We’re officially in the month of July, but all I can seem to think about right now is autumn and the luxuries that come with it. I’m already anticipating the next season: fall, the crisp weather, and all of the plans I have for my art and the growth of my business. Don’t get me wrong, I love the summer time, but it is often so busy and flies by before we’re even able to take a second glance. Catching up with friends and family warms my heart in the best of ways and the summertime is always a great opportunity to do all sorts of fun social activities. As an empath and naturally introverted person, however, I rather enjoy the quiet months the most. The summer can tend to be over-stimulating for me and I’ve found it important to schedule some alone time where I can enjoy my own company and work on the things that will promote personal and professional growth. Time is the key and I just wanted to touch base on why it’s important for us to start doing this today.
Here’s a small example – Jonahon and I had the honor of joining a marriage ceremony of two of our childhood friends on Saturday. It reminded me of just how fast time flies. We’ve been married for over 6 years now and we’re at the point where we are starting to see some of our friends catching up to us now. We got married very young, but when you know, you know. It brought back so many memories over the past 10 years and I was reminded that those 10 years have flashed before my eyes. For a large portion of those years, I had been wrapped up in planning for the future and mapping out my life and goals. I was so caught up in the future that I had forgotten about the present. Most of the plans I made back then never even manifested in the future because plans change.
My point is, time is something we always feel like we have so much of, but yet still seems to disappear faster than we realize. That is why this week, I’m doing all I can to appreciate today for what it is and to be thankful for today. With Independence Day weekend coming up, most people are doing the opposite; planning all the cook-outs, bbqs, fireworks, camping & boating adventures, etc. It’s a busy time and a busy week for many that’s why I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me to focus on being more centered and appreciative with where I’m at in the present moment.
It’s in our nature to always want more and to keep anticipating “the next best thing” instead of taking a step back and appreciating our current blessings. That’s what is going to be my focus this week as I plan for the remainder of summer and heading into the coming months. I challenge you all to be more present with me. Being aware of the present moment with a grateful heart is what is going to improve our outlook on the moments to come.
This may seem like an obvious topic that comes off as a no-brainer, but I really hope that it’s served you all as a good reminder. Chase your dreams, work on your goals, and plan for the next season, but don’t forget to stop and appreciate where you are today. Time alters for no one and I hope this simply helps you to remember to make the most of each small moment. Have a great week, friends.
It feels like it’s been a hot minute since I’ve been around and I’m so beyond excited to get back to work this week! For those that don’t know, I am in the Air Force Reserve as well and there are times that I have to just disappear for that. Though I can never say exactly what is going on or when it’s happening, you can all assume that if I’m ever randomly quiet, that may be the reason why.
That being said, I’m so excited to get back to it today! I’m still away from home and won’t be back to the studio until tonight, but thankfully I brought supplies with me and am able to work on my way home today.
I feel like there is so much to catch up on, however. Even just being gone for a week makes things crazy. Followers drop cause I haven’t been consistently posting, shop order pile up (which is a good thing), and I haven’t been able to create any new content so I feel as if I have nothing to post about. It’s rough for business when this happens, but I do what I can.
I also feel as if there is a lot to tell you all. I have many new shop additions and announcements, but I haven’t gotten everything ready yet so I’m going to have to wait a little bit as much as it’s killing me. Once I get back to the studio and get settled again, I should be able to fill you in.
In case you missed it, even though I was gone, I had a video all scheduled to upload and it did go up on Friday. Check it out if you missed it! I’ll leave the link here.
Well, that’s the latest and greatest, friends. Thanks for reading as always. I know this is another short one, but I hope to catch up with you all! A week feels like an eternity.
I just have a quick update this morning as I’ve been itching to get started on a new painting. So far this morning, I’ve been working on some much-needed brand-updating for my website, social media, and youtube channel. I’ve been feeling like I’ve spread myself across so many different niches and it’s been hard getting the right balance. I have been an advocate for the belief that you can create your brand/business revolving around more than just one thing, but everyone seems to like to promote the opposite.
