Vanna Ann Scroggins

I attribute my success to persistence, curiosity, and my willingness to keep evolving.

My journey has not been a straight line. I've explored healthcare, podcasting, writing, illustration, spirituality, and entrepreneurship, and for a long time I wondered how all of those pieces fit together. I've learned that they don't have to fit into one traditional path. Each experience has taught me something that I now bring into my work with Soulshine Jewelry & Art.

I also attribute my success to being willing to listen. To myself, to the people who support me, and to the customers who interact with my work. Some of my best ideas have come from simply paying attention to what resonates with people and allowing my business to grow organically rather than forcing it into something it was never meant to be.

Most importantly, I've learned that success doesn't always look like having everything figured out. Sometimes success is continuing to create when you're uncertain, getting back up when something doesn't work, and giving yourself permission to change direction when you discover something new about yourself.

Soulshine is deeply connected to that philosophy. I want my work to remind people that they are allowed to grow, change, experiment, and become more fully themselves. I'm still learning and building, but I think that willingness to keep learning, and to keep showing up as myself, is one of the greatest reasons I've made it this far.

Balance practicality and passion.

I am nothing if not passionate. When I believe in something, I can throw my whole heart into it. That passion is one of the things that drives my creativity and keeps me moving forward, even when things are difficult.

But I've learned that passion alone isn't enough.

That excitement has to be tempered with practical action and strategic movement. A great idea still needs planning. A dream still needs structure. And sometimes the most important step isn't the most exciting one, it's the one that creates a stronger foundation for everything that comes next.

I'm learning to honor both sides of myself: the part of me that dreams big and the part of me that asks, Okay, but how are we actually going to make this happen?

For me, success comes from letting passion provide the why, while practicality helps determine the how.

Don't be afraid to change your original idea.

When you're starting something new, it's easy to become attached to the vision you first imagined. You create a plan, set your goals, and think you have to follow that path exactly. But as you grow, learn, and gain experience, your vision can change, and that's not a failure.

Sometimes you begin with a good idea and discover something completely different along the way. You may find a new opportunity, uncover a talent you didn't know you had, or realize that another direction fits you much better than the one you originally planned.

I've learned that the original idea can be a starting point, not a permanent destination.

Give yourself permission to evolve. Pay attention to what excites you, what feels meaningful, and what you learn along the way. Your ability to adapt can be just as valuable as your ability to plan.

You don't have to abandon your dreams when your vision changes. Sometimes changing the plan is how you discover the dream that was waiting for you all along.

One of the biggest challenges, and opportunities in my field right now is exposure.

I've already seen that my work can make an impact simply by existing. When I show up authentically, create something meaningful, or share a piece of my story, it can give someone else permission to express themselves, explore their spirituality, or see themselves a little differently. That has been incredibly meaningful to me.

The challenge is reaching the people who actually need what I offer.

Soulshine Jewelry & Art sits at the intersection of several creative communities. handmade artistry, fantasy and cosplay, spirituality, alternative expression, and personal growth. There are so many people who could connect with my products, services, and message, but finding and reaching those people consistently is the next stage of my growth.

I see that challenge as an opportunity to become more intentional about visibility. I want to build stronger connections with communities, attend more events, collaborate with other creatives and organizations, and continue using storytelling and digital platforms to introduce people to Soulshine.

I don't want to simply be seen by more people. I want to be seen by the right people. The people who are looking for something unique, meaningful, creative, and empowering.

For me, growth isn't about becoming louder just for the sake of being noticed. It's about making sure the people who need what I have to offer can actually find me.

The values that matter most to me are intentionality, compassion, authenticity, and creating positive change.

I believe the way we create and conduct business matters just as much as what we create. I try to approach my work consciously, from the materials I use to the relationships I build and the meaning behind the products I offer. I want Soulshine Jewelry & Art to be a business with heart, not simply a place to purchase something.

I also have a spiritual perspective on money. I view money as a form of energy and exchange, and I want to encourage a healthier relationship with it. One that recognizes money as a tool rather than something that determines our worth. To me, conscious business means being mindful of what we put into the world and how we use the resources that come back to us.

Compassion is equally important. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and empowered to become who they are. Giving back is something I hope to continue expanding as Soulshine grows, particularly through supporting women, children, and people experiencing financial hardship or domestic violence.

At the heart of all of this is authenticity. I want my work and my life to reflect the belief that we don't have to become someone else to create meaningful change. We can start exactly where we are, use what we have, and let our own light become part of something bigger.