Picking Up The Paintbrush

Embracing My Creative Journey: A Leap of Faith

For the longest time, I kept seeing a paintbrush in my mind. A quiet, persistent voice urging me, Just pick up the paintbrush and put it to paper. But I resisted. I’m not a painter. I’m not an artist, I told the voice.

Oh yes, you are, it whispered back.

Finding My Creative Voice

In high school, my creative expression came through writing. Books and words were my escape, my way of making sense of the world. But as life moved forward, responsibilities took precedence, and my voice grew quieter. Fortunately, my career in marketing and digital marketing provided a creative outlet—but something was still missing.

Then, I took a leap. I left a toxic job and threw myself into jewelry-making, a passion that had been quietly waiting for me. That leap led to an incredible opportunity—a mentorship with a successful businesswoman in Virginia Beach. Her boutique was known not just for its curated collections but for the small yet powerful details, like its distinctive gift wrapping. She was a visionary, an exceptional marketer, and an inspiration.

But as has happened many times in my life, I put my creative pursuits on hold to return to my career.

A Season of Uncertainty, A Season of Growth

Last year, my role was eliminated, and for the first time in a long time, I found myself in a place of uncertainty. It was a season of pause, a time to reflect. Slowly, I’ve been rebuilding, renewing, and restoring—not just my career, but my creative spirit.

Through it all, my husband, the Oakley of Marie & Oakley, has been my greatest supporter. At first, he teased me about my paintings, and honestly, I don’t think he was all that impressed. But despite that, he never stopped believing in me. He has always seen something in me that I struggle to see in myself. He sees the interior designer, the jewelry maker, and now, the artist.

A Leap Toward Creativity

So, we are taking another leap—this time, a leap toward our dream of living on the coast. Wilmington, NC, has been calling us, and we’re answering. This move isn’t just about a change in scenery; it’s about creating space for me to fully embrace my artistic passions.

Jewelry, painting, interior styling—I love them all. Like many creatives, I struggle with having too many interests, but I’m learning to see that as a gift rather than a challenge.

This journey is about trusting myself. Trusting that the voice that urged me to pick up the paintbrush knew something I didn’t. Trusting that my creativity isn’t something to be sidelined but something to be nurtured.

So here I am, paintbrush in hand, ready to see where this next chapter takes me.