My dream from 2017
It’s a little funny starting an email list (well, blog here) in the middle of a full spring season, but I wanted to begin this with gratitude. Because of this small community on the internet (aka - YOU), I get to create for a living.
During a late night painting recently, I found myself reminiscing of the summer of 2017, right after my sophomore year of college.
I spent that summer nannying during the day, and then painting in the bar room of my parents’ house in the evenings. Sometimes I’d craft alone, and sometimes my cousin Abby would join and paint with me. I made canvases with Bible verses I loved, phrases that stuck with me, and pieces for the kids I babysat.
I especially loved anything “preppy." Think: Lilly Pulitzer-inspired patterns, elephants, bright colors, anything fun and playful. (On another note, “preppy” looks SO different now than it did back then. That's a conversation for a different day.)
At one point, I even created a private Instagram where I planned to start selling my paintings.
Even though I personally loved the paintings, none of my art felt polished enough. (Why is there something embarrassing about putting yourself out there?)
I remember thinking: “I can’t charge more than $5 for this. This is something someone would just throw away or sell at a garage sale.”
I wanted to call this little Instagram shop “Amelia Grace Creations.” There was ZERO meaning behind the name - I just thought it sounded cute. I never launched it. The little voice in my head whispered, "no one will buy these."
So I let the idea fizzle out.
If I could go back, I would tell younger me one thing: keep creating. Don’t stop. Ignore the whisper that says no one will buy this, and listen instead to the tug that keeps pulling you to create. Keep going.
I never actually stopped creating. I just found different ways to do it. Digital art, photography, videography, painting… and eventually, painted banners became the thing that stuck.
Looking back, I think part of it was also me trying to create my way out of an anxious season of life. There is something so therapeutic about painting.
I remember seeing other artists on Instagram. I thought, I could do that. Specifically in 2023, I started following one creator from Birmingham who was making banners for college friends’ 21st birthdays, and I remember thinking I wanted to try something similar.
So I did.
I made a few banners for family gatherings, then asked my cousin Abby - the same cousin I used to craft with in 2017 - if I could create one for a 22nd birthday party she was hosting. It turned out better than I expected. It gave me confidence.
Those free banners in early 2024 were the beginning of everything. (Pictured below.)
Now, I get to paint for family, friends, and people ALLLLL over the country. I have "pinch me" moments daily.
So thank you - for supporting this dream, whether through kind words, social media shares, or trusting me to create something for you.
I’d love to turn these email updates into more of a conversation too. You can reply directly. I’ll read every message.
I’m curious… are you living a dream life you almost gave up on? Or do you have a dream you’ve been too scared to speak out loud?
Your story is worth being heard! Tell me!
If you want to follow along more closely, I share more content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. I’d love to have you there.
I intend on sharing behind-the-scenes stories to this email community. Considering that I didn't study art or business in college, I want to share the many little moments in my life that have given me the experience and confidence to run a creative small business. If that's something you're interested in hearing about, YAY! I look forward to what's to come.
If not, no worries - you can easily unsubscribe. You're welcome back anytime!
Kelli, artist and owner
Current Crowd Favorite: I am LOVING making senior photo boards for graduation parties and senior nights.
Booking up fast: I predict that I will be closing custom banners for May next week. If you're wanting one, order now!
Feeling the itch to create? I share everything I learned in my first year of banner painting! Get started today!
In the midst of graduation season? I've created the cutest floral graduation templates for you to paint! All graduation templates are 20% off through Monday, April 27th. *Discount automatically applied at checkout.
