I remember my love for art starting in the 3rd grade. I entered in a stamp design contest. Little me had never won anything before so when my teacher came up to me with an envelope to tell me I had won I didn’t believe her. Inside was a 5 dollar bill. CASH MONEY BABBBY! This was a defining moment for little chel. 

As time passed I found that I loved art class and wanted to learn all I could! I loved all kinds of mediums. The messier the better 😅. In my free time my art mainly remained in the form of sketches and doodles I would give to friends as gifts. Thennnnnnnnn…… sports took over and I didn’t believe in myself as an artist because I was so good at sports… you can’t be good at both?! (🙄FYI… lies) I convinced myself wasn’t good enough even though everyone around me liked what I gave them. 

I had a desire to do art classes in college but as a ✨responsible✨ person I decided to stick with sports and coaching as my primary focus. 

At this point years go by with a few paintings and doodles here and there. 

But one day, after years of coaching something inside stirred. I NEEDED A HOBBY!!! I realized that I couldn't ignore my passion any longer. I would try to Lino-cut! I had done it once before in high school and the project never left my mind. I bought all the supplies and didn’t look back. A light had been switched on inside of me. I rediscovered the joy and freedom of expression that I had felt when I was younger and it was like coming home. 

Now, I spend every spare moment in my studio, creating beautiful works of art that are a reflection of my spirit and soul. I know that life is short, and that it's never too late to follow your dreams. I hope that my story will inspire others to pursue their passions, no matter how long it's been since they last felt that spark of creativity. Seriously… YOLO. Emphasis on the only live once… don’t let people dull your shine… even your self.