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Hey there! I’m Tiffany– a writer and blogger from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I just got married in June of 2021 so I’m also a newlywed and as of January 2022, a new puppy mom! These days I spend my time writing, creating, and figuring out the ins and outs of everyday married life. So much has changed for me in the past year so giving myself grace and seeking the Lord in this new sweet season he’s given me takes up most of my days.
I remember the Holy Spirit really stirring my heart and challenging me about finding out what it would take to grow a platform. I knew he was giving me words to write and share but my blog posts weren’t going anywhere. I just had this conviction that God wanted to use me but I also had work I needed to do on my end. So I dove into researching all the ways that, back in 2016, people were using to grow their Instagram platforms. Slowly, through trial and error, unflinching consistency, and continual surrender, it started to grow.
My heart beats to tell people about Jesus. My greatest hope with everything I write and share is for people to come to know God more and to place Him on the throne of their lives. I feel desperate for people to surrender their whole heart to Jesus– the only one who offers true hope, peace, joy, and love.
Thank you so much! Marriage is of course such a gift and treasure. But to be honest, so was my season and life before marriage. Lisa Bevere recently said, “Singleness is not a season of waiting. It’s a season of doing.” And I couldn’t agree more. I often encourage others waiting for their spouse with something the Lord told me long before I met my husband: “Get busy with what God’s got you busy with!”
Regardless of where you want to be in life or what it is you’re waiting for next, God isn’t waiting for that next thing in order to start using you. He has things he wants to do in you and through you now, exactly where you are! It could be as simple as learning how to read your Bible and spending time with him consistently. Whatever he’s given you to do now, do it with all your heart and get busy doing for the Kingdom what he’s calling you to do in this season.
Make the mission of your life to know God more and grow in your love for him, regardless of what may lie ahead for you. Because the truth is, no matter what it is you’re waiting for, if you’re following Jesus and walking hand-in-hand with him, you’re going to get to where you need to be and you will have what is meant for you. If you have Jesus, you have all you could ever need, want, or hope for in this life.
You only press past the hard seasons by wholeheartedly going through them, one day at a time. Despite the moments I masked and numbed my pain, I finally had to let reality hit me smack in the face. I sat with my feelings and let them overwhelm me. I journaled and wrote out every thought, every angry cry, every desperate plea. I brought my feelings to the Lord in prayer, even super messy prayer, and I laid them at his feet.
It was only by being honest with myself and with the Lord that I was able to come through on the other side. It sucks to hear this when you’re in the middle of the deepest grief and all you want is to magically be lifted out of it. But this is what I find so beautiful about God! He doesn’t keep us from feeling the pangs of death and the whips of defeat. What he does is so much better– he hides us under the shadow of his wings (Ps 17:8) as he lovingly guides us through the valley of death and despair.
It truly brings me to tears to think of a God who would let us fall to our knees in agony because he knows that’s where we’ll find him. And in finding him, we discover true life, true love, true sacrifice, and the meaning of the cross. That is the God I want to fall more in love with and serve with my whole heart for my whole life.
Matthew 7:7-7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
If you will seek him, you will find him. Don’t seek God just to get what you want out of life. God isn’t a fairy godmother with a magic wand. He is King, Savior, and Lord. If you seek him, be prepared to give him more than what you bargained for. Be prepared to throw your life before him in surrender. Tim Keller said it best, “Jesus may ask of you far more than you planned to give, but He can give to you infinitely more than you dared ask or think.”
What is the life verse or words you live by?
Matthew 6:33- “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
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Fast Five
But whether you lived through the 1918 Flu Pandemic or COVID-19, there is no denying that it will always be difficult to distance yourself from loved ones for the health and overall wellbeing of others.There is one clear reason, among others, for why this is such a challenging thing for us to do: we, as human beings, need human contact to live. Isolating ourselves doesn’t feel natural because prolonged isolation is not natural or healthy for our human psyche and physical health. Think back to when it was first announced that the world was going on lockdown: how did you initially feel? Shared experiences like these can bring people together, but it is the feeling of being able to truly relate to another individual that gives you a sense of comfort. As we begin a new year full of its own unique events; it's important that we engage in open conversations about it with others so that we, in turn, don't feel as lonely.
So how can finding peace in being "alone" become your superpower? It all begins by challenging your perception of what being alone is. I grew up as an introverted only child far from my extended family members. My cousins were all nearly ten years older than me, and none grew up in a predominantly white community. I often felt alone in my circumstances and struggled to find ways to connect to the people around me. College was the turning point for me: I made the decision to move from Seattle to Los Angeles with no prior established connections or relationships and it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself at that age.
I found little ways to thrive in the moments I was alone. For example, I would spend my Saturday mornings at my neighbourhood farmer's market to grab some healthy fruits, veggies, and juices to get me through the following week. I took it as a rare opportunity to spend quality time with myself while surrounding myself with the the high energy buzz that the farmer's market provided. However, it should be noted that I did not attend the event for the first couple of weeks I lived in the apartment as I was scared of being judged for being alone. After finally forcing myself to attend in late September, a thought popped into my mind that completely shifted my perspective: What's so bad about being alone? Why are we so quick to equate loneliness to being alone?
For me, those lazy Saturdays spent at the farmer's market are represent my independence as a college student. I cared enough about my wellbeing to dedicate that time to learning about and purchasing the fresh foods that made up most of my diet. There will always be moments in your life that you find yourself wishing you could share with another, but acknowledge the moments that you feel content with having a moment or an experience that is yours and yours alone. Those are the memories that you return to as a way of reconnecting to yourself. Challenge yourself to make a point of romanticizing them!
Alone doesn't need to mean lonely. We were created to have happy and healthy relationships with the individuals in our lives. When you do find yourself alone (whether you define that as being single around Valentine's Day or spending a Friday night in) see it as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself. Trust in your glorious purpose: you were put on this Earth for a reason so don't undervalue spending time with just yourself! One of my favorite scriptures I tend to refer to when I'm feeling a little lonelier than usual is Matthew 28:20: "And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." We are never truly alone, are we?
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Christmas isn’t just about the first couple of chapters in Luke. Often at Christmastime, the focus is on the cute baby in the manger. However, it’s important to remember the reason why Christ came at all! By reading an entire gospel, you’ll be able to feel a greater sense of the weight of the birth of the Messiah. Not only did the entire world need such a figure, God became a man for your sake. That is something beautiful to rejoice in always.
Give Back
The commercialism of the holidays is exhausting. You might feel the pressure of wanting to please your children, spouse, parents, or close friends through gift-giving. One way to ground yourself from all the chaos is to focus on those in need. This allows you to take a step back and see more clearly how blessed you are. This can also help weed out greed and excess spending. In light of others who have less, splurging on additional gifts might not have the same sparkle that it used to. Additionally, giving back to a charity or helping out at a local organization can be an opportunity to share the true meaning of Christmas–Jesus gave his life as a free gift for you and me.
Enjoy a Church Service
Many churches have special Christmas services. Whether it’s a nativity, sing-a-long, or a candlelight service, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. This is not only a great way to have family time, but it’s also an easy way to invite unbelievers to church. Many individuals are open to coming to a Christmas-themed service and may even feel gratitude for the invite. The holidays can be a hard and lonely time of year. Maybe you’re feeling the sorrow of losing a loved one or being apart from family. Going to a church service with others can help bring comfort and focus on the beauty of Jesus and his power to heal our wounds.
Spend Time with Jesus
Whether it’s going on a walk while listening to worship music or spending quiet time in prayer, talking to Jesus daily is a wonderful way to keep your heart centered on the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the One who can truly ground your heart during the hustle of the season. Allow yourself to carve out some time to spend with the Lord. You’ll notice a difference.
Christmas has been commercialized and used for selfish reasons, but that doesn’t mean your holiday season has to be tarnished. By being intentional with your time, you can avoid these pitfalls and remain centered on the true meaning of Christmas.
Photo Credits: Sanetra Longno
My name is Sanetra Longno and I'm an Afro-Latina based in Austin, Texas who enjoys capturing true beauty through my lens and gathering people together. I'm a local Photographer, Video Producer, Model/Actress, and I also own a sustainable brand called Unravel Co. Unravel Co. is focused on sustaining traditional craftsmanship and supporting the next generations to come. A few things that keep me going in life are prayer throughout the day, bouldering, longboarding, cycling, exploring new places, reading a good book, spending time with family and friends, watching Korean Dramas, listening to mystery podcasts, and walking along the beach. Trust me, this list can go on. Aside from all that, I also love spoiling my cat babies and my house plants thriving around our home with my husband.
I honestly didn't realize photography was something I had an interest in until I took it as a prerequisite in college. At the time, my professor encouraged me to continue pursuing the art field, but I was studying for a fashion degree and modeling. I placed it on the shelf until I met my now-husband. He noticed my skills and motivated me by gifting me a camera since I constantly used his. I haven't stopped ever since. At first, it was just a hobby. I would reach out to businesses and my friends to take pictures. It wasn't until recently when my photography career has exceeded more than I could ever imagine.
Now that I can look back and see the work God has done since Covid-19 began, I'm very grateful how He showed me an interest I never knew I had. Fashion photography had my heart, but family portraits were highly demanded during the pandemic. That's when I realized, "Oh my goodness this is it!" Photographing mothers and their children is a new journey I've bestowed upon. A journey He revealed to me and is now becoming a book I started working on at the beginning of 2021. I had prayed asking God to reveal to me what this book would be about because I had no idea until I did one photoshoot of my friend and her young daughter. It was so magical!
My photography style is lively, colorful, natural with boldness that provokes an emotion from within — a feeling of realness and comfort. I try to avoid capturing forced posing and rely more on natural movement and candid moments. I've learned to give one direct action at a time and allow the talent or subject to freely flow into the action and go from there.
The things that inspire me the most are nature, locations I pass by, testimonies, and music. All of these things develop visuals in my head unknowingly and I jot them down or put together a Pinterest board to go back to when I'm stuck.
Yes, a mother and daughter series. I don't necessarily have a name for it yet, but it's a photo series documenting the definition of love through the innate connection between a mother and their children. I started in February of 2021 and plan to photograph families for the next year and a half before publishing my first book. We're hoping to start a crowdfunding campaign later this year to get everyone in the know. The idea rooted from having trouble finding beautifully aesthetic images of brown families on Pinterest. I was also encouraged by a good friend of mine, Ruvarashe, who didn't have an interest in purchasing books she couldn't relate to, so that's when I knew I have to do this. You can follow along on my Instagrams and soon, the campaign.
