I opened my mailbox and saw it… my name, my story, printed on the pages of a magazine I deeply admire.
And honestly? It took my breath away.
The Turquoise Iris Journal has long been a celebration of creativity in all its forms, and being invited to share my journey inside its pages was a true honor. Dionne, the heart behind the journal, reached out to me on Instagram with the kindest invitation, and of course, I said yes.
What I didn’t expect was everything that moment would stir up in me.
The Honor of Being Featured
There’s something surreal about seeing your work and your words laid out in print. You begin to realize that the stories you tell, the way you show up for your community, the creative path you’ve been walking… all of it matters.
The article reflects some of my core beliefs: that creativity is for everyone, that wandering is sacred, and that transformation isn’t just for objects, it’s for people too.
And yet, along with the joy, I also felt something else: a little internal nudge.
The Gentle Truth I Faced
If I’m being honest with myself, I wasn’t as prepared for this opportunity as I would have liked to be.
When it came time to submit photos for the article, I scrambled. I struggled to find high-resolution images that were print-ready. I didn’t have a folder of polished headshots or styled artwork shots to choose from.
I managed to pull it together, but I realized something important: next time, I want to be ready.
Not because I want to be perfect…
But because I want to honor the opportunities that come my way with the same care I bring to my creative work.
What I’m Doing Differently Now
Since then, I’ve started building my own little “press kit” behind the scenes.
Nothing fancy…just small, steady steps like:
Taking intentional monthly photos (studio shots, process pics, finished pieces)
Keeping quotes, testimonials, and story moments in one folder
Writing a few versions of my bio so I’m not scrambling when someone asks
I’m not doing it to chase features or attention.
I’m doing it so when the next invitation shows up, I can say yes from a place of peace, not panic.
Because creativity deserves to be shared well.
And so do the stories that come with it.
A Thank You to You
This article may have featured my name, but the truth is… it includes you.
Every Roycycled Bestie who’s created alongside me, every woman who’s dared to pick up a brush after years of doubting herself, every retreat moment that cracked us open in the best way… that’s all part of the story.
You’re part of the reason I create.
You’re the reason I keep growing.
And I hope, in some small way, this feature reminds you that your voice and vision matter too.
Want to Read the Article?
You can subscribe to the Turquoise Iris Journal and grab the Summer 2025 issue here:
And if you’re feeling inspired to explore your own creativity a little more deeply…
I’ve created a free guide to show you how to turn a thrifted book into a personal art journal. It’s a great way to wander creatively and document your own story… no perfection required.
Let this be your reminder:
You don’t have to be perfect to be ready.
You just have to be willing.
And if you’ve done it once, you can do it again.
