How I Went From Strategy Decks to Paint Strokes: A Story of Dreams, Dirt, and Doing the Thing
It all started in 2020—because of course it did.
I met my husband during that strange, cozy, stir-crazy COVID chapter when time slowed down and baking sourdough bread rose faster than our social lives. We were spending a lot of time together (like, a lot), and I found myself watching the way he showed up for work. He was genuinely happy to go. Laughing with coworkers, getting creative, being totally himself—and actually enjoying it.
Meanwhile, I had a job I didn’t hate. It paid the bills, I could work from home, and for that I was grateful. But that spark? That whole "loving what you do" thing? It wasn’t there. And once I saw it in someone else, I couldn’t unsee it. I wanted that too.
The Seed Was Planted
Around the same time, I stumbled across The Gardenary on Instagram. She shared how she took a daycare refund check and used it to launch her dream business. It stuck with me. I tucked that little seed of an idea somewhere deep, behind the spreadsheets and Teams notifications.
And then life went on.
I kept doing my thing—redoing corners of my house, hosting craft nights with friends, obsessing over my garden and DIYing everything—and my people started speaking life over me:
“You have such an eye for design.”
“You’re our garden guru.”
“You’re so creative—have you ever thought of doing this for real?”
Spoiler: I had thought about it. But the idea just felt like a cute daydream you scribble in a notebook, not something you actually chase. Ever been there?
The Climb, the Confidence, and the Kid
Years went by. I took on more responsibilities at work. And little by little, I began to trust myself. I realized I could learn anything. That if I set my mind to it and worked hard, I could become good at anything— And honestly? I’m so grateful for those years. My corporate job shaped me in powerful ways. It taught me how to lead, how to plan, how to speak up. It gave me the kind of grounded confidence that no DIYing ever could.
Then I had a child. And surprise, surprise! Everything shifted.
Suddenly, balance mattered more than titles. Time with my son felt more urgent than meetings. And I wanted him to grow up seeing something bold and true: that you can create the life you want. That you can follow your dreams, even if they start as whispers.
Enter: Mel Robbins, Manifesting, and the Leap
Around that time, I started listening to the Mel Robbins podcast. (She’s basically my life coach who doesn’t know I exist.) She said something that stopped me in my tracks: “Confidence is the willingness to try.”
She reminded me that I was the only thing keeping myself stuck. That manifesting wasn’t magic—it was just strategy, paired with action.
And I know strategy. That was literally my job! So I started manifesting the way a strategist would: I wrote it down. I said it out loud. I built a mental roadmap. And then I built an actual roadmap (30-60-90 baby!!)
And then—I saw an opportunity. It was everything I’d asked for! And I let it pass me by.
But the universe, in all its grace, brought it back. And this time, I leapt.
Now I Paint Walls and Plant Dreams for a Living
Today, I’m the founder, artist, and creative heart behind Botany & Brush. I design joyful, living spaces through hand-painted murals and intentional gardens. I get to work with my hands. I get to create beauty in people’s homes. I spend way more time with my son.
And—maybe most meaningfully—I get to feel aligned with my values, my creativity, and my life.
This isn’t the end of the dream. It’s the beginning.
And now I know: If I speak it, if I believe it, and if I work my ass off? I can build anything.
Including a life I’m wildly proud of.
✨ If you’re on the edge of your own leap—this is your sign. Say it out loud. Write it down. Try the thing.
📲 Want to follow along, or bring a little mural magic to your own space?
Come find me on Instagram or check out Botany & Brush for custom garden and mural design.