Thank you for that. I get my boldness from my family, most definitely. Also, I'm an open book and my faith is one of the things I freely share. What we live can be a stepping stone for another. My relationship with the Lord began in my mid-20's after leaving a toxic relationship and marrying myself and our Father for a change. I met my husband sometime after.
Being an entrepreneur has really strengthened my faith in many ways because work isn't promised like a 9-5 job. You have to rely on Him knowing things are going to come. A daily test of faith with the expectations that he'll provide all of our needs as we continue to sow and nurture the seeds. Also, the creative industries can be really dark most of the time, so I try my best to be the light for those who can't see what he sees.
Also, you don't want to embark on the journey of life alone. Build a community that uplifts and supports you. It's the only way: "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and had no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecc 4:9-12
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Phil 4:13 My favorite.
First Steps
Before purchasing your devotional journal, take some time to decide what you want from the experience of journaling. For example, is it better to better understand the workings of God in your life and strengthen your trust in him? Could it be to practice gratitude and mindfulness in response to your present worries? Identifying what you’d like to gain from devotional journaling allows you to set your intentions and apply them in a meaningful way. Be honest with yourself about what you need to become the best version of yourself. To truly grow, one must first acknowledge the areas where there needs to be growth.
Timing is Everything
Be intentional with your time! Dedicate a few minutes to reflection and meditation: tapping into yourself, the prompts on the page, and the word. Find comfort in the silence and know that the only communication that needs to take place in these moments is that which exists between you and God. The world around you may not slow down (and you cannot will it to do so), but by spending time on your own to journal, your productivity belongs to no one else. Whether you decide to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea or a bench at your favorite park, make that space yours while you journal.
The Process
Now that you’ve chosen the place and time turn your attention to the journaling process. Because every devotional journal requires something different from you, there’s no “right” way to do it. However, there are ways to ensure that it becomes a healthy habit to incorporate into your life. First, give yourself grace - don’t put too much pressure on yourself to grow! Second, be sure to set goals for yourself that are realistic, attainable, and beneficial. Lastly, avoid the urge to compare yourself to the faith journey of others. Focusing on the growth of others can both serve as an inspiration, and on the flip slide, encourage self-depreciation. Personal development takes time and experience, all of which intentional devotional journaling will allow you to do.
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The Gracemade team has compiled some of our favorite journals (devotional and everyday) and practices to share with you!
Jasmine: First Five App
"The First Five app encourages its reader to spend the first five minutes of the day in the word. Every month is a different book of the bible, it gives you a few verses to read, a devotional, a prayer and challenge. I also love that it notifies me to read every morning."
Ciara: Jesus Calling
"It's relatable, intimate, and somehow always speaks to the current situation."
Bailey: The Five Minute Journal
"It makes journaling easy! It has prompts, and goals you can set for yourself."
Gilberto: Reading & Meditation
Gilberto has no devotional journal that he reads but likes to read a chapter out of proverbs and psalms each day and meditate on that. He uses a Bible with commentary for a deeper devotion.
Happy Journaling!
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"The combination of carefully selected fabrics, hand-sewn pieces, and cultural musings inspire women everywhere to wear a bold print, take command of a room, laugh a little too loud, and pursue their greatest aspirations."
In 2014, Fanm Djanm began as a collection of eight head wraps designed by founder and creative direction Paola Mathè in Austin, TX. Today, Fanm Djanm is a black woman-owned, sustainable, and handmade headwrap collection and lifestyle brand that focuses on community. Each unique piece uses fabrics and dyes from various African countries, supporting local entrepreneurs and international wholesalers. The brand also abides by a zero-waste policy: all materials are recycled. Pictured above is the Fiore headwrap: it's lightweight, luxurious, and versatile (a.k.a. the perfect gift for anyone looking to add a timeless accessory to their wardrobe).
"We care about the past, present, and future. Through Redoux, we want to keep you in touch with what's important, so we craft our products for and around experiences that we all share in common -- excitement, stillness, love, growth."
Redoux was founded by two friends, Asia and Alejandro, with a shared passion for euphoric scents and vegan skincare. Their cruelty-free products are crafted around shared experiences and embodied by unique scents. "Scent is a powerful catalyst. It can be infused to add a new dimension to make an unforgettable experience," they write on their website. "It can be composed to create unique moments. And it can perpetually be harnessed to evoke emotions." Our personal favorite: the 529 Trio that includes the Turmeric Botanical Bar, Borage Ginseng Active Serum, and the Moringa Mallow Energy Balm.
"Our jewelry is both presented in both bold accent and modern simplicity and expresses one's individual characters through our designs. In addition, the beauty of upcycled jewelry is shown with a meaningful message that discarded materials can be a treasure to redefine modern luxury."
CLED (standing for Conscious Lifestyle Earth Friendly & Ethical Design) is an upcycled jewelry line founded in 2018 by designer Seulye Jo. According to their website, CLED was "inspired by using discarded resources and repurposing them into new treasured objects to reduce our environmental impact without ever sacrificing quality or design." Our top pick for a CLED holiday gift is the Avens Earrings made of hand-from Eco Gem (a material formed from discarded glass bottles).
"Every step, big or small, is still a step towards a better future for us, mother nature, and our community.
Founder En Tsao began Even Keel after moving from Singapore to New York in 2013 to study design. Keel's products are entirely ethical and sustainable, with studio practices that include no animal products, artificial coloring, artificial fragrances, or filler ingredients. In addition, 5% of the company’s annual profits go to The Rainforest Foundation to help protect the environmental rights of indigenous and traditional peoples living in our world's rainforests. Even Keel also donates to the Brooklyn Bail Fund, Spooner House, Umbrella, Chips, and the Prudence Crandell Center. For your favorite traveler that loves their botanicals; check out the Expedition Soap Set: a collection of six of their most popular soap cubes.
"From supporting ethical employment in a rural community in Malawi, to offsetting our carbon emissions through low-impact production and sustainable packaging, we aim to empower both people and planet through thoughtfully made jewelry."
Founded in 2018 by duo Maddy and Kyle, Yewo (pronounced 'yay-whoa' meaning 'thank you'), is a sustainable jewelry brand and social enterprise based in the mountains of Northern Malawi. Their breathtaking pieces are manufactured exclusively at their solar-powered workshop in Manchewe village. Yewo's team is trained on-site; with health care, nutritious meals, and savings, and so much more provided to them allowing for consistent employment and reliable resources. With their renewable manufacturing processes, plastic-free packaging, "consciously" sourced materials, and reforestation efforts, Yewo has also made a name for themselves as a well-known sustainable brand. We’ve chosen the Sina Earrings, meaning ‘to pinch’ in Tumboka, as our favorites for this holiday season. They are made from the most gorgeous recycled brass!
"We are an independent, self-funded, woman-owned and operated company. We believe that sustainability not only means addressing the long-term impact on our ecosystem but that we must also make products that meet the demands of everyday life."
Founder Lesley Thornton created KLUR with a vision to "cultivate a brand that reflected the values of clean, ethical, and inclusive beauty." KLUR is an independent, woman-owned, and operated, company that is also eco-inclusive and sustainable. All products are also vegan: containing no animal by-product in their formulas. In addition, they do not use any parabens, sulfates, fillers, synthetic fragrances, or artificial dyes. We have picked the Gentle Matter Daily Moisture Cleanser as our favorite KLUR product! It’s a non-foaming, refreshing gel that is gentle on the skin.
"After witnessing the dramatic impact of UnoEth's partnership and investment with artisans and small businesses in Ethiopia, the duo made it their mission to keep duplicating their business model across the globe, one artisan at a time."
UnoEth is a father-daughter brand that draws upon the unique talents of artisans from Addis Ababa to create their craft handmade leather bags and accessories. The founders, Dagne and Xiomara, were inspired by their international travels and have partnered with leather artisans and cotton weavers in Ethiopia and jewelry makers in Tanzania. The name, UnoEth, is a portmanteau of the Spanish word for one ‘uno’ and their Ethiopian identity (a nod to Xiomara’s Puerto Rican and Ethiopian heritage). Our favorite find is the Hanna Leather Tote in Walnut: it's both fashion-forward and perfect for tucking away all your daily essentials.
"Our approach to wellness goes beyond the mug—its roots are in our sourcing, where ethical, transparent supply chains are our foundation. Its branches are in food justice, ensuring part of our revenue goes to supporting more equitable food systems."
Based in California, Clevr Blends is a women-led, mission-driven brand headed by Hanna Mendoza. All Clevr Blends products are made from farm-grown, non-GMO ingredients and packaged in plastic-free and recyclable shipping materials. Additionally, 1% of the brand’s monthly revenue is donated to food justice in partnership with El Centro Santa Barbara: an organization working towards establishing a more equitable food system. Clevr Blends is also involved with The Somos Semillas Garden Project, which, according to Clevr Blends’ website, is dedicated to “shifting our relationship to food and the environment, and to promote a healthier, more resilient community.” Our top pick? The Matcha Supperlatte with reishi, ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and probiotics.
"Each Gracemade piece is designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, using ethical standards with the utmost respect for people, our local community, and our environment. In addition to producing locally, we aim to impact lives through our commitment to give back: with every Gracemade purchase, we donate a portion of the proceeds to charity."
And then there's us! Here are a few of the most beloved pieces that we believe will make the most special gifts for your loved ones. Our Dwell Modal Jumpsuit is sustainable, soft, versatile, and comfortable without compromising your holiday style. Likewise, the Organic Cotton Sweatshirts are the perfect cozy must-have for your winter wardrobe.
There you have it - the perfect Gift Guide for the Holiday Season. We hope that this post is helpful and that it provided inspiration to explore new mission-based brands that make a difference.
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Photos by Jeffrey Wohlgemuth
Can you introduce yourself - tell us more about you and your family.
Hi! I’m Cándida and I live in Venice, CA with my husband Jeffrey and our 10 month old daughter Vélo. We also have a cat named Topo (yup, after Topo Chico). My husband and I met when a mutual friend set us up on a blind date! After a year and a half of dating we got married, moved to SF for three years and have been living in Venice the last four years. We tried for over a year to have a baby, then found out I was pregnant in February of 2020, right before the world changed.
