• I’ve been watching the protests & the pain as this nation cracks open & my words feel so freaking inadequate. Because they are freaking inadequate. Words without action will never create change. But words can be the building blocks of narratives and conversations and legislation and action. Losing my mom 3 weeks ago has made these last weeks brutal. But even the depths of my deepest pain cannot be compared with what communities of color are going through losing people they love to systemic violence every single day. I don’t have answers. But I do have ears. So when I’m quiet, it’s because I’m listening. Listening to BIPOC communities so I can learn the best ways to show up, hold space, and support, even if that means getting the heck out of their way. Sometimes the best way to amplify someone else’s voice is to step aside and stop shouting over them - #designedtothrivecreative #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness #quarantimes
    51 4
    I’ve been watching the protests & the pain as this nation cracks open & my words feel so freaking inadequate. Because they are freaking inadequate. Words without action will never create change. But words can be the building blocks of narratives and conversations and legislation and action. Losing my mom 3 weeks ago has made these last weeks brutal. But even the depths of my deepest pain cannot be compared with what communities of color are going through losing people they love to systemic violence every single day. I don’t have answers. But I do have ears. So when I’m quiet, it’s because I’m listening. Listening to BIPOC communities so I can learn the best ways to show up, hold space, and support, even if that means getting the heck out of their way. Sometimes the best way to amplify someone else’s voice is to step aside and stop shouting over them - #designedtothrivecreative #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness #quarantimes
  • It looks like I went strolling through a meadow in heaven and hand picked this bouquet We celebrated my Mama yesterday amid masks and tears and harp music. Eyes that held hugs, arms that held space, we gathered to tell stories of this amazing woman that loved with her whole heart and loved me right down to her last breath. God I hope she has more crowns and butterflies and gardens and hugs than she knows what to do with. Eternity is long and I can’t wait to spend it with her... cancer-free, pain-free, worry-free All week heaven’s whispered, don’t forget to look where she is, not just where she isn’t So I spent the day lost in snapping images of blooms I rearranged smiling at how much she’d love each one. Now I’m going to make a healthy dinner, (yay first box of @hungryroot), put make-up on and get ready for presenting to our local @tuesdaystogetherjax on creativity and resilience in times of crisis. Because the best way I can honor the love of both my parents is to live my life every single moment to the fullest until I get to see them again - PS... I hope you like Charlie pictures and stories because my mom used to get all of them… now I will absolutely start over sharing his cuteness on my story feed 😆 - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness #quarantimes
    33 7
    It looks like I went strolling through a meadow in heaven and hand picked this bouquet We celebrated my Mama yesterday amid masks and tears and harp music. Eyes that held hugs, arms that held space, we gathered to tell stories of this amazing woman that loved with her whole heart and loved me right down to her last breath. God I hope she has more crowns and butterflies and gardens and hugs than she knows what to do with. Eternity is long and I can’t wait to spend it with her... cancer-free, pain-free, worry-free All week heaven’s whispered, don’t forget to look where she is, not just where she isn’t So I spent the day lost in snapping images of blooms I rearranged smiling at how much she’d love each one. Now I’m going to make a healthy dinner, (yay first box of @hungryroot), put make-up on and get ready for presenting to our local @tuesdaystogetherjax on creativity and resilience in times of crisis. Because the best way I can honor the love of both my parents is to live my life every single moment to the fullest until I get to see them again - PS... I hope you like Charlie pictures and stories because my mom used to get all of them… now I will absolutely start over sharing his cuteness on my story feed 😆 - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness #quarantimes
