Be the Sunshine
From Handmade Wreaths to Building Community: A Journey of Connection and Light
A few years ago, I was given the nickname Sunshine and was often told that I was the definition of “human sunshine.” I never knew that nickname would eventually carry so much weight. At first, it just made me grin, but over time I realized many people shared the same sentiment. Even now, many of the people I meet tell me that my presence brings warmth, positivity, and light into their lives.
Long before Sunshine Creations existed, I spent years organizing community events and fundraisers for the local fire department. Many of those events were centered around children and families. I saw firsthand the joy that community events could bring. I loved watching families come together, children make memories, and local businesses support each other. Those experiences showed me the power of creating spaces where people could connect and feel like they belonged. Through the events that I planned, I developed relationships and connections that would later become part of something I never saw coming.
What started as creating handmade wreaths for gifts eventually became something much bigger than I ever imagined. Crafting gave me a creative outlet, but I soon realized my passion extended beyond creating products. I loved bringing people together. I loved planning and organizing.
One day, I was reflecting on all of the events I had organized and thought, “I’m good at this. I can do this on my own and make extra money doing something I enjoy.”
With that, I reached out to a local business owner and asked if I could host a craft and vendor show at their venue. With a quick yes, my first show featured 70 crafters and vendors.
That one question. That one leap of faith changed everything.
What began as a single event quickly grew into something much larger than I ever imagined. Crafters and vendors were asking when my next show would be. I had no idea, but I certainly was not going to turn down an opportunity to do what I loved, and I was most definitely not going to let them down. I quickly started making plans for the next one.
That was the moment Sunshine Creations & Special Events came to life.
I also discovered that all of those years I was not just creating events. I was creating opportunities for people to connect, support each other, and build community.
To be perfectly honest, I love seeing it all come together. Thinking back, I have always loved creating, planning, and organizing. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching an idea turn into an event filled with people making memories. After weeks or months of planning, seeing smiling faces, hearing positive feedback, and knowing that something I created brought joy to others or helped a new business owner kick off their creative journey is one of the best feelings to experience.
I would be lying if I said I do not appreciate the compliments and encouragement along the way. Those moments remind me that the work I do matters and inspire me to keep going.
That same passion for connection eventually led me beyond events and into wellness-based community initiatives, including a front yard food pantry that served hundreds of people in need. Through every project, I discovered that my true passion was not simply creating events—it was creating community.
While Sunshine Creations & Special Events was born from my love of crafting and bringing people together, the mission eventually grew into something even bigger. Today, Sunshine Creations Co. reflects that broader vision. It represents community, connection, creativity, wellness, and a commitment to helping others feel seen, supported, and valued.
Through some of life’s most difficult seasons, I learned that healing often begins with connection. That realization greatly shaped not only my business but also my mission to create spaces where people feel welcomed, seen, and heard. These are things I have not always experienced myself, which is exactly why I am so passionate about creating them for others.
Over time, I began to understand that being called Sunshine was about much more than a nickname. It reflected the way I wanted people to feel when they crossed my path. It became the inspiration behind both my personal mission and the name Sunshine Creations. My goal has always been to bring warmth, encouragement, hope, and connection to those around me.
I want every person I meet to feel seen, heard, and valued. I want them to know that they have support and that someone genuinely cares. Whether I am hosting a craft night, organizing a community event, mentoring a small business owner, helping a family in need, or lending my ear to a friend, my goal remains the same.
I strive to be the sunshine in someone’s day and help others find joy and understanding in their journey. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness, a shared experience, or a simple connection can make a lasting impact.
In a world where so many people feel overlooked or alone, I believe we all have an opportunity to make a difference. We simply have to shine our light.
My mission is to continue to create opportunities for people to connect, create, heal, and thrive. If there is one thing I hope others take away from my story, it is this: Be the Sunshine. You never know how much of your light someone might need.