How did you and Jeffrey come up with your daughter’s name, Vélo Aura?
I love talking about her name! We had certain criteria that we wanted: you had to be able to pronounce it in Spanish, English, and German, and it had to have a meaning we loved (names are so prophetic). I also wanted it to be unique. My mother’s middle name is Violeta and Jeffrey’s mother’s maiden name is Loewen, so we put those two together to come up with Vélo. We looked it up, and it means beautiful, thoughtful and intelligent, so that was perfect! It far exceeded all our criteria and I am so thankful that her name honors both our moms. Aura was my grandmother’s first name as well as my mom’s first name, which means glowing light.What is it like being a first-time mother? How has Vélo changed you?
I feel so much closer to my own mother in a way I haven’t before. My mother and I have always been very close, but now having a daughter of my own changes everything. I feel so bad for any time I ever got mad at her when I was younger (sorry, Mami!) now that I know all it takes to be a mom myself. Vélo is also really working on my selfishness. I’m a work in progress but I just want to live the life she will be proud of.
How do you juggle motherhood, being a wife, and your career?
It is a juggle for real. Now that Vélo is 10 months old, we have more of a rhythm with feeding and nap times, which makes life so much easier. My husband and I both work from home and share the load if I have a meeting or need to meet with a client and vice versa. I’m still trying to figure out how to manage it all, but it’s truly through God’s grace and guidance that it’s happening.
Can you tell us more about your creative studio and the story of how your career worked its way there?
Long story short, WHLF studio is the culmination of my creative passions. My career has not been linear at all with ups and downs, but it’s the way God has led my life and I am thankful for it. I doubled in Chemistry and Biology (PreMed) in college, and worked as an 8th grade science teacher when I graduated. From there I worked for my dream company, Airbnb in recruiting and social media. Then I ventured into self-employment working as a photographer, art and creative director with some of the best clients, and in that world found myself wanting to design spaces. Working for myself and deciding what projects to take on has allowed me the freedom and opportunity to work on several creative outlets, hone my skills in what I’m most passionate about, and build something alongside my husband.
Let's talk about your beautiful home— is it one of your personal projects? What was your inspiration when designing this space?
We bought our little slice of Venice, CA four years ago. The moment we stepped into the 1940's bungalow we felt so much peace. God did such a miracle with the purchase. When it came to renovating and designing the home, I wanted it to feel organic, minimal and open. I was inspired by different materials you find in Mediterranean homes like plaster and wood as well as the feeling you get when walking through an olive grove.
What influences your personal style?
When it comes to fashion it’s definitely other people! I get so much inspiration from different people I follow on IG or anyone I see walking on Abbot Kinney. I usually wear things that are more loose fitting, which is perfect now that I am breastfeeding. Button ups and loose shirts are my jam right now. My sister and I have always been into style with some pretty hilarious outfits through the ages, but I feel like the two of us helped each other to have more confidence in what we chose to wear.
We admire how open you are about your faith. Could you tell us more about your faith and how it's influenced you?
My relationship with Jesus is everything. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21). This is a constant theme in my life as I feel as though I am always looking for what’s next—striving for something I don’t have. I have so many plans and ideas, but I’ve learned time and time again that not only are God’s ways higher than mine but He truly gives immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. It’s not my way or in my timing but His way and His timing and it’s always so much better.
What piece of advice would you give new moms who are juggling motherhood and pursuing God’s purpose in life?
I haven’t figured out the juggle at all. I’m still in the thick of it and I pray for all the new moms that are in it now as well. I feel like Vélo even at 10 months has changed so much each day that I want to take time to pause and enjoy who she is in this moment, and take the desires of what I want to do in this world one day at a time. We’re in this together!
What creative projects have you worked on, or are currently working on that you'd like to share with us?
There are some exciting projects launching soon on WHLF studio (@whlfstudio) so keep an eye out...
What is your life verse or words you live by?
I have a few! Perhaps one that is a constant would be Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight. I have to remind myself of this daily. There are so many dreams I have, things I want to do, goals I want to accomplish but in the end I need to trust in what the Lord wants and has planned for my life because it is His purpose that actually prevails (meaning of prevail — prove more powerful than opposing forces; be victorious).
Nearly 3 years after she was initially diagnosed, I learned my mom had been hiding her diagnosis: metastatic stage 4 breast cancer. Why was it kept a secret for so long? The short answer would be that I have a selfless mother who didn’t want her loved ones to worry. Over time, we noticed changes in her lifestyle and appearance that caused us to worry anyway - a diet that consisted of an avocado as the only meal for the day, a cabinet full of holistic medicine, and dramatic weight loss, only to be consistently turned away and told that there was nothing to worry about. Not only were we worried of a pandemic that we were still trying to navigate, we were now also worried about my mom’s new-but-not-new diagnosis. I thought a disease this extreme could never touch my family because we were covered by God’s grace. But it did and it left me in a place of darkness.
I shared my moments of “Why is this happening to me?” “Why can’t this happen to me instead of my mom?” “How could you choose the most important person to me?” “What did we do to deserve this?” I’ve asked it all until there were no questions left to ask. My faith in God was tested and I could feel myself withdrawing from my faith. I wanted to scream at the Lord for forsaking my family. I reevaluated my covenant in Him because I was so hurt that my mom was slipping away and He was going to let it happen. I was so discouraged because I saw my mom’s health deteriorate in front of my eyes. She was hospitalized 4 times in the span of two months with each admission lasting a couple weeks, couldn’t walk and had to be pushed around in a wheelchair, accumulated fluid in her lungs and had to be hooked up to an oxygen tank at all times, needed to be escorted to the bathroom, required help in the shower, had no appetite, etc. My heart was breaking at every thought of how quickly she became helpless.
I lost all hope. But then one day… I got on my knees and I prayed. I prayed harder than I’ve ever had in my life. My voice was shaking, my body was trembling, my tears were uncontrollably running down my face, but I poured my heart into prayer hoping that the Lord was listening. If there was anyone that was going to save my mom, it was going to be God. He is the only one who grants miracles and I couldn't believe I was allowing myself to turn away from her only Healer. I begged God for forgiveness and made a promise to always have steadfast, unwavering faith in Him even in times of despair.
Sometimes, I still can’t believe I serve such a merciful God. I was so focused on blaming someone for this disease that I was blinded by His blessings along the way. I soon came to realize that He had been working in her even when I was drifting away from Him. The timing of the pandemic aligned perfectly because it kept me at home where I could spend more time with my mother and take care of her as she’s always done with me. Everything works in His timing and I couldn’t be more grateful. All the time spent at home gave us time to bond more deeply and gave me the opportunity to share God’s word with her every night at the dinner table. Since all church services transitioned to online, it allowed us to watch service together every Sunday morning which we wouldn’t have done otherwise because my mom is Catholic and I’m Christian. God was working in the both of us, simultaneously. Undeniably, it’s the most profound experience.
As we continued to commit ourselves to Him, Jesus did the same. My mom’s quarterly CT scans started coming back with more improvements each time - enough to take her off chemo. She can walk on her own, only uses her oxygen tank while she’s asleep, and very recently started taking her own showers. If there’s anything I’ve learned in this crisis, it is that God fulfills his promises and His love for us is indestructible.
It’s the biggest blessing that she is still with us today, and to God be all the glory.
Easter is a powerful message of mercy and grace. Jesus endured terrible suffering in order for me to have life. This is such a beautiful, unspeakable exchange. He paid the ultimate price and is worthy of all my praise. Even before this all happened, my faith was in need of a revival. Although this wasn’t the revival I was seeking, He led me to His firm foundation. Not only was my hope renewing, but so was my faith. In Him, I am transformed.
Jesus is my living hope, and through Him and only Him, my hope has been renewed.
]]>So often it can feel like the men get all the spotlight and clout in the Bible, but the Good Book has its share of incredible women as well! These women are strong, dignified, and brave, and most importantly, they display an unwavering trust in God. This trust gave them the strength to overcome obstacles, defeat their enemies, and even rule kingdoms. In honor of International Women’s Day this month, let’s glean some encouragement from the lives of 3 of the most inspiring women of the Bible.
Hannah passionately prayed for years for God to give her a child. In ancient Jewish society, it was a great shame to be childless. And, to make the situation worse, Hannah was made fun of for not being able to bear children. Can you imagine the pain she must have felt?
Finally, God answered her prayer and she gave birth to a son, Samuel. Hannah told her husband that she intended to dedicate Samuel to the service of the Lord and that as soon as he was weaned, he would live away from home and learn how to serve God faithfully in the temple.
On the surface this may not seem like a big deal, but can you imagine giving up a child you spent years praying for? Hannah knew that Samuel didn’t belong to her but was a gift from God. She was so grateful to God for his goodness to her, that she wanted to give something precious back to him. She also knew that the safest place for her son to be was in the center of God’s will, and she trusted that God would use his life in miraculous ways. Talk about faith!
Deborah was a great prophetess and ruler in ancient Israel. The Bible tells us that all the people of Israel came to her if they had a dispute so she could make judgments on their behalf. They trusted that God was with her and would help her make wise decisions.
During her time as ruler, the Canaanites were mercilessly attacking and persecuting the people of Israel. Deborah rode with her army and generals to the field of battle where God delivered the Canaanites into the hands of the Israelites. How incredibly brave!
It’s rare to see women ruling in ancient times, so it’s extra inspiring to see one reigning so wisely and even bravely riding to battle with her soldiers! Sometimes I wonder if some of the great women rulers of history like Joan of Arc and Queen Elizabeth I found their inspiration in the courageous deeds of Deborah.
When I think of the quintessential Biblical heroine, I can’t help but think of Esther. Through her courage and bravery, she saved her people from total annihilation, and she put her own life on the line to do it.
Esther was a poor, Jewish girl who was chosen from among all the women in her kingdom to marry King Xerxes, the ruler of the Medo-Persian empire. Through her position, she discovered that one of the king's right-hand men was planning on killing all of the Jews because of a grudge he was holding against Esther’s uncle.
Esther knew that she was the only thing standing in the way of the Jews and complete destruction. She bravely confronted King Xerxes and pleaded with him to spare her the lives of people. That may not seem like much, but in that time, if you sought an audience with the king without being invited, there was a good chance you would be put to death!)
Esther was filled with courage because she knew God was with her and had allowed her to become queen specifically for this moment. In turn, God filled Xerxes’ heart with compassion, and he immediately put a stop to the plan to destroy the Jews.
