Painting and drawing brings me so much joy. Even if I can only find ten minutes to paint in the course of my day, it is worth it to me. I started creating children's illustrations when my oldest son was born almost 16 years ago - I needed some nursery art for his room, and didn't want to spend big money. I painted the series "Jungle Baby," "Bear Baby," and "Forest Baby" for him. Several of my friends asked me to make copies for them, so they could give the prints to their friend(s) as baby shower gifts. Finally one friend suggested I open an Etsy shop.

My first "Jungle Baby" print sold within minutes of listing it - I was so surprised (and honestly a little scared, because I hadn't yet learned how to use all of Etsy's seller features).

For several years, I just sold prints of my three nursery paintings, with a brief detour into custom cookie cutters (successful, but too work intensive!). Then in 2011 we began the process of adopting our daughter from Ethiopia, and I discovered that there really wasn't a whole lot of children's art for transracial families out there, or nursery art for children of color. I want our daughter to grow up seeing art that represents her, and that represents our family. I began painting for her, and for other families like ours.

When my multicultural and adoption themed art began selling just about as quickly as I could produce it, my husband and I had the idea to use my Etsy income as a fundraiser for our adoption. I was blown away by people's generosity. As of April 2012, we were fully funded for our adoption. Then, 20% of my Etsy income went towards buying formula and diapers and other supplies for the orphanages in Ethiopia. We brought those things over when we traveled to meet our daughter.

Now our daughter has been home for 6 years, and I have time to paint while my children are in school. I took over 3000 photos during our two trips to the beautiful country of Ethiopia... Enough inspiration to keep painting for a long time!
I continue to donate 10% of my Etsy income towards orphan care and literacy programs in Ethiopia.

I feel so honored and humbled that my art has been welcomed into so many homes in the USA, and in other countries, too! I have really enjoyed the interactions with my customers, and especially love it when other families share their hair adventures and inspirations, and their adoption stories with me. Thank you!