About Me

I love my family with every fiber of my being. My son, Connor, is my world. He'll be turning 6 this year and recently entered Kindergarten! I still can't believe it.

My son is autistic, for those who may know about autism Connor is considered nonverbal but has recently started to communicate. We are so proud of him and do all we can to support him on his journey. He has taught us so much and everyday we learn something new.

It was my son who showed me I had everything it took to become an entrepreneur. I think it naturally comes up as a question, "what made you want to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator" and I could take hours to answer that question but what it boils down to is having the time freedom necessary for Connor's many needs and appointments. No longer having to ask for permission when Connor needed something became non-negotiable in 2020. I was so grateful I had chosen to start my own business in 2019 and I pushed hard to get up and running online by the start of 2021. 

Crafting to me is pure joy. It's my go to when I need calm and happy. When Connor was initially evaluated and then diagnosed it was a very difficult time and a very steep learning process. It was a very isolating and scary time. At one point I stopped crafting altogether. I was missing it so much I started seeking out inspiration online to get my crafty fix. That's how I found Stampin' Up!, Paper Pumpkin - which got me slowly back into cardmaking - and eventually my upline, Wendy Cranford, who taught me it was possible to have an online business doing something I loved.

My goal is to share the love and joy of crafting and stamping. I wanted to provide inspiration, education, classes... being passionate about having this crafting outlet made it easy to create and share. I would say technology was the biggest learning curve but, just like with Connor, I learn something new everyday and I work to improve a little more each day. If you like what you see when you are here then I'm happy! 

It's so important to me that you are happy as a customer, viewer, crafter, even if you are brand new, my goal is help you understand stamping is EASY and FUN. It's not about perfection for me. I'd love everything to be perfect, but in my life and in my crafting, it's about enjoying the process and being ok with making mistakes along the way. If you had fun, if you were inspired, if you learned something then I did my job! And I always want to hear from you. It's the best way to improve what I do but listening to what you like to see and create so let me know!

This is Connor checking out my Starter Kit! March 2019

A PERSONAL NOTE FROM ME TO OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES 

If you are a caregiver like me, if you are a special needs mom like me, and maybe you are overwhelmed or navigating a life changing diagnosis, I just want you to know you are not alone. It's ok to be scared of the unknown and its ok to find time for yourself, even if its just a 5 minute break to start. I have learned that education and knowledge is everything. You should surround yourself with people you love but also know its important to surround yourself with experts and professionals in the field of autism. It's ok not to know everything. Just take it one day at a time. Don't let sadness prevent you from seeing all of the potential and capabilities of your child or loved one. If I could go back and say one thing to that new mom scared that her child wasn't hitting milestones, I'd tell her the good far outweighs the scary. Find your team, one that cares as much about your kid as you do, and things will feel manageable and possible. Mindset is so important. Don't let anyone make you feel like your child "can't" do something. You make a plan and work as a team to help your loved one.

If you lost your day job during 2020/2021 like I did understand that you are better off without a company that doesn't support special needs families. It's a travesty what I've seen in the last year and a half but it also taught me to listen to my heart and my instincts. I wouldn't back down when it came to Connor's services and needs and I know now more than ever not to let anyone intimidate me about that ever again. The people who don't understand your situation do not get to define you or your schedule or tell you what you can or can't do. If you feel like you have no time for a hobby or for your own business know that it is possible. Every person is different. Every story is unique. Every autistic person is different. But anything IS possible. It's up to you.