Conclusion:
As women, we may feel like God doesn’t have any big, exciting plans for our lives, but these stories show that is absolutely not the case! We may never rule a kingdom or save an entire nation from destruction, but the influence we have in our families, workplaces, communities, and churches cannot be underestimated. As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, may you be inspired to walk in faith like Hannah, fight your battles like Abigail, and stand up for those who have no voice like Esther! As the saying goes: “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world!”
]]>Photos by Zilah Drahn
Can you introduce yourself - tell us more about who you are, where you’re from, and what you do?
My name is Makenzi Koyen, I’m originally from Seattle, WA and have been working as an actor and in the fashion industry in both New York and LA for the last 6 years. I read and write a lot, love coffee, good films, music, thrifting, am always hungry and run almost every day! I’m currently pursuing my Masters in Theology, writing a weekly devotional called Abide, and leading a bi-weekly women’s group. I also recently started a new business called Make Home, a service helping others create space for what they most value.
How did you end up in Seminary? Was this always the plan?
Seminary was definitely not always the plan haha. I was not raised in a Christian home, so I find it equally funny and puzzling I ended up pursuing ministry at all. God called me into ministry before I even really knew what it meant. I remember being in a church service and while watching the pastor preach, I heard an inaudible voice, as if the Lord dropped it into my spirit, that said, ‘That’s going to be you.’ I laughed in response. I couldn’t possibly imagine a world where God would entrust me to share His word. However, it is profoundly true, if you delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart. As my intimacy grew with the Lord, so did my hunger for His word. I began sharing consistently through social media and eventually applied to seminary in order to learn more.
While this was not the way I saw everything coming together, I can see how God has been preparing me for this and shaping me into a minister of His word—where acting has instilled within me a deep empathy for the human experience, where struggle has produced perseverance and trust—all to walk alongside believers, equip them in their biblical knowledge and empower them in their discipleship to Jesus. God often breaks our “dreams” in order to realize the greater plans he has for us, and I’m excited to expand on the possibilities of where He is leading me.
What inspired you to start sharing weekly devotionals?
It’s funny because 2 years ago I felt the Lord leading me to come back to LA. I was in New York at the time with no plans on leaving, but there was a stir in my spirit I couldn’t ignore. Assuming this chapter would open doors left and right, turned out to be a season to shut them.
Solitude met me at the door. Loneliness. Mundane, ordinary days, sitting, waiting, pleading with the Lord why He had led me here. In the quiet, I began to let go and let God unravel the grip of control I spent many years wrapping around my life. He was teaching me how to listen, how to be with Him in the restlessness, and truly depend on him for everything. I felt like I was experiencing what it meant to “abide,”(Jn 15:5) and thus, Abide was born. I began to write out of this space and knew I wanted to share it. It was originally only going to be 7 days, but when Covid happened I felt an invitation to continue encouraging others to seek His presence in this time of unrest.
What are your hopes for Abide?
My hope is that Abide serves as a reminder to get to know God! To seek him in prayer, worship, and Scripture. I hope people learn more about the Bible and become excited to grow in their discipleship to Jesus.
How do you find the courage to be bold about your faith in a culture increasingly hostile towards Christianity?
It’s easier said than done, and while I can still fall into the trap of comparison and seeking validation, I know my identity, strength, and confidence are found in Christ alone. My reputation is secure because my name is written in heaven. Therefore, I am not ashamed of the cross because no one could ever do what Jesus did for me. My relationship with Jesus is real. He is the best part about my life. Before Christ I was barely breathing—drowning myself in broken wells, rooted in lust, control and shame, but his love set me free.
There’s a powerful shift that happens in ones heart when they come to understand their desperate need for a savior. Jesus opened my eyes to see sin for what it really was and he saved me from myself. In my willingness to understand the meaning of the cross, to embrace the cross, even that which may offend, and boast in nothing but the cross, I find the courage to follow Christ obediently and share the gospel boldly because it’s true! It’s wildly true. And the more I study and grow in my knowledge of Him the more sure of it I become.
Christianity brings everything into focus for me. In the words of St. Paul — “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.” (Acts 20:24)
As you evolve, has your personal style evolved too?
The word intentional is coming to mind. I’ve noticed a greater sense of comfort and contentment in my personal style. Less is always more for me, though it’s fun to spice it up from time to time. I definitely value quality over quantity and am more interested in discovering what I actually like versus keeping up with trends.
What’s the first thing you do every morning to start your day on the right foot?
I begin the day early, in quiet solitude, with no technology. I drink a bottle of water first thing, make coffee and rest in God’s presence. I usually move into praying the psalms, my bible reading for the day, and end with a personalized prayer.
What advice would you give someone seeking purpose, and desiring a relationship with God?
Keep it simple. Stay consistent. Find community. C.S Lewis says it better, but if you want a relationship with God, you have to go where God is and intentionally place yourself in His presence. God isn’t pushy, so like any human relationship, going deeper requires investment of time and energy and we have to take the initiative to move closer. As we draw nearer to God, I believe we will find no matter the context we’re in, whether working or unemployed, in a relationship or single, our primary purpose is to know God, cherish Him above all else and demonstrate His likeness to the world.
What is your life verse or words you live by?
“make it your ambition to lead a quiet life..” 1 Thessalonians 4:11 — reminds me to stay in my lane, steward wisely, live peaceably with others and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.
Although I was raised in the church, I had lived an experience that seemed to feel like I was watching God move from the other side of the window. This experience: the discrepancy between what I have come to hear that God can do, and what I had actually seen God do (or say no to doing) caused certain questions to bubble up in my faith. The kind of questions that obedient believers are not supposed to ask about our beliefs. Questions like: “If God is a healer, why didn’t he heal my mother from ALS? If God is a protector, why did he allow another believer to molest me at 8 years old? And if God is a restorer, why did it take my mother’s passing to end years of domestic violence in my home? And lastly, if God so loved the world, how can we as the American Church put so much emphasis on an abundant life in material wealth, when there are third world countries that praise Him with so much less?”
Thirty-eight years of devastation, grief, and disappointment created doubt, and I began to realize the system of beliefs that I had grown to learn was no longer enough. At this point, I was no longer interested in the Jesus that I was told about, but the authentic relationship with Him that I could experience. This pursuit for the truth at the expense of realizing the fallacy in what I had come to know felt like another loss, another ending. What I had come to learn that year actually became the opposite: it became the beginning.
So, what exactly is the process of deconstruction?
For me, trauma and the responsibility of the constant pursuit in receiving my healing was not an experience that I asked for. But it was the cards that I was given. So as an adult, I strived to make the trauma count by redefining it into purpose. It became everything I did, my identity, my label, my career. Couple that with the fact that we as the church have not mastered mental and behavioral health or trauma in our congregational communities, and we have a recipe for hurt and doubt and an unhealthy relationship with faith. What is paved with good intentions of encouraging words “to not be anxious”, “to smile and remember what God has done” actually created more harm emotionally as I never felt heard or seen. It supported the performance of being fine, of being a leader, and being strong. However, this wasn’t truth. And it wasn’t God. I was not my story and the things that happened to me beyond my control. I was not built to remain strong at the expense of my mental and emotional health. I was however, created to be a daughter of the most High God. And I needed time to process events that happened. Because I was not fine, in fact my relationship with disappointment left me suicidal. And this time, Jesus and I needed a real talk. So, in April of 2019 I demanded it. I asked God with everything left in me to show me if He was real for myself. I was specific. I told Him that I didn’t want to hear it from another Pastor, another text from friends, another Instagram inspirational meme. If we had relationship and He was real, I needed Him to speak to me and show me. As His child, as my Father. And if He didn’t, I was ready to leave the faith completely.
Image via FlowLine
At the time, I thought that was where I was farthest from God. Who was I to give God an ultimatum and be prepared to turn my back completely if He didn’t come through? However, in hindsight, I believe that was the very moment I was closest to Him. In that moment I surrendered my preconceived notions of Him. In that moment I released everything that I was taught. And in that moment, I turned my heart and ear to accept no other voice but His. And He met me there.
Shortly after, my process in transition moved significantly for the best. He placed me in a new job among believers at a Faith Based University. This position allowed the opportunity to meet a coworker that would soon relentlessly pursue me to visit her church when I was over church. In saying yes, I was introduced to a church home that serves with the heart of the Father. Ironically, I now teach there.
He then started ministering to me as a person. He started revealing to me my root issues and healed every single area. Low self-esteem was replaced with a confidence that can only come by the Father. He began to show me how He sees me. And I love every bit of her.
I honestly believe my process of deconstructing these values impressed onto me and surrendering to the process of reconciliation was where truth really was found.
Fear is one of the major things that keeps people from starting the process of deconstruction. Fear of the unknown. Fear of rejection by your community for doubting. However, doubt is not the opposite of Faith; Apathy is.
I am reminded of the interaction between Thomas and Jesus in John 20: 24-27. In this passage, Jesus appeared to the disciples after the Resurrection. One particular disciple, Thomas, doubted that this man was in fact, Jesus. Moreover, Thomas stated: “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” In that moment, Jesus responded in a way that we often do not as believers: He did not condemn Thomas. Instead, Jesus responded to his doubt by presenting His hands and His body and inviting Thomas to believe again.
During my initial deconstruction, I quickly realized that Jesus was not afraid of my questions or my doubts because it was the genuine seeking of Him that He responded to. However, although much like Thomas, my place of doubt is where HE met me and responded, He was not going to leave me to stay there. This is where the next phase began: Reconstruction.
My reconstruction was the process of building me back up from scratch; a blank slate. This place of surrender was a shedding of old theologies and a journey in learning the value of sitting in the presence of the Holy Spirit. He began to speak to me in my dreams again. I knew peace again. And he added balance where things were unbalanced. Everything that I thought I lost, I never needed and everything I gained and continue to gain was exactly what was designed for me: reminders throughout the day that He loves me and sees me, reconciliation of relationships, and peace beyond all understanding. I began moving toward reconciliation with my one true love, my Father and healing for every wound in my life.
In this transition to reconciliation, nothing has been the same. I went through a process of unlearning and relearning who Christ is in my life. Although deconstruction of my faith was never intended to be my full journey, it was a necessary step in my spiritual one. The very questions and doubts that I had been fighting for so long, ended up being a beautiful invitation from the Holy Spirit to draw closer and to trust Him in this journey that He set for me. As long as we cling to Him, we are never off path. And we can be encouraged every step of the way.
