Long time, no talk! I’ve had a strange few years, but I’m excited to announce that I’m back on my bullshit.
Life lately
If you’re close to me, you probably know I’ve spent the past two and a half years working behind the scenes at a bakery. After a lot of overthinking and some ridiculously sore muscles, I’ve made the difficult decision to leave my job. It wasn’t a choice I made lightly—this was one of the most challenging (and rewarding) jobs I’ve ever had.
Over my time there, I gained a lot: new skills, confidence, and relationships I’ll always value. And more than that, I walked away with a deeper understanding of what matters to me. Every early morning, every torn cake, every tiny win was pointing me toward something bigger. I’ve never felt more inspired, more driven, or more ready to create.
After years of trying to manage my bills, my energy levels, my mental health, and my own ambition, I finally feel like I’m ready to grab the bull by the horns—and give my art the time and space it truly deserves.
From the front counter to the production space
When I first started, I was excited to hopefully learn how to decorate cakes and make neat things… but I also was a little embarrassed. I began at the front counter, and the uniform wasn’t exactly how I was used to presenting myself. I had to wear a baseball cap, hair tied back, wearing a shirt with someone else’s name on it.
It wasn’t long before I got pulled into the production space—and that’s when something shifted. I started to care a lot less about how I looked, and a lot more about what I was making. I started to get really strong. I was efficient. My work was (almost always) on point. I had something to show for every hour I put in.
There’s something unexpectedly grounding about that—letting go of how it looks and just completely throwing yourself into the process. Not only that, but in a bakery, the work has to get done. You don’t get to say, “I’m just not feeling that inspired by this,” and lean your project against the wall for a few months. In my mind, that’s perfect training to take back to the drafting table.
Taking a leap… again
Eventually, the path became clear. I found myself casually looking at other jobs, but consistently turning down artistic opportunities because my time was so limited. I kept telling myself my job was creative, and it was. Especially when I got to make something fun, like a birthday cake or some seasonal cupcakes. But other times it didn’t feel so creative. It felt like weight training in a super hot room. I’d be wiping sweat from my forehead, exhausted, as my phone would ping: another art sale.
“God, I just made more off of that print than I’m gonna make today.”
So that’s that. I’m pursuing art full-time now.
What’s next?
I have a lot of plans in the works, but you’ll just have to stay tuned and see what I have in store.
There are projects that have been left on the back-burner, along with a lot of ideas that came to me while standing by that hot oven. Now I finally have the time and the energy to bring them to life.
And yes, I do have “the fear.” I’ve been full-time with my art before, and there were times that it got tough. But back then, I didn’t have the experience that I have now. I didn’t really have structure. I definitely didn’t have the dame sense of self. Just existing off of vibes—no plans.
This time feels different.
I’m truly so grateful for all of the support you guys have given me, whether you’ve bought a piece, shared my work, or just sent a kind message. Through thick and thin, there’s always someone out there appreciating what I make and giving me a little more gas in my tank.
My art is currently on display at two awesome spots:
- Wood’s High Mountain Distillery in Salida, Colorado
- Zymos Brewing in Littleton, Colorado
I don’t have any markets or events on the books just yet, but if you’re in the area, consider stopping by. You really can’t go wrong with a Wood’s cocktail or a Zymos beer—and hey, there’s art on the walls.
