In 2014, we bought an old newspaper building downtown and transformed it into a light-filled studio space—a place for creativity and community. Life looks beautiful in so many ways, yet, as with all journeys, there have been trials woven in with the joy.

A decade ago, John was diagnosed with leukemia. We moved three hours from home for treatment, expecting a short stay, but we were there nearly a year. In 2017, John faced complications with Graft vs. Host Disease, leading to the amputation of one leg. Our path has been winding, but we carry on with gratitude and resilience.

This work—creating and sharing with others—has been both a blessing and a means of supporting our family. Each customer who connects with this business fills me with gratitude.

What led me to this place?

About 13 years ago, I was a licensed artist, with designs in print, fabric, and stationery. At the same time, our son Bryce began struggling with addiction. He was just 14 when he started experimenting with substances, a path that filled our lives with uncertainty and fear. We endured nights waiting by the phone, bracing for the worst. Then, one terrible night changed everything—and somehow, we came through.

Shortly after, I felt a pull to my camera. On a walk, I captured a few images, loaded them into Photoshop, and added a texture. In that moment, something shifted. Photography became a sanctuary, a creative lifeline. I immersed myself in learning and began teaching online, connecting with others who felt the same pull toward beauty and healing.

Bryce’s journey through addiction continued for 11 long years, a struggle that broke our hearts in so many ways. Yet his story also brought me to this work I love. It was a gift he didn’t know he was giving.

Today, I’m grateful to share that as of January 2024, Bryce is seven years sober, in seminary, and preparing for his first pastoral role in Rome. We've been carried through, and for that, I am deeply thankful.