Be encouraged,
Raaya
]]>Can you introduce yourself - tell us more about you and your family.
Hi, I’m Savannah! My husband, Carman, and I have been married for 4 years. We met and married in California and just moved to Texas last year, right before welcoming our sweet Miles into the world. It’s been a year of change for us - career, states, climate (we miss LA’s perfect weather!), and pace. I’m currently staying at home and focusing on Miles and being a mama and posting about our life, home/renovations on Instagram + occasionally blogging.. but before Miles I was (am) an actress and my husband was a musician.
What is it like being a mother? How has Miles changed you?
it’s all-encompassing; having your heart on the outside, coo-ing and looking at you, and crawling around. I didn’t know I could love someone this much! it’s incredibly fulfilling and equally exhausting sometimes.
I think when you have a baby you realize how selfish you once were with your time. He’s teaching me the importance of slowing down and being present because time seems faster watching him grow.
Tell us about your career trajectory. How has your professional life has taken shape since becoming a mother?
I’ve been a model/actress since I was 2. It all sort of naturally progressed and I moved to Los Angeles from Texas to continue pursuing and working as an actress on various tv shows and movies. I found out I was pregnant almost exactly a year after wrapping up a tv show (for Youtube Red) that didn’t end up getting picked up for another season - God’s timing and plan really is incredible. That part of my professional life has taken a bit of a backseat since becoming a mother, but I still feel the need to create and that’s opening up some other potential endeavors that I’m excited to explore during this season!
How do you juggle motherhood, being a wife, and your career?
Honestly, it’s hard and I’m not always great at it! But I’d say learning to be gentle with myself and my expectations has helped me in the balancing act. Knowing that there’s no way to ‘do it all’ and trying to focus on whatever task is at hand. I try to remind myself that everything is a season and it goes by quickly so to enjoy the hard/messy/juggling of it all. and asking for help when you need it (which I’m also not great at!)
Is motherhood what you thought it would be? What have been some of the more surprising parts of motherhood for you?
It’s the best thing I’ve ever done - it’s such a gift and it’s so magical to watch this little life blossom before your eyes. He blows me away every day. It really is everything and more, and part of that includes it being harder than I thought it would be! This stuff ain’t easy! Even though everyone is quick to tell you how hard it is - you sort of learn what your version of hard is - and everyone’s hard thing is different. I always say it’s the easiest and the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
I’m surprised at how fast they grow and change! one minute he’s a coo-ing immobile squish and two days later he’s crawling and pulling up on everything. But I think the biggest surprise is how long the days / how short the years are. Also that there’s no such thing as ‘me time’ anymore - which takes some getting used to!
Has your style changed since becoming a mom?
Yes-ish? But not a ton. There’s a whole section of my closet that's on hold while I breastfeed and I have less time to pick out an outfit - so I wear whatever is more convenient. No more dry-clean-only fabrics! My go-to uniform remains pretty much the same: vintage Levis and a top I can pull up or down or unbutton to nurse in. Although I did just tell Carman that I want to start wearing more dresses, so we’ll see!
I’ve always tried to be thoughtful about what I invest in and what fabrics I wear, but I feel like I’m even more conscious of that now. Investing in things that won't go out of style, that will last forever / withstand wear, and not a lot of synthetic fabrics - I can’t stand the feel of it and he’s usually on me in some way or another so I’m all about breathable fabrics.
Have you inherited anything from your mom that you treasure?
I always joke that if our house goes up in flames, I’m grabbing my mom’s vintage cotton sweater from Greece that I inherited (by way of borrowing and never returning years and years ago). My dad bought it for her on a business trip while she was pregnant with me and it’s one of my most treasured things.
Do you have anything special that you plan to pass down to Miles one day?
I don’t have anything specific at this point. Carman has a beautiful vintage guitar (among others) that I’m sure he’ll inherit. My mom also bought me an engraved bracelet when I was a child that I still have and I think I’d like to continue that tradition, but we’ll see!
What’s the first thing you do every morning to start your day on the right foot?
I wish I were more of a morning person, but with sleep being priceless these days, Miles and I stay in bed as long as possible until he is awake and trying to crawl off the bed. Once we’re up, the first thing we do is open all the windows and let as much sunshine in as possible and thank the Lord for another day - we pray out loud by thanking Him for everything we can see out our huge window (the sun, trees, grass, birds, squirrels, etc).
What piece of encouragement and/or advice would you share with new moms?
‘There’s no way to be a perfect mom, but a million ways to be a good one.’ Have grace for yourself, laugh at yourself, trust your mama instinct, and then surrender surrender surrender and pray without ceasing.
What are some words you live by?
Quality over quantity.
(and I’d be remiss if I didn’t say ‘Let go and let God’ which is what my dad has said my whole life and truly are words I live by)
We put together the ultimate chill playlist that covers all the bases. Whether you want to vibe out in the car, or just have good background music to keep you focused - we got you! Get listening below.
1. Press past fear.
I am so annoyed with myself because of all the times during this journey that I've allowed fear to hold me back. Honestly, if I could kick myself for it, I would. I allowed my insecurities to deceive me.
I was fearful to say I didn't know what I was doing and ask for help.
I was fearful to confront business contractors who treated me unfairly.
I was fearful to ask for what I wanted because I felt my brand was unworthy of it.
I was fearful of how people perceived the brand.
All of this was a parallel of how I was in my personal life, and something God really had to work out in me.
I'm so grateful to say that I finally made the decision to press into fear and to do the very things that make me uncomfortable. The more I do them the more confident and bold I become. But, let me be clear, this confidence is not rooted in self, but the confidence that comes from knowing that I serve a powerful God that promises to never leave me - not even in the messy places.
2. Take the risk.This was such a simple concept but totally revolutionized my mindset. I realized that, for so long, I had been playing it safe. I manufactured just enough inventory, I didn't want to try anything new, and I hadn't invested enough in this business that I valued so much. Without taking risks or trying new things you will stay in the same space of comfortability and never grow. This is a key principle in life and business.
3. Look for God in everything.
I believe that God inspired this business 100%. It's actually the thing that keeps me going the most - seeing His hand and favor on everything. To be honest, this journey hasn't always looked how I imagined it would. When I started Gracemade, I pictured a quick growth. I pictured that, by year 3, we would be in an amazing office with a team of staff members and the sales would be in the 7 figures. But that hasn't exactly been our reality. Despite the fact that things look differently than I thought, I still see God's provision in a way that inspires me to keep going. I've seen testimonies of rededication in Christ. I've seen God open doors that no human could open or shut. And, most of all, I've see God's unmerited favor in everything we do.
The Lord is far more concerned from an eternal perspective than any worldly definition of success and I'm here for it.
As we enter into this new year, I am hopeful and expectant for God to show up in ways that we've never seen and to continue to blow our minds with His goodness. I want to thank each and every one of you who have followed our journey and have rooted for us since day one. I honestly could not continue to do this without the love and support of all of you and I'm so grateful for our tribe. Here's to another 3+ years.
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Photos by Elizabeth Brumley
Haley, tell us a little more about you and your family.
We dreamt of all the things we could stock and that led to me getting ahead of myself and drawing up some kids tees which eventually became Archer the Label. It snowballed from there and turned into something I didn’t even think was possible, but it’s been SO much fun in the process. I’ve learned so much and grown waaaaay out of my comfort zone in the best ways.
In addition to that, we just finished building our first ever mobile coffee cart, Archer Coffee, which will be available for events and popup’s around town which we are insanely excited about! Its so fun to watch ‘what-ifs’ become reality and my husband has AMAZED me with his ability to just make things happen. Such a cool thing to watch transpire.
How do you juggle being a wife, mom, and business owner?The best piece of advise that was given to me was this: wherever you are, be fully there. If you’re working, be focused. Work hard. Get as much done as you can. Don’t spend the time worrying about your kids. And when you’re momming, be present. Don’t check your email. Get on the ground and really play. When it's date night, it’s date night! Don’t talk about the baby, don’t gab about work so much, and really try hard to connect and be fully there.
When you give everything in your life its due time, you don’t have to spend all day every day feeling guilty for where you’re not- because you can only do so much. Now, I’m not a pro, but this helped me. Cause mom-guilt is real and feeling inadequate is real and sometimes we all just need to take a breath and say, “I'm doing the best I can and thats ok.”
What is the best part about being a mom?
Such a hard question! It’s not just one thing, it's everything all at once. It has this way of slowing you down, enough to actually enjoy the moments. The days are long but the years are so short. It’s having a hard day where you yelled a bit more than you wanted to, maybe even had to hide in the pantry to cry a little, but then you get to snuggle up next to that little chicken that you love so much it hurts. It’s seeing them light up at the sight of planes and trains, and it’s teaching them how to talk to Jesus. It is by far the greatest privilege I will ever have the honor of being tasked with.
How has your style changed since becoming a mom?
Comfy always wins, and if the neckline can be stretched past my chest for easy “num num” access it’s a WIN. Haha. I am more drawn to looser fitting styles than I was before and I think just overall my style has become more neutral and basic, making it easier to just throw together a simple outfit versus obsessing over what to wear and what matches and what will “stand out”. I think at this point in my life, I just genuinely don’t have time to worry about what is “trendy” anymore so simple and classic is my go-to.
What piece of encouragement and/or advice would you share with new moms?
There is a special grace that comes with it. There will be good days and there will be bad days. There will be days you feel like you were MADE to be a mom and there will be days where you swear, you love your child but you just don’t like them (lol), and that’s ok. Don’t do anything out of fear- remember that the spirit of fear is not from God and anything that isn’t from Him, you don’t have to keep. Embrace the process. Learn in the process. Listen for God’s voice through the process.
What’s the first thing you do every morning to start your day on the right foot?
I am not much of a morning person, so I’m ashamed to say I’m not as disciplined when it comes to my morning routine as I wish I was. However, I usually wake up to my husband making me a flat white with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, and then if I’m lucky enough to have 20-30 minutes before Archie wakes up, I spend time with Jesus. Worship on, bible open, and a journal to just write it all out. More often than not, this time is sprinkled throughout the day when I have a few moments to myself, but I heard a pastor once say, “when you wake up, just say ‘good morning Jesus’ and that’s guaranteed to initiate a conversation between the two of you throughout the day”. Love that, and I do it everyday!
