As a single, middle-aged woman retired from the world of addiction counseling (yes, I know—that already sounds like a dating ad), I realized that despite all the effort and care I poured into my career, I still longed to be the expressive, creative child I once was. The child who invented games on the fly, painted walls, desks, and school dresses, and mastered the culinary art of mud pies at the tender age of six.

That longing was just enough to ignite a creative revival in my life, one that pushed me to face insecurities, outwit procrastination, and kick my own butt not only to create, but to stay with it. I reached inward and reconnected with what once made me happiest: the joy of creating. The result was Connessence Whipped Shea Butter.

I’ve tried my hand at many things in life, but my true love has always been crafting. Making beautiful things with my hands places me in a calm, almost zen-like state, one that restores balance and brings me peace. It is the key to my happiness.

Everything I create carries that same sense of peace and love, which I share openly with you.