  • After a devastating last few weeks, my mom spent Mother’s Day dying in my arms... fully passing over into eternity Monday morning. Her last words to me: well I love you more. She loved me with her dying breath. When you’re a caregiver to your mom who’s also your best friend... and your waking and rising, coming and going is completely oriented about her needs. Then in a second she is gone… Yep I am the one crying my lungs out in my car in the parking lot in between errands There just are not words. It is a pain that tears at the fabric of your soul. I have moments I ache and weep so hard it feels like my chest might burst and others it's all still surreal and still others don't know what I feel other than a big empty spot in my heart like someone ripped it out Nothing, no loss or plan or anything could have prepared me for a pain that reaches to heaven and back. It’s so deep every physical muscle hurts, I’m covered in hives, my nerves feel like they are frayed and on fire and even my scalp and hair roots burn. The one beautiful thing I could never be grateful enough for is you. You who reach out and encourage, friends who surround and family that hold me close I don’t know how I’m going to get through this season, but I will one baby step at a time. Please don’t stop reaching out. It means more than I could say in a million posts. It helps me remember I’m not alone or untethered 💔😭🥰 Swipe for photos of my gorgeous Mama, starting with her days as a pro water ballet swimmer in South FL with the stage name of Neptuna 🏊🏻‍♀️ - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness #quarantimes
    83 35
    After a devastating last few weeks, my mom spent Mother’s Day dying in my arms... fully passing over into eternity Monday morning. Her last words to me: well I love you more. She loved me with her dying breath. When you’re a caregiver to your mom who’s also your best friend... and your waking and rising, coming and going is completely oriented about her needs. Then in a second she is gone… Yep I am the one crying my lungs out in my car in the parking lot in between errands There just are not words. It is a pain that tears at the fabric of your soul. I have moments I ache and weep so hard it feels like my chest might burst and others it's all still surreal and still others don't know what I feel other than a big empty spot in my heart like someone ripped it out Nothing, no loss or plan or anything could have prepared me for a pain that reaches to heaven and back. It’s so deep every physical muscle hurts, I’m covered in hives, my nerves feel like they are frayed and on fire and even my scalp and hair roots burn. The one beautiful thing I could never be grateful enough for is you. You who reach out and encourage, friends who surround and family that hold me close I don’t know how I’m going to get through this season, but I will one baby step at a time. Please don’t stop reaching out. It means more than I could say in a million posts. It helps me remember I’m not alone or untethered 💔😭🥰 Swipe for photos of my gorgeous Mama, starting with her days as a pro water ballet swimmer in South FL with the stage name of Neptuna 🏊🏻‍♀️ - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness #quarantimes
  • First go at a self-portrait... not too shabby, eh? Happy #fridayintroductions from this corner of the #quarantimes I was completely inspired by @abbygracephoto and @madisonrshort and their stories/posts earlier this week on brand photos and self-portraiture TBH I’ve been suuuuuper reluctant to get in front of the camera. I put a ton of weight on and have been avoiding mirrors and lenses the last 2 years since the accident I have struggled with body image issues most of my life and had a full-blown ED throughout my teens/early twenties. I still don’t like the actual act of eating most of the time. Guess I’m kinda a nonfoodie- I eat because I know I have to and I’m grateful for fuel to keep me going. But food is just fuel. Unless it’s Thai Green Curry and Jasmine Rice... then Thai curry I’m looking at you >> All. Day. Long When I’m not oversharing about my weird food habit quirks 🤪, I’m a business strategist for creatives, a creativity/crisis leadership expert, and an abstract artist @poiemaabstracts OK your turn- favorite quarantine comfort food... go - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings
    51 11
    First go at a self-portrait... not too shabby, eh? Happy #fridayintroductions from this corner of the #quarantimes I was completely inspired by @abbygracephoto and @madisonrshort and their stories/posts earlier this week on brand photos and self-portraiture TBH I’ve been suuuuuper reluctant to get in front of the camera. I put a ton of weight on and have been avoiding mirrors and lenses the last 2 years since the accident I have struggled with body image issues most of my life and had a full-blown ED throughout my teens/early twenties. I still don’t like the actual act of eating most of the time. Guess I’m kinda a nonfoodie- I eat because I know I have to and I’m grateful for fuel to keep me going. But food is just fuel. Unless it’s Thai Green Curry and Jasmine Rice... then Thai curry I’m looking at you >> All. Day. Long When I’m not oversharing about my weird food habit quirks 🤪, I’m a business strategist for creatives, a creativity/crisis leadership expert, and an abstract artist @poiemaabstracts OK your turn- favorite quarantine comfort food... go - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #itsthelittlethings
