I started designing wreaths as a teenager, gifting them to friends and family for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and new homes. In 2018, after posting some designs on Facebook, a friend encouraged me to try Etsy—and that’s how Enchanted Vines began. For a few years, I balanced it with a full-time HR career, but by 2021, workshops and orders grew enough that I made it my full-time passion. My advice: if friends or family encourage you to share your craft, listen! It’s natural to feel uneasy, but holding back only suppresses the gifts you were given.

My favorite Surebonder products are the CL-800F 60W High Temp Cordless/Corded Glue Gun and the Adjustable Temperature Electric Skillet. Together with Surebonder’s high-temp glue pellets and full-size glue sticks, they cut down on glue strings and keep my designs durable for both indoor and outdoor display—all while letting creativity flow without having to start and stop like you would with other glue products.

There is inspiration all around us! I’m inspired by gardens, paintings, and especially the people I design for. Books like Flower Flash by Lewis Miller and French Blooms by Sandra Sigman push me to grow, and meeting Sandra and attending her design masterclass was a highlight. I also love the connections this work brings—teaching a virtual workshop in Australia, designing at Wreath Makers Live in Texas, and building lasting friendships with clients across the country. The hardest part is that being a creator means wearing many hats—designing is just one piece. Running a small business involves content creation, learning systems like Shopify, Etsy, and Canva, plus navigating cameras and streaming equipment. It can feel overwhelming, but I remind myself (and others) that this journey is a marathon, not a race. When you feel stuck, give yourself grace—no one has it all together all the time.

When I was asked in May 2024 about my favorite designer, I said Julie Siomacco from Southern Charm Wreaths—and she’s still one of my favorites. Over the past year, she’s become more of a mentor to me. I currently serve as the Community Manager for her Facebook Membership groups, which has allowed me to learn not only the creative side but also the business side of the industry. It’s a perfect example of the connections that can happen when you pursue your passion.

They say comparison is the thief of joy, and I’ve found that to be true. Like many creators, I’ve faced imposter syndrome—the kind that makes you look at others’ successes and suddenly question your own abilities. When that happens, I pause and remind myself that success comes in many forms.. Sometimes it’s something big, like a viral post or a week packed with orders. Other times it’s quieter but just as meaningful, like building lasting relationships with clients or finally perfecting a bow after years of trying. Success comes in many forms, and each one—whether big or small—deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas Edison. That quote resonates deeply with me. When something doesn’t go as planned, it can be disappointing, but I always try to pull a lesson from it. No one is perfect, and often the missteps are what lead to the most meaningful growth.

Success doesn’t happen overnight — for anyone. Every maker starts somewhere: a basement, a garage, the kitchen table. Don’t sell yourself short or let fear of what others may say hold you back. You’ve been given a gift, and that gift deserves to shine. Surround yourself with a community that roots for your success and lifts you up when things don’t go as planned. Try not to get overwhelmed by all the hats we wear or discouraged by the thought that the market is “saturated.” Even if there were a million makers, there’s only one you — and you are the secret sauce. Design with passion. Design with joy. And watch those emotions bloom beautifully in your creations.

I’m so excited to share what I’ve been working on all year—a step-by-step guide to starting your own wreath workshop business! It’s packed with seasonal video tutorials, coordinating wreath recipes, and detailed supply + tool lists (and yes, my trusty Surebonder high-temp glue gun is at the top of that list!). With the holidays around the corner, workshop season is buzzing, and I can’t wait to welcome new faces and share my love of teaching. I’m also looking forward to continuing with Julie as Community Manager for her membership groups, and to joining an amazing group of designers at TMI Gifts’ “Fourth Quarter Kick Off” in MI. And to top it all off—I’m honored to be named Surebonder’s Maker of the Month!  I’ve always admired how Surebonder listens to and supports the creative community, and their innovation fuels my creativity and deepens my love for a craft that brings me so much joy.