WHOLEHEARTED
Over five years ago, I wrote this poem in my head on a Monday morning at work. I was noticing how I felt that morning compared to how I’d felt over the weekend while writing poetry and being creative.
Up until that point in time, I’d done everything I was “supposed to do”. I served in the military, I completed college degrees, I was building a career. But, I’d been feeling like something was missing. It did not occur to me all at once, but eventually I realized how much creativity was missing from my life. More accurately, I needed creativity to feel like myself.
I became curious. What if I gave myself permission to live a creative life? What if I could create a business doing the thing that literally lit me up from the inside-out and made me feel alive?
Wholehearted Empire began the moment I started creating from a place of unbridled enthusiasm. And when it began, I was only writing poetry, but I had a deep knowing that it would become more if I let it. I made it my mission to create an “Empire” doing what I wholeheartedly loved.
So, I set aside the self doubt, and I gave myself permission to try any creative thing that sparked my curiosity. I let myself get messy and imperfect. I lovingly refer to that year of my life as my “creative free fall”.
One day during my free fall, I felt curious to make a pair of earrings, and I wanted them to be lightweight. I decided to use the recycled paperboard I had left over from a journal making project. They were so light, I kept forgetting they were in my ears! And so I made more.
My creative journey has taught me a lot about myself and taught me to be kind to myself, which is how I came to also be the author and illustrator of a unique line of inspirational greeting cards. I call them Wholehearted Cards, and the messages I write are inspired by the lessons I've learned on my journey.
Recently, I decided to bring it full circle and start making journals again! After all, the earrings never would have come to be if it were not for my initial curiosity about making journals. My journals are unlike any others—they have dried flowers sealed in the covers, and they lay totally flat when open.
You may be here simply for the pretty things, and there’s nothing wrong with that! But, my deepest wish is that maybe this place can give you something more.
Maybe this place will empower you.
Maybe this place will inspire you.
Maybe this place will encourage you.
Today, my mission is to still to create a business doing what I wholeheartedly love. But, it is also to use my art to help you heal what needs healing and to embolden you to listen to your heart. And of course, I strive to make beautiful things out of recycled paper and respect the Earth every step of the way.
Before you browse the pretty things in my online shop, don't forget to:
- Scroll down to join the email community. I only send a couple delightful emails per month.
- Check out my company values to read about what is at the heart of Wholehearted Empire.
- Follow Wholehearted Empire on Instagram and Facebook
Welcome! I am so glad you are here!
Wholeheartedly,
Annie