I see so many artists and other accounts on social media of varying niches and styles and it seems each one always likes to keep their interests solely on that one thing with all other interests separate. I’ve tried this with creating a separate essential oils, art, and lifestyle accounts. None of them have worked for me in the past because I had always felt as if I had left something, a part of me, out. I’ve just found it discouraging eventually and lost the joy in sharing my posts on those accounts. I don’t know if any of you have realised it or not, but recently I have been posting content on my Instagram (among other) account that is purely genuine and fits within all my interests. It may not gain me the most followers, but it shows everyone that does check in who I am in a nutshell.
Doing this, I feel whole.
I’m not saying that one way is better than the other- we all need to do what is best for us and fits our individual needs. That is exactly why I updated my YouTube banner to the featured image on this post.
Think of it as another way that I’m just genuinely being myself and sharing who I am with you all.
I am an artist.
I am also a christian, a wellness advocate, and a wife.
“Stand up tall, little flowers. Be your shining and beautiful self. Don’t compare yourself to the other flowers around you. We’re all unique and beautifully made.”
It’s so much more fun being authentic. Have an amazing week, everyone.
Hello friends! It’s Thursday! I’ve got my art and wellness YouTube videos all prepared to upload for the week! I’m feeling accomplished and was going to start a painting after finishing up all my other tasks of the day, but my body is so tired from my run yesterday that I decided to lay back and write this evening. I couldn’t bear to sit at the easel feeling as sore and achy as I do now! You better believe I’m diffusing some oils and using some relaxing roller blends. I’m just relieved that spring is FINALLY starting to arrive in Minnesota and that my normal outdoor runs can commence once again. It’s always difficult starting over, however.
This morning I was going through my phone and found some old photographs of our trip we took to Japan last April. I can’t believe it’s already been a year almost. I’ve been reminiscing about what an accomplishment this was and I am still shocked to this day that this dream of mine was fulfilled after years of planning and longing to go. Read the caption below.
Ever since I was a teenager, I knew I wanted to travel. It was a dream of mine to go to Japan. I have always loved the culture and I told myself that one day I would make it happen. #throwback to last year when that dream came true. I’ve been manifesting my dreams and desires since I was a little girl. I’m not the biggest believer in the new-age theories about manifestation and the law of attraction. I’m not sure that if you just “put your dreams out into the universe” that you will be rewarded. What I do believe in, however, is hard work. I have a vision board at my desk next to my computer and I see my goals daily. I know that those dreams and desires wont come to me unless I put the time and energy into them. Slowly, but surely, I’ve been tackling the things off my list. The business I’ve dreamed about for the past 5 years is now officially official. I just opened my business checking account and lines of credit the other day. Starting my business didnt happen until I decided to work for it and make it happen. For today’s #throwbackthursday I wanted to recognize the feeling I had when I was in Japan with my husband and I felt the impact of hard work and commitment. Also, totally #notsponsored by #louisvuitton 😉
I wanted to elaborate a little on this post, which is why I’m here now. I truly believe that when we work hard at our dreams and refuse to give up on them, that amazing things can happen. I’m only six months into my full-time self-employment and I feel like I have learned a lot and come so far. I know there is still a long way to go with my artwork, brand, and business, but I feel confident that with time, I’ll get there.
There’s just something about being in another country that puts your life into perspective. The trip was so rewarding knowing that it was something I was constantly working towards. My husband and I are firm believers in the value of time and experiences over worldly possessions. Reaping the benefits of hard work really adds value to the whole process of working hard and sticking to your goals and dreams. Traveling to Japan was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in my life. Not that it’s a secret, but I also have a Travel Diary from this trip that I will be uploading onto my YouTube channel soon, hopefully. I’m so close to having it ready but need to find some footage of the last parts of the trip. Definitely subscribe to my channel and stay tuned for that. It’s going to be a fun one!