To see more from Haley, follow her on Instagram
+ Shop Archer The Label | archerthelabel.co
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I didn't want to do life alone anymore, or be that girl who only hangs out with her boyfriend. It was like God had put this new desire in my heart for meaningful Christ-centered relationships with other women. But often times I felt like I didn't quite fit the mold of the typical Christian girl. I didn't have all the Christian lingo down, or know all the scriptures - and it felt as if everyone was already assigned to a friend group.
Being very familiar with what it felt like to be alone I decided to pursue anybody I saw sitting by themselves. I didn't want anyone to feel the same loneliness I felt, and thought that this would be a great way to form new friendships. I also joined a few ministries at my church and pushed my self to get involved in any way I could.
It's been 5 years since then and I'm so grateful to say that through those years I have built life-long friendships with the most incredible humans. We've laughed together, cried together, prayed together, and broken bread together. I've seen the spirit of Jesus through their encouraging words, transparent hearts, and inspiring lives.
To have a group of strong women holding you up and doing life alongside you is a gift that everyone should, and needs to have. We are living in a time where anxiety and depression are on the rise, and we are more isolated than ever. We all need a seat at a table, and some of us need to start that table. Don't wait for someone to invite you to be a part of a community, start the community. Be your true authentic self, and people will be drawn to you. The Bible tells us we reap what we sow, so if you want to reap good friends, start by being one.
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Please note that there are a few recipes that may call for ingredients that are not Daniel Fast friendly such as cheese, chicken broth, and certain sweeteners. Make sure to either skip these ingredients or replace it with an appropriate alternative. For example, vegetable broth can be used as an alternative to chicken broth. Enjoy!
(use corn or gluten-free almond flour/cassava flour tortillas)
In January 2019 I will be leaving for Thailand to be a missionary counselor with an organization called Life Impact International. Life Impact has been able to save 145 children affected by trafficking, and currently there is no mental health or counseling assistance for those children. As I am sure one can imagine, there are multiple trauma cases and other mental health issues that need to be addressed because of this horrific injustice of innocent children, not to mention training of the staff and adoptive parents on how to address the needs of these children in the most therapeutic manner. To understand a little bit more about why I decided to do this let me give you some background information about me.
From an early age I was shy and timid. I was told by my parents that I did not talk until I was about three years old and then not in public until I was about four and a half to five years old. I was always a spectator of other’s lives and afraid to engage. Some called it perfectionism, but I think the root of the perfectionism was fear, even at such a young age, of not being enough if I did not speak perfectly. My guess is I wondered if I even had anything worth saying. I learned to be hidden and watch life from the sidelines, to live my life without being noticed. I learned to only depend on myself emotionally and to not open myself up to anyone.
Yet, despite living my life this way I unknowingly yearned for more, something deeper. I wanted a life filled with adventure and vulnerability. I also wanted to help others live a life of vulnerability and to be at their highest potential. I desired others and myself to have emotional freedom, however, had no idea how to access this.
Even though I had no idea how to access what I desired, I continued to move towards this passion. Before I knew being a therapist was my exact purpose and the call God placed on my life, I was a compelled to major in psychology, and then to eventually go to graduate school to be a licensed marriage and family therapist. I was scared to go to graduate school and assert that I wanted to be a therapist, but I could not deny the pull from God. There were many times I wanted to give up or was distracted by well meaning people who told me to take a more “safe” or “conventional” career path but in the end, God assisted with closing doors for the career paths that were not right for me and He opened doors for the path of becoming a counselor.
In 2011 I began to put my purpose to the test and began practicing as a trainee therapist for a non-profit counseling agency. For the first couple of years it felt like the blind leading the blind. I was afraid, insecure, and constantly questioning my abilities but despite all that, I did not give up. I did not give up partly because I was a people-pleasing-perfectionist that could not have “giving up” on her track record. More importantly, I could not give up because of God’s grace and confirmation in many ways along my journey that I was helping others and I was right where I needed to be.
The next couple of years from 2012-2013 the pressure of “adulting” had arrived. I felt such a heavy responsibility as a mental health provider who was working with a low socioeconomic population, in the middle of a prostitute and drug infested area of San Bernardino. I was dealing with crises such as threats of suicide and homicide, child protective reports/cases etc. This was weighing heavy on me. I was also going through multiple personal trials and I was slowly burning out and panicking about whether I was going to be able to function with the pressure I felt. This all lead me to seek my own therapy; I had come to the end of myself and my limitations.
Although I had brief therapy before with a couple of people due to life transitions, this time in therapy was different. Not only because I was desperate for help but also because I found a therapist that was the perfect fit for the awakening I needed. She helped me to see how avoidant of my emotions I truly was and that my life was anchored in fear of being known. I was ashamed to be alive and just to be me. I realized that although God had always been with me and I did have support and love from family, friends, and colleagues around me, I did not fully know how to let others in.
As I worked on me, I started to feel less stress and pressure at work to be anyone but myself. I was not anxious on nearly the level I was before, and I became closer to God because I wanted to be transparent and vulnerable with Him as my source. I accepted Christ at a young age and had a personal relationship with God yet, there was always an aspect of hiding that blocked me from fully surrendering and trusting Him with my life. I wanted to surrender so badly but did not know how to do so without fear I would be rejected or not be in control. Overall, after a couple of years in therapy I felt freer in my mental, emotional, and spiritual life than I ever have before. Although I have had setbacks as a therapist and personally still over the years, I see it as a challenge to grow and to respond positively. I pray, worship, read my Bible and talk through the issues with my therapist, family or friends.
Now, you may be asking yourself right now “What does all of this have to do with you moving to Thailand”? Answer. It has everything to do with it. My journey up until last year has led me to Thailand. My journey of healing from shame is what these children need. Being trafficked for sexual and labor purposes brings shame. Although I do not know what it feels like to be trafficked, I know the emotion of shame all too well. When I decided to go on a 10-day mission trip with my church there last year I felt such a strong calling to be a part of what the organization was doing. I knew God was doing something miraculous in this trip. Not only was I going to be able to serve and assist in the healing of the children in trafficking, but he was going to allow me to grow in ways I could not even imagine.
I knew my life was going to change, as I was preparing for the trip, I just did not know exactly how until I started speaking with Lana Vasquez, the founder of Life Impact, about the need and how I might be able to come back and help. I was pretty sure I was going to come back long-term. God had been preparing me mentally and emotionally for that trip and what it would mean the entire year before I left. After Lana invited me back, I did not make any commitments but rather, told her I would let her know how much time I could donate to the organization, even though I felt deep down after speaking to her that I would be committing to long term.
Initially, it was too scary to come right out and say. Yet, as I prayed about it on the plane ride back home to the states the next day, I distinctly heard God’s voice say as I asked him how long I should commit to going back that I would be there for as long as He said I would be, so in other words long-term. I was filled with tears because of what God said that day.
Currently there are some questions, doubts, and nerves however, I believe God will fulfill all His promises he made that day on the plane when I believed I was called. I am reminded by God that He has already gone before me (Deuteronomy 31:8). All I must do now is believe and take steps of faith. God told me He was going to teach me how to really trust in Him in this journey to Thailand. I am learning how to be more dependent on Him than I ever have been.
I am learning how to be transparent and share what he is doing in me. I am learning to raise financial support and ask humbly for people to partner with me. When I sit and think about the ways I have been and will continue to be transformed I am overwhelmed beyond words. I know this call is not for me but for God’s glory, to bring healing and love to children that truly need it. I can not wait for this journey to continue in Thailand!
Most recently, I came back from my campus Christian organizations’ leaders retreat where they went over how to lead our committee and how to essentially be a leader and role model figure. It was my first time ever being in a leadership role, as well as going to a retreat that was designed specifically for leaders.
During our retreat, each committee had what was titled “committee time” where all of the respective leaders of that specific ministry from all campuses came together to talk and bounce ideas off of each other. But for small groups, we had a different experience that was filled with mini seminars all covering the topic of mental health.
For me personally, I always thought that mental health and the Christian faith was always a hush hush topic specifically for my community, but the more and more I talk about this topic with other people, the more I am coming to realize that maybe this topic is just not so prevalent within everyone’s’ conversations regarding faith and the Christian life which saddens me.
I realized that by listening to these seminars that were led by 3 different women who were either professionals in the field for mental health, had experience and still are battling specific mental health issues, or are studying mental health topics at school - mental health is not talked about period! There aren’t many conversations that I necessarily overhear at church where two people are intentionally speaking and conversing about what mental health is and means in the Christian life and I think there is something missing from that part of the puzzle.
I think as believers we are sometimes wired to think that because we do have an everlasting hope and rest in God there’s this disconnect between actually seeking therapy and counseling versus surrendering all your burdens to God. And I think I fall into the category of having this closed off mindset towards mental health coming into the retreat, but I now know that this perspective isn’t necessarily right or the only way I should be thinking of mental health in regards to this topic. So here are 4 things that I learned from my retreat.
Most of this seminar was pulled from Safe People by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, but I realized that we as believers should strive to be safe people and supporters of people in our lives going through and handling mental illnesses. Three basic characteristics that were outlined in what constitutes a safe person were consistency, reliability, and availability. The one that stuck out the most to me was consistency, especially because I think as a society we lack so much in this aspect. I’ve come to realize how self centered a person I am, therefore even though my intentions of really wanting to care and love a person is there, I realized that my love isn’t as deep as it should be through my lack of consistency in the after care portion of my actions, and I’ve realized that this is something that I need to work and build upon. Being a safe person also includes having empathy as well as actively listening to the other person sharing and being vulnerable with you.
Through hearing the women share about their own personal testimonies with mental health, and even having personal conversations with a peer about our own experiences with mental health, I’ve realized that at the end of the day, we just want to be heard and genuinely heard which means 1. Not making it about yourself and 2. Not speaking or replying with “christianese” i.e. “God has a plan for you” “There’s a purpose for this”. I think with listening also comes this opportunity to not necessarily look at their problems or struggles, but to really look at the person for who they are, and listening to their story from their perspective and where they are coming from. I really believe that listening is one of the highest ways one can really love another person and show that they genuinely care.
Tying in with point number 3, but sometimes, it’s okay to say nothing and be still and stay silent! After all, sometimes sharing silence may be the peace and rest a person might need after sharing and pouring out their stresses, and instead of trying to think of the perfect “preachy” encouragement you might have, being still and sharing that precious air of silence may be even more powerful than what you had to say.
