Reclaiming Joy: My Journey from Corporate Life to Creative Entrepreneurship

At 52, after nearly three decades working for a top 5 health insurance company—11 of those years as a consultant—you’d think I’d be on cruise control. My career has been a mix of people management, production monitoring software administration, data reporting, database building, and SharePoint site creation. Along the way, I earned my bachelor’s in Business Administration (2015) and an associate’s in Information Technology (2022). I’ve also been happily married to my husband, James, for 27 years, and we have an incredible 28-year-old son practicing social security/disability law in Chicago.

By all accounts, life was steady. But here’s the thing—stability doesn’t always equal fulfillment.

Turning Pain into Purpose

Losing my dad unexpectedly in 2013 sent me into a downward spiral. Before his cancer diagnosis, I had worked hard to lose almost 100 lbs, rewarding myself with a Caribbean cruise. But after he passed, I regained and lost those same 90 lbs multiple times. The wake-up call came in the winter of 2022 when I landed in the ER with chest pains.

More recently, my husband underwent a partial foot amputation before being diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Now, we’re waiting for that life-changing call about a donor kidney. Meanwhile, my own health struggles, including a lifelong battle with weight and a recent diabetes diagnosis, were piling up. On top of that, the corporate world constantly reminds me that nothing is guaranteed—voluntary retirement offers and restructuring can change everything in a heartbeat.

So, why start a business in the middle of all this chaos?

Because I needed something that was mine. Something that brought me joy. And that’s when Walnut Farm Crafts was born.

From Crafting Hobby to Custom Mugs

I’ve been crafting for over a decade—starting with deco mesh wreaths, swags, and Christmas décor. A few years ago, my sister encouraged me to turn my hobby into a business, but life (as it does) got in the way.

Then something shifted.

I started taking Mounjaro, working with a personal trainer, and, for the first time in years, I felt better. But beyond physical health, I needed joy. And nothing brings me more joy than creating something meaningful for others.

That’s when I discovered my love for designing personalized mugs.

For Christmas, I created custom mugs for my sister, my son, and his girlfriend. Their reactions were priceless—it felt like I was the one receiving a gift! Encouraged by their excitement, I made a couple dozen mugs for members of my mom’s church, and the feedback was EVERYTHING.

2025: My Year of Trying Uncomfortable Things

I never planned on starting a blog, but since 2025 is my year of stepping outside my comfort zone… here we are!

I have to give a special shout-out to my baby sister. Despite life throwing every challenge her way, she never stops pushing forward. She and a friend recently launched Araminta Partners, LLC, and hearing her talk about the journey gave me the push I needed. Since then, I’ve dived headfirst into business licenses, taxes, articles of organization, BOIRs, and EINs. I even built my website—www.walnutfarmcrafts.shop—from scratch. It was tough, but so rewarding!

Finding My Niche: Inspirational & Seasonal Mugs for the African American Community

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about successful craft businesses, it’s that niche is everything. While I love making custom mugs, I’m focusing on inspirational, religious, and seasonal mugs and tumblers designed for the African American community.

Let’s be real—with everything going on in the world, we all need uplifting messages to remind us to stay strong, practice self-care, and keep the faith. In many ways, this business is also my way of holding onto something I can control. I don’t know how this venture will unfold, but I do know I’m putting my heart and soul into making it a success.

What’s Next for Walnut Farm Crafts?

Right now, my inventory is small, but I’m adding new designs weekly! I’m constantly discovering new tools and techniques, which means the sky’s the limit for what I can create. Soon, I’ll be expanding beyond mugs and tumblers to include vases, glass cutting boards, hats, t-shirts, Christmas ornaments, and maybe even a return to my love for wreaths and swag designs!

My Next Big Release? Easter & 4th of July Mugs and Tumblers!

I’ve got a beautiful mix of traditional and African American-inspired designs coming your way.  My favorite? A darling little mug featuring a beautiful Black girl in a frilly pink Easter dress sitting in an Easter basket with the inscription: No Bunny Loves Me Like Jesus! Super cute! Check it out here. The 4th of July tumblers are more traditional, and I’m adding to those as the time approaches, so check back often!

Got a Mug Idea? Let’s Create Together!

I’d love to hear your ideas for new personalized mugs or inspirational tumblers. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and who knows? I might even create a DIY video featuring your design!

Want to see what I’ve been working on? Visit my shop: www.walnutfarmcrafts.shop.

Let’s create something beautiful together!