Creativity has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I come from a creative family. Growing up, I made art projects with my mom, enjoyed photography with my dad, and tried different painting and needlecraft techniques with my grandmothers.

Yet as much as I loved all of this, when it came time to choose a career path, I followed the more practical/scientific path. I chose based on what I thought I “should” do rather than what I “loved” to do.

So for many years, creativity took a back seat, as I devoted my time to years of school, then my career, and then my family (my husband and two daughters). As rewarding as my “practical” career has been, there has always been a constant tug at my heart to do something more artistic.

So over the years, I’ve done my best to balance work, family, and art. I’ve enjoyed countless art projects with my girls, created our yearly Christmas cards, made personalized gifts for friends and family, and designed products for school fundraisers. And as my girls have grown up, I’ve found time for art classes at the local community college as well as online.

But this past year changed my priorities, or rather made them clearer. I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer August 2020. I have successfully battled cancer and made it to “Survivor” status! And with that journey, I realize I need to do more than survive with the life I’ve been given.

It is time to thrive so here I am, creating art and designs to uplift and inspire because that’s what truly fills my heart.