]]>“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” Psalm 34:18
In Honor of National Coffee Day (September 29th), we've curated a list of 10 ethical and sustainable coffee shops located near our coffee obsessed hometown of Los Angeles.
One of the most side swept, and many times undiscussed about topic is sustainability in the coffee industry, and because we pride and align our brand with being as transparent as possible with our manufacturing process and being an ethical brand, we figured why not create a list of coffee shops that either practice ethical standards or collaborate with other organizations to donate a portion of their profits to better the environment and our world.
Just as much as we enjoyed creating this list of sustainable yet still aesthetically pleasing coffee shops, we hope you guys find some time today to give yourselves a little caffeine boost or a treat at some of these places, while still feeling good knowing that you are supporting an ethical and clean brand.
Photo by Groundworks Coffee Co.
Sustainably sourced from across the globe.
2670 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014
swellcoffeeco.com
I'll tackle and reflect on the latter before I go on to the first. But why fashion? This was a question even Jasmine had me answer especially because I am in no way studying or have any education background regarding fashion, but to me, I even had to ponder that question myself.
Fashion is everywhere. Fashion is political. Fashion is cultural. Fashion is personal. To say that it infiltrates so many areas and facets of our lives is an understatement because it seems that our culture even more so today loves to place its’ stamp on what fashion entails. To me, when I heard the phrase "fashion industry", I thought of the Devil wears Prada, Vogue, doing the same thing over and over again, and being just another intern. Mind you, these were all just imaginations of what I had seen in media about how the fashion industry was being portrayed. But I was definitely wary of wanting to commit but I am proud and excited to share that not only were my initial impressions completely wrong, but actually, what interning at Gracemade has taught me has exceeded these boundaries my mind was so set on in regards to the fashion industry.
Now to address the first question, why Gracemade? Well, that was easy for me. The first thing that explicitly caught my attention was that it was a faith based clothing brand that was unashamed in being bold in their declaration of faith. And also- the fact that every step, every process, and every marketing tactic was very intentional in the way it was handled.
Being an incoming college senior, I've graciously had the time to meet up with other people working in the creative industry, and although many are thankful to be where they are at, often times these discussions were comprised of a tense imbalance between being of this world while still being faithful as a believer. And often times, I would leave these conversations discouraged hearing how difficult it was for my friends to be faithful stewards even in their workplaces and for that to eventually spiral into their church life as well.
Gracemade to me meant that it was an opportunity where real life could clash with faith in a way where each of them could coexist by being in a symbiotic relationship with each other and that to me mattered the most because as a believer, I loved the idea that I was able to do real life “adulting” while knowing that what I was doing would always be to glorify God at the end of the day.
As my time with Gracemade is ending, I've had the privilege to reflect and really look back on these past 2 months to see what I've gained from doing this internship, and if I may, I do have a few things I'd love to share.
1. Fashion can be fun!
It may have been my drama obsessed and Netflix loving side speaking and coming out, but all my life, whenever I heard the phrase fashion and intern together, I shuddered at the thought of even trying something out like that, but here I am, at age 21, going into senior year, and finishing this summer with my first ever fashion internship and if I would, I'd recommend it to everyone. I've realized that fashion isn't just what is presented in the media, but instead, there are so many little responsibilities and components that make up a brand that is not just simply focused on the clothes! There is a role for everyone and everyones' different talents and skills. And it can actually be seriously fun!
2. Ownership is key.
I think this can be a word and a thing that anyone in the work place has dealt with and has had to learn but this being my first more organized internship that I’ve taken up, I really learned that because you applied to do a part in the role that you are assigned, you should strive to be the best that you can and try to learn the most in that area in order to execute and take ownership of the work that you are doing. I’ve been helping out with the PR/Marketing side for Gracemade which included doing various tasks, but all in all, I had to learn that whatever I am doing for this company, I have a responsibility to be confident and take ownership of everything that is being produced by me through this experience.
3. Social Media is weird.
I wrestled with which adjective I wanted to use describing social media but I couldn’t think of another lovelier or prettier way to put it other than just “weird”. But to expand on this, doing work regarding PR for Gracemade meant being attune to the social media side of the brand which mainly meant Instagram for me. But at times, I think I wrestled with the question of is this a genuine and organic way of reaching an audience by liking a few photos and dropping a comment versus Instagram proving to be an effective platform to reach out to people. And I think I am a believer in both sides of the argument. There is a rather disconnected component in forming relationships through social media, but I think Gracemade really strives to always be intentional even through reaching out through this platform while acknowledging that there is a proven effect that shows a growth as well. For me personally, I think handling the social part was a great way for me to reevaluate how I view social media and make sure that it wasn’t something that was becoming a distraction between me and my relationship with God. I recently finished going through the book Recapturing the Wonder by Mike Cosper and it was about how we all live in this seemingly “disenchanted world” where we don’t see God as spiritual anymore due to the things on this earth capturing our definition of what we call beauty and beautiful and one recurring example he used was social media. He explained how social media is an example of an unhealthy discipline that we’ve all adopted that has replaced our definition of wonders in place of the wonders of our faith. And I completely resonated with that- I’m such a victim of waking up and immediately scrolling through Instagram stories and in awe of what my peers have been up to when I know that that time could easily have been used more intentionally and spent with God instead. If anything, I’ve learned to appreciate the fact that social media really is not everything, and does not need to be a top priority in my life, and that I should do my best to find a balanced and healthy relationship with social media.
Morgan Faith Suarez is the woman behind Letters To Ever, a candid lifestyle blog on fashion, faith, and family life ...
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The Restore collection didn’t start off as a clever way to name pieces from past seasons that would be brought back to life. Restore was something God was doing in me at the start of the year.
2017 was a hectic year for me. I found myself becoming so enveloped in running Gracemade, being involved in ministry, and the distractions of every day life. I was drained, spiritually depleted, and burnt out from all of my efforts of trying to do things in my own strength.
So at the beginning of the year I decided to fast with the intention of breaking the chains that were holding me back from the intimacy I so desired and needed to have with the Lord. I spent 30 days restricting myself from certain foods, seeking God’s will through His word, and praying constantly.
Coming out of this fast I felt refreshed and restored. I received so much confirmation from the Lord, and I finally felt like me and Jesus were back to being bffs - even though He never left in the first place.
Simultaneously, while I was being restored in my personal life, we noticed a pattern of request for the restoration of certain Gracemade pieces, specifically the Shalom Jumpsuit and Ruth Wrap Dress - our best selling cut and sew pieces. That’s when we decided that instead of developing a full new range, we would introduce fewer fresh pieces, and bring back the pieces that performed well in the past, and make them better - kind of like what God did for me.
In addition to the revamped Ruth Wrap Dress and Shalom Jumpsuit, we’ve added The Joy Button-down dress, and The Rise Short - whose names are inspired by the fruit that is a result of being a woman restored.
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In today's culture we are bombarded with messages that try to redefine who we are as women, but the truth of our identity remains the same as it was spoken in creation.
We were created in the image of God. Created to reflect His beauty, His grace, His power, His authority, His strength, His love. We are chosen daughters of the most high, called for such a time as this. Stand boldly in your identity, stand boldly in truth.
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The design inspiration for this collection was birth from a mission trip to Haiti. During our strategic village time, we would visit people in the community and share the love of Jesus. What stuck out to me the most were the women we met in the villages. They were dealing with hardships you wouldn't believe, but despite their affliction, they exuded such strength and fierce femininity. This really spoke to me about how God created women so dynamically. We have the ability to be soft, nurturing, and gentle - yet by grace, so strong and able to endure and overcome anything that comes our way.
We wanted to play off of this juxtaposition by combining feminine details with masculine cuts, like menswear inspired pants to symbolize strength, paired with a waist tie to show the contrast.
One of my personal favorites from this season is the Abigail Jumpsuit, which was crafted from our best selling Shalom Jumpsuit from SS17. The Shalom did so well that we wanted to recreate something similar that you could take into Autumn/Winter. The vibrant vermillion color way is symbolic of that boldness and power that we have through Christ.
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My hope for this season is that women would be empowered by discovering their true identity in Christ, and walk in the wholeness He died for us to have. And one last thing - would you join me in praying for our brothers and sisters facing extreme poverty like the woman pictured above? That despite their present circumstances, God will always be their source of strength and wholeness.
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Photos by Shelby Robinson
Can you introduce yourself - tell us more about who you are, where you’re from, and what do you do?
I’m Gabi! I’m a follower of Jesus. I’m a creative. I’m a passionate human. While I’m originally from Detroit, MI, I currently live in Ann Arbor as I pursue my BBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. I’m only 25% finished with my degree, haha, because I’m in my sophomore year of college.
What inspired you to start a business?
I’ve been entrepreneurial and invested in natural beauty & wellness, honestly, since I can remember. I dabbled with handmade lip balms here and there growing up, cherishing the entire design process and learning from the many mistakes I made. The passion has always been there, but it wasn’t until a year ago where my life put me in the position to make that my art. It was born out of a rough time for me and it has allowed me to connect to God in a new way. I am confident that MONTA is only working because it’s not just a business for me: from the beginning, it has been an incredibly personal expression of my relationship with God and my longing for nature. It literally is my diary, just in an unexpected language. Take our Canoe Beach aromatherapy rollerball, for example: I was baptized on that beach and the aroma aims to mimic the surrounding nature and feelings of warm community. It’s more than a scent; it’s a part of my journey.
Tell us the story behind MONTA
A little over a year ago, I was trail-running downhill when I tripped over a root and sustained a sprain and bone bruising. A few ligament and tendon complications would soon follow. Before this, I had only ever injured a finger as a child on the playground. Activity and athleticism has always brought me joy, but that root put a stop to it. This was my very first week of college, I lived a mile from classes and I was barely able to walk. Two weeks prior, I was baptized on a beach surrounded by a vast forest of pine. It didn’t make sense. Immediately after a spiritual peak, I was in a season of suffering?