Perhaps I decided to write this as a reminder to myself in the future on those bad days where I feel as if I’m remaining stagnant in my career. We all need motivation from time to time and I hope my words are able to light a fire beneath you all!
I hope you’ve all been having a great day and an even better week! I wanted to pop in and give you guys a quick update in regards to life in general. It’s going to be quick, I promise! 😀
I’ve been doing even more research on toxins and how they effect our body and lets just say that I cleaned out even more of my products I’ve had stashed away in my bathroom, laundry room, and vanity. My toxin box is getting so big nowadays I’m not sure how we’re going to get it out the door! Kind of, but not really.
It has been really nice to take breaks from my art to focus on my Young Living business and vice versa lately. Today I have recorded and edited two new videos related to Young Living and I’ve decided that I’m going to be doing weekly wellness videos every Sunday. Sunday has always been my day to spend time with my husband and recharge for the next week. We start our day with a good breakfast and really enjoy our time in worship together at church.
Since Sundays are so important to me, I decided to start up “Wellness Sunday” on my YouTube channel to remind myself to focus on what’s important. While working a lot isn’t a bad thing, I think that it’s important to have a good balance and to remember to save some time for yourself as well. I’m hoping that this video series will give everyone something to look forward to in each week and that it will help others learn to care for themselves and their families.
From the title up there, you guys already know what I’m going to be talking about in this blog. (and your still here! yay!) I know that my Young Living journey is still very new and I am somewhat slowly and shyly introducing it all into my social media and online platforms. It may not seem like it, but I have been trying to keep my story short and not flood you guys completely. Yes, this has been me being subtle. I’m just that excited about all Young Living has to offer! Anyway, before I go on a tangent, let’s get into the purpose of this blog, eh? I’m sure most people have noticed that I have recently begun “selling” Young Living essential oils in addition to their other products, but that’s exactly why I decided that I wanted to write this blog for you guys.
The thought started a few days ago when I got asked if I was “selling” essential oils now. I replied that I was and shared how excited I was to be on this new journey, but the conversation sort of died off there. It didn’t feel right when I was asked and the general tone of the question suggested that I was simply part of another “MLM/pyramid” scam. At that point, anything I could have said in response would have been written off because that negative mindset of me as “another pushy salesperson” was already set in place. People naturally start ignoring what you say about a business once they know you’re IN the business. I know because that’s how I’ve always approached MLM promoters; more like I avoided them.
If you guys were hoping to learn more about why I started a business with Young Living, I will kindly refer you to this video below. I address my reasons for the change and how I went from being VERY skeptical to taking the business on and being nothing short of excited.
It’s really funny, actually. When I was first looking into this business, what I was most worried and hesitant about wasn’t the fear of whether or not I’d do well with Young Living or even that I might regret it later. I knew without a doubt the more I learned that I was going to love the products and that they would benefit my life. What I was worried about, however, was how I would come across to my followers with the new change. MLM’s have such a bad rep, don’t they? I was curious how I was going to incorporate a completely different business to cooperate and coincide with my existing art business without distracting or taking away from it. I’ll be honest here. It’s something I’m still working on and am still learning how to go about it as I go along. I’m sure I’ll find that magic recipe, but until then I ask for your patience with the change! Scratch and sniff paintings, anyone?
Today I wanted to address the question I was asked and in particular, the use of the word, “selling.” While yes, it is true that I am a distributor for Young Living, the word, “sell”, just doesn’t sit right with me as an accurate description for what I do. Now I’m going to start telling you why that is. The answer is very simple and straightforward. I simply love the products and WANT to SHARE them with others. When “sell” is the word that’s used to describe what I’m doing, it leaves the annotation that my only goal is to make money off of whoever I’m discussing or sharing it with. This couldn’t be further from the truth or what I’m trying to do.
