Here we go!

Alritey, so I never thought I would embark on this, but after some contemplation, I thought, “Why not?” The reason the blog component sprouted up was because I truly wanted my customers/ viewers to understand what I was all about. I’ll be honest— the last few years, I have been completely winging it. Soulful Ray started as a brand to fulfill my desperate need for creativity. Desperate is a tad drastic, yes, but my seven years of the public school teacher grind was wearing on me in ways that I never thought it would/could. Yearning for something new, I signed up for a watercolor class at the local park district. Unbeknownst to me, there is a “watercolor following” in the community, but it happens to be a Senior following. The average age being 85 years old, I learned to paint in the stillness and serenity of a park district basement with blaring fluorescent lights and stacked boxes crammed with day camp supplies. Sure, there is some sarcasm there, but the ability of older generations to sit and paint is truly remarkable. There is a beautiful simplicity to the whole endeavor that I found to be just what I needed. The stillness fostered a sense of peace within me, and provided me a space to get my wheels turning. It was something that grounded me after a long day of forceful directions, lack of enthusiasm, and attention spans that lasted no more than eight minutes. School was tough, at times disheartening work, and this class became my solace.

We would all gather around Bonnie, who was a ridiculously talented, retired painter in her late seventies. With my curiosity spilling over, I would anxiously listen as she spoke on layering, shadowing, mixing, etc. Taking notes and absorbing as much information as I could, I began my watercolor journey. All of these men and women, some strolling up in walkers, whipped out their pencils and wrote notes ferociously in their yellow legal pad—cursive of course. Their enthusiastic energy for a fine skill so late in life inspired me. The entire experience allowed me to sink into a realm of creativity, which I hadn’t done in so long. Religiously, I packed up my supplies underarm, and attended a 2-hour class every Monday night— my sanctuary. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

A few months into getting my artistic feet wet,, I purchased a jewelry class for my mother for Christmas that we could both attend together. Knowing all too well that my mom is not the ”crafty-type,” I selfishly took over the class and finished her pair of earrings. Losing patience, my mom left to get her nails done (something more fitting), and I sat at that art studio for three more hours. I was entranced by the the looping, the threading, the small, intricate details that required every ounce of my focus. As I left that day, I started to contemplate how I could combine these two artistic outlets into one, and that is where I thought of Soulful Ray.

The name “Soulful Ray” came from my mom, because she called me “Ray” growing up as a kid. And this company allowed me to take a long look at myself, and revisit what made my soul light up. Hence, my purpose of this company is to spread a sense of light.

My business has transformed into all things watercolor and jewelry, but as of late, I would like to incorporate something else to the mix. And that is interior design and DIY. Just a few weeks ago, I completed my Interior Design Certification, and it has certainly gotten my wheels turning. This blog is my way of sharing all things design, beauty, and light, and I hope that this community can grow as I continue on this path of discovery of art and the written word.

So, if you are still with me, my game plan is to post a blog each week with the idea of "design" at the forefront. Yes, I am incredibly naive about the blogging world, but I can assure you that I will continue to learn and provide you all with content that YOU are craving. And most importantly-- I hope this blog brings a smile to your face and helps shine some light in your life.

Find your light,

Soulful Ray