I always wished I had creative talent. I saw pictures in my head, but the perfectionist in me hated that the reality never matched. I told myself that my ability to put together a good outfit was the extent of my creative ability.

I write, but I write facts, so that can’t be art, right?

I took photojournalism in college and it didn’t go well. I didn’t like taking photos of people I didn’t know. I couldn’t seem to get developing down—Another check mark against creativity. When I had kids, I found I loved taking their pictures. Then Instagram came along and I fell in love. Taking pictures of my kids and pretty places and adding filters, I thought, —well, this may be it—my way to be creative.

In grad school, I found myself in an expressive arts class learning how to use art and creativity in counseling. We explored improv, art journals, dance, and other assorted crafty things. And I’ve never been more uncomfortable in my life. That one short summer class pushed me so far beyond my comfort zone and flung up so much anxiety for the perfectionist in me. But I began trying the techniques with my therapy clients. And they worked.

My Pinterest addiction had me wanting to try every pin I saw. So I started buying the supplies necessary to make different projects. And it occurred to me, if I was brave enough to put myself out there, maybe I could fund this new hobby of mine. And that’s how Maggie Mayed began. The “Mayed” misspelled purposely as an ode to the Rod Stewart Song, Maggie May for the endless times I’ve heard that nickname.

Since starting Maggie Mayed, I’ve moved halfway across the country. Having something I love to work on has been a huge help in making the transition into my new state. My store exists to provide a therapeutic creative outlet for me as well as to provide a challenge to my comfort zone.