The doctors suggested a healing time of 6 weeks. They were wrong; it’s been 56 and I know I still have many more to go. This injury brought me more emotional and spiritual pain than physical; It was hard to find community in a new city when I was so crushed by my circumstances. I lost God. I missed being in nature and I missed hiking. I had no idea when I’d be able to return to the canyons I was craving, so one day in my dorm, I brought them to me through MONTA. Each product I share is named after a place I hold dear to my heart. The colors, the ingredients, and the aromas are all created to embody the feeling of that precious landscape. The logo is actually a tattoo of mine, its design pointing to my journey with Jesus. MONTA is firmly rooted in my faith. I see God’s hand in the nature that inspires me and grow in appreciation for how creative He truly is each time I am challenged to tell a story through a scent.
What message do you want MONTA to send?
There are two ideas I really want MONTA to convey. First, with this work, I want to encourage people to slow down and take a moment to bask in the beauty of this world. Scent has been a really valuable tool for myself and others around me to find peace in chaos. From our scents to our designs, it’s clear that we want our customers to feel serene. More importantly, though, I really want to glorify God with this business. I hope that when others enjoy my art, they see God’s hand in creativity, His hand in nature, and His hand in life.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs/creatives?
When it comes to dreams, I’m always one to encourage just going for it. It’s cliche and business is a little more complex than ‘just going for it’, but I’m serious. There is really never an ideal time to take this leap, so to quote Shia LeBeouf, just do it. I started this company from my dorm room my freshman year of undergrad; my parents discouraged me from doing this. I couldn’t wait, though. This is what I’m meant to be doing - being creative, glorifying God with my designs. So if you are deeply passionate about something (that is key! if you’re in it for just money, it won’t fulfill you), go for it. Utilize the powerful tool that is social media. Stay rooted in the brand experience you want to curate and just keep going. My sister jokes that I’ll take on 80 hours a week to avoid the normal 40 in a classic job. Only one of those feels like work, though.
Name a woman that inspires you.
Wow, this is so hard because being in this community of faith-driven creatives, there are people who inspire me all around. There are a few people I’ve been able to meet through MONTA that push me to grow with their very existence. Madeline Metcalf, a photographer, Vanessa Schmidt, co-owner of That Girl Trip, and Anna Woodman, also the co-owner of That Girl Trip are a few ladies I’ve connected with that I’m grateful to know. They glorify Jesus in their creative pursuits; that’s my ultimate goal. In my personal life, I find a lot of inspiration in my dear friend Maddie. She credits everything to Jesus and is a real reflection of pure satisfaction in the Lord. I want to become more like these ladies. I’m working on it.
Words you live by
Be still and know that I am God. I really need to grow into this verse. It hints at the trust we need to have in the Lord through it all and that’s something I’m working on: falling into the arms of Jesus and letting my fear go, trusting in something greater. I don’t think I’ll ever stop needing to grow in that.
See the full album here!
]]>(Pictured, left to right) Arielle Estoria and Sarah Wallick
Can you introduce yourself - tell us more about who you are, where you’re from, and what you do?
A: Well, hello! My name is Arielle Estoria (Leda Wilburn). I am a daughter of two powerhouse parents, oldest sibling of four amazing people I get to call brother and sisters. I was born and raised in Northern California but chased the sun to socal for college and have yet to go back. I am a Writer, Speaker and Creative (which means a lot of different things). I often like to say that I am in the business of pulling heart strings, I have this motto of "Words not for the ears but for the soul" which stems from my dedication to remind any audience that words are meant to be felt and not just heard. I am made of sass and good intentions, I have a deep love for car karaoke, brunch at any time, any day and flowers.
S: Yo, my name Sarah. A little bit about myself? If we ever have a conversation music will likely come up! Whether it’s searching for new music, curating playlists, creating mixes for friends, collecting vinyl and tapes, running a sound board, or attending live shows I'm usually doing something related music. I love it. If you ever go looking for me you’ll likely find me traveling, spending time with people, or serving you coffee at Blue Bottle's Echo Park cafe.
How did you guys meet?
A: We met at church officially, kept in contact and then ended up crashing into each other one too many times and every single time something beautiful kept growing between us!
S: Yes, what I love is that before we even knew about each other everyone around us knew we needed to meet. They eventually stuck us in front of each other, leaving it to us to introduce ourselves and the rest is history.
How did you guys decide to collaborate?
A: I think we were talking about poetry one time (per usual) and we sort of said something off handedly “We should write a book” and then after a few months it was sort of like “wait no--we really should” so we did!
S: Totally. It was during a conversation we were having about our writing styles, specifically how opposite they are to one another yet how necessary both are to fully express what it means to be human. The realization that our styles worked in harmony was the launch pad for the idea of a book.
Photo by Andrea Cenon
Tell us about your book.
A: We say that Write Bloody Spill Pretty is about coming to the fullness of our humanity through words. The book is split into five different sections: Purpose, Places, him, Her and Abba. Each section delves into a different but very important part of our life.
Places is about anything from counseling waiting rooms, to look out spots on the top of a mountain, to our very body being a physical place. As writers, and as people in general, we gain so much inspiration and experience not only from people but from the places we experience those people and ourselves in as well. Purpose is about our different encounters and understanding with what we were made to do and who we were made to be and how we interact with others and live life with that understanding.
Our Abba section is like our personal Psalms. It’s an invitation to experience God as Father through our praise and adoration and also our honest fears, doubts, and struggles. It’s intimate, it’s relationship. It’s not perfect, it’s persevering. It’s humanity and divinity intertwining in seas of grace and revelation. Our relationships with Jesus define us, shaping so much of our creativity it would be impossible not to bring it all back to Him.
him, is about all the boys we’ve loved (or liked), been loved by, or haven’t been loved by, these poems are now in a book because we’ve experienced healing from those ties or breaks, though maybe our tone wasn’t the sweetest at the time---we’ve grown so much since they’ve been written and have respect and maybe even a different kind of love for the boys they’re about (most of whom have no idea). For me personally (S speaking), it surprisingly became a space addressed to my future. It started out in a place of fear and disbelief and ends in a place of wholeness, and an openness to the man who isn’t here yet, but one day will be. Her is about all the women in our lives, moms, sisters, sister friends. Call it an ode, a love letter, a collection of declarations over the women who have inspired, encouraged and reminded us the beauty and honor in being a woman; more importantly to be women rising.
The book was designed by our soul sister Andrea Cenon. She’s an amazing graphic designer and hand letterer based in Los Angeles and this book would not have come to life in the beautiful way it did were it not for Andrea taking the reigns after she found out we were trying to design it on Google Docs. I think we gave her a heart attack, hahaha. Thankfully, she survived and went on to create the magic that is our book.
S:Yes, Andrea Cenon is amazing! (see more from Andrea here: www.andreacenon.com)
What is the best thing about getting to work with your best friend?
A: We are so different and sometimes our differences were almost comical and then on the other hand they challenged me so much and made me intentional with choices not only just in our project but also in the rest of my creative endeavors. My absolute favorite part was the end and not because it was over but because It was so cool being able to see this beautiful thing we created and sharing it with our friends and families.
S: The best thing is knowing you don’t have to perform. The reality that Arielle loving me, accepting me, and being proud of me isn’t based upon how well I write or come up with concepts is absolutely freeing. She’s my girl, whether or not this book flops— what an invitation to throw my fear of failure out the window and give it all to see this thing come to life. There were also seasons we put the whole thing on hold because one or both of our lives did not have the space for it. To work with your sister is to work with someone who loves you and wants to protect your being more than they want success or deadlines being met. It’s working with someone who is patient enough to never let a book become worth the cost of your well-being.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
A: Write down everything, even if it doesn’t seem complete or perfect. Write it down, give it the space it deserves to be put on paper. Collaborate with others-- your work is beautiful but think of the fire you could create with another person? But also never foget to understand that your story deserves to be told, deserves to be heard. The story you have and how you tell it is how you stand apart, it is what you have to contribute to the world, please don’t do the world an injustice by keeping it to yourself.
S: Don’t be a slave to inspiration. Write even when you have none. Consistency trumps inspiration. If it helps, consider it practice. No athlete arrives at the finish line without hours and a lifetime of training behind them. What does that look like practically? Create spaces for yourself to write and guard them. Set aside times when it’s just you and your notebook or laptop. Even on the days you feel like you don’t know what to write, write about that. Those moments can often birth a line, phrase, idea, or one simple word that sparks something you will love to write. Don’t settle for first-takes either. The editing process is a weapon for the artist willing to use it. Reach out to other writers you know and ask for feedback. Send poems or portions of your writing to others and invite them to edit. Investing in and building this kind of community around yourself is priceless. Don’t forget to be willing to be this person for other peers/writers as well.
What quotation or verse inspires and motivates you to be yourself and do what God created you to do?
A: Ephesians 4:1+2 Has been one that resonated with me since the beginning of starting this creative/ poetry journey. “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
I performed the book of Ephesians with four other poet friends for my church and during the first service I stumbled so hard on remembering this part during the performance. I wrecked it, cried on stage and once we were finished I went straight to the back and just wept. How could I forget, wasn't this my life verse? And I could hear God ask back “Is it?” and I had that moment where I wasn’t LIVING like I was called to do this. I was still walking in fear and uncertainty when I knew deep down I was called to this. I had let fear and doubt creep in and I questioned what I was made and purposed for. And even if we haven’t received that calling yet, guess what? We’re still supposed to live that way: confidently, sure, humble, gentle and loving, boldly walking into everyday as if just waking up that day was a calling we were given.
S: But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
Forgiving, genuine, the best kind of (hood)
Sarah, describe Arielle in 3 wordsInspiring, free, safe
Name a song that best describes your friendship.A: Oh goodness...describes our friendship?!
No Scrubs….I think we’d both giggle at this
S: Yes, I giggled, hehehe. Super down and I’d add Good Friend by Emily King
What’s your favorite thing about your friend?
A: Her honesty, she is the most raw human you’ll ever meet
S: My favorite thing about Arielle is her authenticity. She has leveled me in the best way with just a simple look.
What would your best day ever with each other entail?
A: Honestly probably our photoshoot day---starting with coffee, a book or record store (or both Last Bookstore) add some thai food and flowers + a prayer car sesh and we’re set
S: BREAKFAST :D Which automatically includes delicious coffee. Then yeah, yeah, exploring somewhere or getting to slow down in a record store or book store, even a flower shop. Definitely thai food and talking about anything and everything over our meals then spending time praying with and for each other.
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Women in Grace highlights women pursuing God-given purpose while living fully in grace.
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Women in Grace highlights women pursuing God-given purpose while living fully in grace.
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