For years, I let others shape how I should live—how I looked, what I dreamed of—but there was one thing they could never touch: my painting. In the studio, it’s just me, my music, my inspiration… and a little bit of chocolate. 😄

Painting is where I feel free. No outside opinions, no rules—just color, curiosity, and joy. It reminds me to slow down and savor the beauty around us: in nature, laughter, and meaningful connections. My art journey hasn’t always been smooth (what good one ever is?), but in the mess, I’ve found magic. It’s been a process of trusting myself, embracing growth, and giving myself permission to dream boldly.

There was a time, not long after college, when my colors felt dull—like I was stuck. But even then, I knew I wanted to be an artist. Not the gallery-elite type with awards and white gloves (that’s never been my vibe), but the kind who connects directly with collectors, who writes the emails, wraps the paintings, and even hand-delivers them when I can. I wanted a creative life that felt real, sustainable, and totally my own—from blank canvas to your wall.

Back in college, though, I had no clue how to make that happen—and neither did my instructors. They kept talking about “gatekeepers,” and how I’d need them to “make it.” But something in me pushed back. I hadn’t learned any of the skills I now use daily—except maybe photo editing—so I made it my mission to figure out how to build a business and life as a working artist on my own terms.

I walked across the graduation stage with my sister in 2016 (unofficially—thanks to a single math credit I finished later), and by 2018 I was officially a Columbia College Chicago alum. But I still didn’t know what kind of art to make. I hit a creative block. My work was tight, realistic, and time-consuming—sometimes taking months or even a year to finish. I painted sunsets, flowers, murals, took commissions… all while trying to build a sustainable art career that actually felt like mine.

Then 2020 happened. The world slowed down—and I discovered artist Amira Rahim. She shared a technique for making acrylics look like oils, but more importantly, she showed what it looked like to run a creative business with freedom and heart. I was hooked. She was doing exactly what I’d been dreaming about.

From there, I found more artists living creative lives, thriving on their own terms. Inspired, I leaned fully into this new way of painting and living. My work evolved. The colors became more vibrant. The light came back in.

Even when things feel uncertain, I trust that—just like the canvas—with time, the story will unfold beautifully.

The art world is shifting, and artists everywhere are craving something more aligned with who we are—more colorful, more connected, more us. I believe in that shift. I believe in artists and collectors having genuine relationships, and in building creative lives that don’t burn us out. I’m honored to be part of a growing community that values meaning over perfection, and heart over hype.