Arts opened its doors (Plan 4), at 104 Hays Drive in Sanford, Florida, on October 6, 1988. A flyer was designed
as my friend Roz had suggested. I made several calls to my friends, and ten students showed up the first day. My prayer had been,

“God, if I have ten students by the end of the year, I’ll be happy.” How mightily blessed I was!

Our initial program included acting classes in Stage Business, Improvisation, Voice Placement, Pantomime, Auditioning Techniques,

Pageant Presentations, and Ideas for Social, Cultural and Religious Interpretation. The classes cost a total of $6 and I was the sole