The Inspiration - my Mother

If you’ve ever wondered what fuels this store, the answer isn’t a "what," but a "who." It’s my mom. She is the daughter of a working-class Minnesota family, a woman whose roots are buried deep in the soil of St. Paul and the quiet landscapes of West Central Minnesota. Her life has been a masterclass in what it means to be a "fighter," a journey that has taken her across continents and through some of life’s toughest terrains.

When I was just a toddler, my mom made a leap of faith that most wouldn't dare. She moved to South America to marry her high school sweetheart. In a new world, she didn't just survive—she thrived. While raising me and my two brothers, she was the ultimate multi-tasker, often working at least two jobs at once. By day, she taught English; by night (and every spare moment in between), she was a creator.

She was the woman who could do it all:

Life shifted again in 1990, when she brought us back to the U.S. and started over—again. At an age when most people are settled, she became a full-time college student while working full-time. She did whatever it took: she sold insurance and House of Lloyd, cooked in school cafeterias and nursing homes, worked as a CNA, and took on janitorial work.

Through every job—from the casino floor to the telemarketing desk—she held onto her Art. It was her peace, her hobby, and her "second stream" of income. She proved that creativity isn't just a talent; it's a survival skill.

Recently, her life hit its most difficult hurdle yet: a diagnosis of Stage IV cancer. The treatment forced her to hit "pause" on the physical labor she’s known her whole life. But if you know my mom, you know she’s feisty. She’s a "won’t-let-anything-keep-her-down" kind of person.

Even now, as she navigates this journey, she is picking up her tools again. She’s exploring the crafting world with fresh eyes, getting ready for the upcoming Flea Market and Craft Sales season. Her hands are busy once more, and her spirit is as unbreakable as ever.

My mom is the reason I opened this Shopify store. Her life taught me that art is a bridge, work is a badge of honor, and resilience is the most beautiful thing a person can wear. Every collection here carries a piece of that "Midwest Grit" she instilled in me.

Thank you for being part of our story and for supporting a business built on the foundation of a daughter’s love for her feisty, fighting, and forever-creative mom.