  • My mama always told me that it's not just what you say, it's how you say it. I *might* have had a sassy side growing up. But the truth is how we communicate in times of crisis either builds up or breaks down the trust crucial to our credibility & ability to bounce back after that crisis passes. No small potatoes here. I learned that every day living and leading in an active conflict zone in Africa for 7 years. Winning crisis communication hits 5 Cs: Clear, Concise, Connected, Collaborative, Compassionate. CLEAR, accurate information from trustworthy sources. Focus on facts. When you don't know, tell me you don't know... & what plan you have for filling that gap. Avoid promises that cannot be immediately implemented. CONCISE formatting designed for action. Don't make me read a novel or a PhD dissertation to get to the important points I need to know. CONNECTED to how the crisis impacts different communities differently. Make sure your messaging connects with my experience, needs, concerns, situation... especially if I am in a different community, geographic or demographic reality. That means do your homework & if you aren't sure what would be perceived as disconnected messaging, ask. COLLABORATIVE, creative content that shares solutions on an accessible platform. You can share the most amazing content in the world online, but if I don't have internet access... Crises are about rising TOGETHER. COMPASSIONATE tone & heart that builds capacity & community. We get it. We're in this. We. I want to hear the WE. I need to know you are FOR me. I want to know you care, that I matter to you. So friends, what's your crisis communication strategy? Is it working? How could I help? - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness
    29 1
    My mama always told me that it's not just what you say, it's how you say it. I *might* have had a sassy side growing up. But the truth is how we communicate in times of crisis either builds up or breaks down the trust crucial to our credibility & ability to bounce back after that crisis passes. No small potatoes here. I learned that every day living and leading in an active conflict zone in Africa for 7 years. Winning crisis communication hits 5 Cs: Clear, Concise, Connected, Collaborative, Compassionate. CLEAR, accurate information from trustworthy sources. Focus on facts. When you don't know, tell me you don't know... & what plan you have for filling that gap. Avoid promises that cannot be immediately implemented. CONCISE formatting designed for action. Don't make me read a novel or a PhD dissertation to get to the important points I need to know. CONNECTED to how the crisis impacts different communities differently. Make sure your messaging connects with my experience, needs, concerns, situation... especially if I am in a different community, geographic or demographic reality. That means do your homework & if you aren't sure what would be perceived as disconnected messaging, ask. COLLABORATIVE, creative content that shares solutions on an accessible platform. You can share the most amazing content in the world online, but if I don't have internet access... Crises are about rising TOGETHER. COMPASSIONATE tone & heart that builds capacity & community. We get it. We're in this. We. I want to hear the WE. I need to know you are FOR me. I want to know you care, that I matter to you. So friends, what's your crisis communication strategy? Is it working? How could I help? - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #illustratedbusiness #dontquityourdaydream #storymatters #itsthelittlethings #crisiscommunication #crisisstrategy #smallbusiness
  • A truly safe way to go to the beach in these #quarentimes — Paint an abstract one at home 🌴🌊🏖 - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #studiosunday #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #saferathome #itsthelittlethings
    33 6
    A truly safe way to go to the beach in these #quarentimes — Paint an abstract one at home 🌴🌊🏖 - #designedtothrivecreative #courageouscreativity #purposemeetsprofit #designedtothrive #creativeatheart #creativepreneur #creativebusinessowner #risingtidesociety #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #communityovercompetition #jaxcreatives #wearethecreativeeconomy #madetomatter #tbiwarrior #thelittlevictories #dowhatyoulove #creativebusiness #studiosunday #dontquityourdaydream #withgritandgrace #storymatters #saferathome #itsthelittlethings