I have always loved to craft. I can remember finding delight in making the simplest paper and glue projects when I was just a preschooler. That passion carried on through my high school and college years. I dabbled in many different arts and crafts, making various items from crochet to painted photo frames to jewelry made of car parts. I opened my Etsy shop in the summer of 2011 as a project to keep me busy as I went through chemotherapy treatments. My creative juices were constantly flowing with all of the down time from being in the hospital. I would stay up late into the night researching pinterest ideas and shopping on embroidery sites. With a focus so widespread, I soon learned that each craft had it's ups and downs in marketing and helped me to learn more about the "business" each time.

In 2013, my undergrad coursework became more intense, I began student teaching and volunteering at an afterschool program 2-3 nights a week, and I stopped crafting for others. I was so busy with my teaching career and keeping my paperwork up to date that I had to put my business on the back burner. I was still making, yes, but just for myself. At the time I was very... ashamed?...embarassed?... felt like a failure?... My business had gone no where, I didn't have the energy and drive to make like I once had, I was in a slump.

In 2015-2016, I had graduated college and began working full time as a teacher. I began following Dana from Selah Signs on Instagram. (Make sure to check out her etsy shop!) Reading her inspirational posts of faith that God had a plan for her as a maker to support her family while doing what she loves was just the little nudge I needed to start making again.

About this time, I began to discover essential oils and hard lotion bars as well. I fell in love with the way the lotion felt on my skin, loved how it didn't seem to burn my cracked hands like store-bought lotion, loved how I could apply it to dry areas without getting on my palms! I began making it for myself- the DIY spirit in me said "I could make that..." So I began whipping up sticks in my little country kitchen, experimenting with scents, ratios of each oil or butter to make them better each time. I found it was the best way I could distract myself from thinking of work or problems in my life. I also soon realized that I made more than I could use myself, so I shared it with my circle of family and friends. The ball kept rolling. People wanted more sticks, and I moved on to marketing them (finally!) through Etsy and small craft fairs on weekends.

I currently make several products including lotion sticks, lip balm, body butter and calming playdough. I hope to make bath bombs and other natural products in the future. I am so blessed to have experienced this journey thus far. I've learned and grown so much through the process. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I have been given to meet new people and share my products with others.