I joined the business side of Young Living because I knew that I would be ordering these products and sharing them anyway. Sharing is just something that happens naturally when you like what your using. We do it all the time with recipes, food, tv shows, and even the clothes we wear. If I just so happened to share some of the products I love and get paid in the process, that would be great, right?!
Do I want people to join my team and to buy the products? I’m not going to lie, of course I do! Everyone has goals and we all have to work in order to make a living. Life is expensive, so of course I would love it if someone were to become a member and were to support me in this business. This is how I earn my paycheck so that I can support my family. Does that mean I’m going to say a bunch of fluff and whatever I need to say in order to make the sale? This is a hard NO for me and that is where we, Young Living as a whole, draw the line. I’m never going to tell you what you want to hear simply because I believe it’s going to make a sale or share about products that I don’t support or believe in. Young Living prides themselves in being different from other MLMs in this way.
When I first started learning about the products, the oils especially, I was completely smitten. If you watched the video above, you will know that I did my own research on common household items and cleaners. After having done so, I got a big box from out of the garage and dumped all of my chemical-filled, toxic products into it and labeled it the “Toxin Box.” This was a huge factor for my decision among some other reasons.
To sum it all up for you, yes. Yes I earn money to share and make sales on Young Living products. No, I don’t directly try to “sell” them as that’s not my goal. I “share” because I care. I simply hope that this company, with all it’s products and business opportunities, can help change the lives of the people I share it with in the same way that is has been changing mine and my family’s. We all buy and use shampoo, cleaners, toothpaste, detergent, and supplements anyway so why not switch to a safer version while financially supporting someone you love. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.
I hope I didn’t ramble on too much in this blog. This is something I just had to address. I have been really enjoying this business and using the oils that I got in my starter kit. I have yet to test the cleaners and other products, but you can bet I will be sharing about those in the future if they are anywhere near as good as the oils I have been using so far.
Oh! Speaking of sharing, If you guys are interested in a raw and “non-salesy” video on my starter kit and it’s contents, please see the video below! I was definitely still learning when I recorded it and I’m sure I made some mistakes, but that just goes to show you that my love and excitement for Young Living is genuine. That excitement and obsession is only growing the more I learn and the more I use their products.
*”Sales Pitch” Warning*
If you watched the videos and decided that you want to give this business a try, I truly hope you will consider ordering through me and joining my team. We are building a community of amazing people and I am part of several different groups that focus on my success and provide me with the information and guidance I need. By ordering with me and joining my team, you will also be getting:
$25 off your kit – because I know the kits are expensive and I want to personally give part of my own commission back to you in order to help with this big expenditure. I’ll do this through a PayPal transaction.
A special oily gift from me – I love giving gifts and am making welcome packets for new members that join my team with some little goodies (such as a perfume roller) & DIY instructions.
Access to success tools – addition into Facebook groups, monthly email newsletters, and direct contact with me as your line of support. Whenever I’m feeling down or stuck, I have a group of amazing women that I can contact that will give me encouragement, support me, and lift me back up again.
I want to be there for you along this journey and will hold your hand throughout the whole process. I’m not going anywhere and want you to know that I’m in it for the long run. I’ll stop myself there. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you may have. If this is an adventure you feel like your ready to embark on, you can sign up here and I’ll be in contact with you shortly after.
Have an amazing day, everyone!
I hope you enjoyed today’s post and I’ll catch ya in the next one!
Today, I’m getting fired up a little later than I’d have liked to. I was trying to avoid the caffeine, but I really needed the extra oomph this morning! I think a cold is starting up and I’m not surprised because the high temperature for the week is about -10 (Fahrenheit) give or take a few degrees.
