Hey guys, I want to step away from the usual content for a moment and just talk to you completely from the heart. I’m about to get really real with you all. I am a Christian, and while I rarely share posts like this, I feel it’s deeply necessary. In the past, I’ve quietly mentioned my faith or the fact that I go to church, but I’ve realized I shouldn’t be quiet anymore. It is simply who I am.
A Wake-Up Call at the IF:Gathering
I was recently at an event at my church called the IF:Gathering, and it stirred something profound in me. It was a powerful reminder that money, metrics, and milestones aren’t what I should be chasing. We are rooted in Christ, and we have to hold firm to that foundation. We need to remember that our true purpose is to glorify God and have a relationship with Him—to live out His truth and to love Him and others. My hope is that through my artistic giftings, I can serve others and offer comfort and hope.
There are many times when I see my numbers on YouTube drifting, and I get really discouraged and want to quit. But then, I’ll see a comment from someone saying that my videos have helped them tremendously, and it changes everything.
The Trap of “Brand Building”
During the event, one of the speakers, Matt Chandler, talked about how consumed everyone has become with brand building. It hit so close to home. When I look around the creative community, I notice how incredibly preoccupied we’ve all become with crafting the perfect “brand.” We are constantly chasing algorithms, stressing over aesthetics, and worrying about perception. But in the midst of all that noise, it is so easy to forget how to just be real with the people on the other side of the screen.
At the end of the day, we are children of God. We were given these digital spaces to build genuine connections, not to isolate ourselves behind a perfectly curated image.
Finding Our Identity and Letting the Art Shine
When we fully embrace who we are in Christ, that is when our art truly shines. Lately, it feels like the crafting world is obsessed with what’s trending or the “right” way to do things. We’ve fallen into this exhausting trap of nitpicking each other and critiquing the tiniest details, focusing on friction instead of our actual work.
Delight in the Simple Craft
We need to step back and just delight in the simple, beautiful craft that is crochet. Creativity isn’t a competition, and it’s not just a content strategy. It is a gift we are meant to share with others.
Balancing Business and Heart
Look, I completely understand the business side of this space. I know that to sustain ourselves and make a living online, sponsorships and brand deals are part of the reality. But sometimes, we get so lost in the hustle that we lose sight of why we started.
We picked up our hooks because we love to create, and because we wanted to share that joy with a community of like-minded souls.
Let’s lay down the pressure to be a flawless “brand” for a minute. Let’s get back to the art, back to genuine kindness (not as a catchphrase or a slogan), and back to being authentic with one another. Thank you guys so much for being here, and for allowing me to share what’s truly been on my heart.