I’m Back

Wow, I can't believe it's been since December 2022 since you last heard from me in this newsletter! There's a lot to catch you up on, and I'm excited to be writing to you again. So far, 2023 has been a great year, filled with peace, presence, and joy.

Grayson continues to grow, and he amazes us every single day. I can't believe he's almost 14 months old! His contagious laugh and bright, bubbly personality bring so much joy into our lives. Chad and I are also very fortunate that we can be home with him most of the time, so Grayson gets a lot of quality time with us. I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm also learning how to navigate being a mom, entrepreneur, photographer, and artist. I'm blocking out times to work on specific projects, work in the spa, and now in my brand new art studio.

 Yes, you read that correctly: my new art studio! I'm excited to share the news with you that I'm painting again and giving it my full creative energy. Throughout my life, I've taken periods of time to focus on art and creating, and those were some of the best times in my life. Having fun, playing with color, technique, and texture. Just a few years ago, before the pandemic, I went through a Bob Ross phase where I painted along with his shows creating beautiful landscapes. I've also had stages where I focused on drawing and watercolors.

 Art, as well as photography, has always been a constant thread in my life, and it wasn't until recently that I realized creating is where my passion resides. I absolutely love making beautiful things. I believe that whatever space you're in, having something beautiful to experience visually creates a sense of peace, joy, and pure happiness. This is so evident when Grayson looks upon one of my paintings. He lights up with the biggest smile and excitement and runs right over to touch it. It's like Christmas morning for him to experience one of my artworks, and that brings me so much joy and gratitude that something I created brought so much happiness.

 That's exactly what I hope to bring to the world through my art. I want to invite unbridled joy, peace, and happiness into your lives and spaces. Helping you to create the perfect space for a quiet respite, a place for you to rest and recover from the daily grind of life. I already do that for one person in my life, my son. So, if I can do that for you, then you've just made my work even more special.

Inside Studio East

I have been manifesting my desire for a space to call my own and create in for quite some time now. After a much-needed nap, it finally came to me. I remembered my friend Deboranell taking me on a tour of the AFAS building in downtown Winston Salem, where local artists can rent art studios. I immediately reached out to her, and she introduced me to Stewart, the manager of the building. From there, I was able to secure my own 120 square foot space with amazing south-facing light and unique vintage pieces that I found at a great price, including a vintage wingback chair that might be worth $1500. Chad suggested that I sell it to help fund my rent, which I think is a great idea. We will do some research on the chair and find a buyer.

 You’ll find me in the studio on Mondays, Tuesdays, and some Fridays, and I hope to have a few hours on the weekends to paint as well while Chad takes care of Grayson. I can't wait for the day when Grayson is old enough to paint alongside me. In addition to painting, I will be using the studio as my space to finish writing my book, "The Baby Skincare Book," and have created a sweet nook with my vintage chair to read and write. I still need to get a nesting table and a small lamp, which I plan to do this weekend. I will also use the studio for photography as needed, and I just photographed our concierge for The Tiny Spa, Samantha, for some updated headshots this past Tuesday.

 Once I have fully decorated the studio, I will share pictures in the next newsletter. For now, I will share some detail shots of my painting process, the gorgeous vintage chair, and a sneak peek of the painting I am currently working on. Don't forget you can access more behind the scenes of my studio, artwork, book and life with Grayson on Instagram, FB and Pinterest @theeastexperience