Anyway, from the title of this blog, I’m sure you’re wondering what’s going on. I’m actually going on a trip for a little while and it is going to be at least a month (at this moment) before I’m able to get back to my normal routines. This week is going to be my last normal week for a good amount of time. I’m not allowed to disclose when where or why, but it’s basically a work trip and I don’t anticipate being able to create any new content for you guys while I’m gone. 🙁
I wish I could give you all the details, but that isn’t the case, unfortunately. I hope you all understand. I may still be active on my social media, but I won’t be able to update you on any new YouTube videos, blogs, or new artworks, until I get back. I may still be able to answer emails and such too, but please keep in mind that shop orders won’t be fulfilled as well until I return. There will be a notice in my shop in case you all forget.
That being said, I’ve got a crazy busy week planned as I’m preparing for the trip and finishing up all of the work I’ve got to do before I leave. I hope you all have a very productive week! I’ll fill you all in once I get back from my trip! The YouTube video for this week will still be uploaded and I may post another blog before I go. No promises, but I will try my best!
So, I wanted to wait a bit before officially coming out and revealing this update publicly. For a few different reasons as well.
First off, I’d like to introduce a new series of blogs in addition to my normal artist blogs and updates. I am a super holistic type of person and am really big into wellness and lifestyle. Along with focusing on my brand and art business, I really wanted to start a new series of blogs. One of the reasons I love blogging is because I really enjoy just being myself and giving my followers and readers a way to really get to know me. I love being personable and sharing these pieces of myself with you all. I feel like this adds a special personal touch to my work as well when you can get to know a little more about the artist behind the painting.
If you’re really not interested in reading about this sort of stuff and only want to see art-related content, that is totally fine! I understand! I still love that I have your support on this journey and don’t want you to feel as if I’m neglecting my art in any way.! I will be separating these types of blogs from my art blogs into different sections so that the art ones are in their own highlighted category.
Why do I want to do this? Won’t this subtract from my art goals? Let me explain:
I used to be so unhappy with a lot of different areas of my life. I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin, I wanted to be in better shape, and overall, live the life I wanted to live. Before I made the full-time commitment to my new artist career, I had always envisioned a better version of myself. I could see the way I wanted to present myself into the world by showing love and kindness. I was an artist and I was happy with just being purely me. I could see everything from the types of clothes I wanted to wear, to the positive lifestyle I wanted to live. Since I’ve begun this journey a few months ago, I’ve made a lot of personal changes within my household and the way we live. It is all a part of being a better version of myself. I also feel that this will help filter out only the art-related content so you guys don’t have to sit through on my other day-to-day life updates-unless you want to! ^___^
Some of the new things I will also be blogging about are:
Homestead/self-sustainable living
I love gardening and reducing the amount of money we spend on groceries. By doing this, we are learning to be self-sufficient and are going to be going even bigger this year. We may just rescue some cows and chickens to add the family. Also diving more into canning to make these seasonal goodies last long into the cold winter months.
Minimalism
I’m an avid believer that less is more. I’ve reduced my stress and anxiety tremendously by reducing the amount of stuff and clutter in my home.
Living a toxic-free lifestyle
I’ll dive more into this in a future post, but I’ve recently been made aware of all of the toxins that we have been exposing ourselves to on a daily basis. I’m quite shocked and freaked out honestly. More to come on this so stay tuned!
Waste reduction/zero waste lifestyle
My husband and I are both vegan for many different reasons and are expanding our efforts to lower our carbon footprint every way we can.
I’ll be putting all of these things into the overall category of
“Lifestyle and Wellness”
While art is, and always will be, my greatest passion and goal, I also wanted to document and share the other parts of me that make me uniquely…me. I am very excited to be sharing these new types of blogs with you and hope you are as excited as I am to see what is to come.
As you are all aware, the holiday season has come to a close and we are now in the start of a brand new year. I hope you all had a great time celebrating with friends and family, but now as things start winding down, I hope you will make some time to tend to yourselves and your own needs.
For me, January symbolizes a time of re-birth and new beginnings. My birthday is on the 18th of the month and with the start of each year, I also get another year older almost right off the bat. This serves me as a wonderful reminder that the past is the past and with each year I am another year wiser and closer to my goals.
