Episode 82: From Survival Mode to Reclaiming My Joy
Thu Feb 05 2026
After stepping away from the mic for a season, I’m sharing an honest reflection on where I’ve been and what this past year taught me about burnout, survival mode, and losing touch with the joy that originally led me here.
In this episode, I open up about a powerful wake-up call from my mom that made me realize I was doing everything required to run my business — but not enough of the things I truly love. We’ll talk about being reactive instead of proactive, the freedom that comes from asking for help, and how making space for creativity changed everything.
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the parts of your life that light you up, this episode is for you.
Keep rescuing, keep creating, and keep reimagining.
See you in the next episode. 💛
Join me weekly as I tell my story and start interviewing other creators to hear theirs as well. I hope to give you a well-rounded space for inspiration, encouragement to create, tips on trying new techniques, give you advice, and overall real talk about owning your own business. I'll be uploading a new podcast every Thursday so don't forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on your bell notifications, so you don't miss out on an episode! I hope you've enjoyed Episode 68 of my podcast and see you next week!
I’m giving YOU more ways to experience the magic of the Makers Box—and I’m launching a brand-new creative community too!
Makers Creative Community, where you’ll find:
• Monthly DIY challenges
• Live styling sessions
• Quarterly Zoom projects
• Early access...VIP perks & behind-the-scenes peeks
• A space to connect, create, and grow with fellow makers
You’ll now have three new ways to join in:
• Makers Box: Paper Lovers – for those who adore vintage-inspired decoupage & rice papers
• Makers Box: Paint Lovers – for the DIYers who live for curated paint collections
• Makers Box: Digital Press – for printable lovers who want instant access to my exclusive designs
And for those who want the FULL creative experience—the original Makers Box still delivers it all:
• 2 Exclusive Roycycled decoupage papers
• 2 Exclusive The Painted Photographer rice papers
• 2 DIY Paints
• 2 Fusion Mineral Paints
• 1 Sweet Pickins Milk Paint
• 1 specialty decoupage napkin
• 5 Exclusive printable digital downloads
All curated and coordinated with love.
No matter how you craft, there’s a perfect place
More
After stepping away from the mic for a season, I’m sharing an honest reflection on where I’ve been and what this past year taught me about burnout, survival mode, and losing touch with the joy that originally led me here. In this episode, I open up about a powerful wake-up call from my mom that made me realize I was doing everything required to run my business — but not enough of the things I truly love. We’ll talk about being reactive instead of proactive, the freedom that comes from asking for help, and how making space for creativity changed everything. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the parts of your life that light you up, this episode is for you. Keep rescuing, keep creating, and keep reimagining. See you in the next episode. 💛 Join me weekly as I tell my story and start interviewing other creators to hear theirs as well. I hope to give you a well-rounded space for inspiration, encouragement to create, tips on trying new techniques, give you advice, and overall real talk about owning your own business. I'll be uploading a new podcast every Thursday so don't forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on your bell notifications, so you don't miss out on an episode! I hope you've enjoyed Episode 68 of my podcast and see you next week! I’m giving YOU more ways to experience the magic of the Makers Box—and I’m launching a brand-new creative community too! Makers Creative Community, where you’ll find: • Monthly DIY challenges • Live styling sessions • Quarterly Zoom projects • Early access...VIP perks & behind-the-scenes peeks • A space to connect, create, and grow with fellow makers You’ll now have three new ways to join in: • Makers Box: Paper Lovers – for those who adore vintage-inspired decoupage & rice papers • Makers Box: Paint Lovers – for the DIYers who live for curated paint collections • Makers Box: Digital Press – for printable lovers who want instant access to my exclusive designs And for those who want the FULL creative experience—the original Makers Box still delivers it all: • 2 Exclusive Roycycled decoupage papers • 2 Exclusive The Painted Photographer rice papers • 2 DIY Paints • 2 Fusion Mineral Paints • 1 Sweet Pickins Milk Paint • 1 specialty decoupage napkin • 5 Exclusive printable digital downloads All curated and coordinated with love. No matter how you craft, there’s a perfect place