Starting a business has been one of the most unpredictable, rewarding, and faith-filled journeys I’ve ever experienced. 'For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Faith & Flourish Co. wasn’t my first venture, and for a long time, I tried to figure out where God was leading me on my own. But it wasn’t until I fully surrendered my plans—laying down what I thought my life should look like—that God began to show up in ways I never expected.
After closing the doors on Simply Blessed, my previous business venture, I entered a big waiting season. It was a difficult decision, but I felt a tug on my heart to delete all my social media accounts, take a step back, and spend a year in prayer and surrender. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3). I kept getting it wrong by jumping too fast into my plans instead of waiting on God’s timing. It was a season of learning to let go and trust that His plans are far better than mine.
Simply Blessed was a beautiful season in itself, and I know God used it to touch lives. But it became clear that it wasn’t meant to be forever; a decision I feel my mother-in-law and I agreed on. During this past year, my mother-in-law, who had been my business partner, felt a tug on her own heart and began to pursue God’s plans for her life, which led her to work for His Helping Hands, a ministry close to her heart. Watching how God has moved through her has been an inspiration to me. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The tug on my own heart to have a faith-based business remained, but I didn’t know exactly what that would look like or when God would bring it to life.
For much of that year, I thought that perhaps my calling would be on hold until my kids were a little older. I imagined that once they were grown, I’d be able to dive into something new. But in April, something changed. After months of not painting, I decided to pick up a brush and paint another Bible. “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). I posted my work on my new social media accounts and was met with so much love and encouragement. That moment sparked something inside of me. I started painting again and taking a few orders here and there, and before I knew it, I was invited to my first market event.
I began building up my inventory with products that would not only reflect my love for the Lord but would also help other believers on their own faith journeys. I added Bible studies, faith-based apparel, and other products that could be conversation starters with non-believers. It wasn’t long before I found myself participating in more market events—first with Wildflower and Wren, and then The Flourish Markets. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). What started small quickly grew. Now, I’m scheduling events twice a month!
Watching my Instagram community grow from 100 friends to 600 (as of October 16th, 2024) has been surreal. I’ve met some incredible people; many of whom have become dear friends I talk to almost daily. God is moving, people are cheering, and it’s all been such an overwhelming blessing.
Through it all, I’ve learned that surrendering my plans to God was the most important step I could take. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). Even though I don’t know exactly where He’s leading Faith & Flourish Co. or how big it will get, I trust that His plans are perfect. Whether this business stays small or grows beyond what I can imagine, God is still good, and I’m grateful for the journey He has me on.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible adventure. Your support, prayers, and love mean more than you know. I can’t wait to see where God leads us next!