Ten Years Ago
If you would have told me that I’d be closing the book on my hard-earned business, disappearing from social media and essentially blocked from my entire support system – I wouldn’t have believed it.
Eight years ago
If you would have told me that I would finally have not one, but TWO babies at once, that I’d give to birth to beautiful boy/girl twins after 10 years of infertility, 4 miscarriages, and 2 IVFs, and if you would have told me that at 5 months old they’d turn blue from not breathing, spend a month of their life unconscious – on breathing and feeding tubes and never knowing if they’d survive, that I would spend the next years of my life rarely sleeping for fear that they wouldn’t wake up – I wouldn’t have believed it.
Two years ago
If you would have told me that a worldwide pandemic would take the lives of our loved ones, that my kids, with their severe respiratory issues, could contract COVID and what would that mean for them? That in my already controlled and isolated existence, I would be (like parents around the globe) exhausted from virtual school, lockdowns, and our lack of toilet paper – I wouldn’t have believed it.
18 Months Ago
If you would have told me that I would be washing the dishes after dinner one night, thinking my husband went to the store, only to discover that he would never return, that my incredibly sweet kids would face similar feelings of fear, uncertainty, sadness, and loss like I had, that I’d be without money because I gave up my career, and now I’d have to figure out what happens next…
THAT – I probably would’ve believed.
Be made of rubber. Because I know character isn’t tested when life is easy, it’s when everything is falling apart. The only way to survive? Bounce back!
The Comeback Kid
Because it sounds unflattering to call myself the Comeback Old Lady. Unlike the Instagram influencers, the TikTok sensations, and the have-everything families on YouTube – I am not trying to present a version of me that is perfect, aspirational, or all figured out.
I’m a work in progress, a wing-tattered, ashy phoenix. And the only way I know how to make a comeback is to do what I do best – find beauty in the ugliest parts of life.
When I was first given access to my Sugarluxe company name and domain again, my plan was to just be happy I had it. I wasn’t intending to do anything with it.
I wasn’t even thinking I’d draw or paint again. I have two little ones, a single mom, with divorce debt that is obscene. Who has time to make pretty things?
Then it started to happen. Mysteriously, I would wake up around 3am, compelled to go to my computer to figure out how to code a website. Technology is insane. The pace at which things change (while you’re raising your kids and doing playdough projects) means that I had a lot to learn.
But I’m nothing if not a quick study.
This Past Summer
Once I was comfortable letting people know my situation, my incredible neighbors, my best friends, my church friends, even old boyfriends – have rallied behind me. With the word out, I started getting work again. Helping others launch their business ideas.
Using past professional experience mixed with new technology tools, I’ve been creating small business identities through character art, logo design, branding direction, web development, and marketing.
I’m so thankful I honed these skills with Sugarluxe over the years AND that I now have the opportunity to help develop other aspiring entrepreneurs.
By empowering small businesses with the tools they need for success, I’m also empowering my kids with the knowledge that they too can overcome obstacles: That new beginnings can be pretty wonderful.
When I witnessed the thrill others had when we brought their business dreams to life, I realized I wanted to do at least a little something with Sugarluxe again. It’s not like I ever really slept anyway. Converting a bedroom into a makeshift studio, I secretly started sketching ideas.
Reflecting on concepts that matter to me: kindness, encouragement, gratitude – these have always been the most beautiful traits. But sometimes I feel my best, when I look my best.
And that’s exactly what (or rather, who) inspired my VERY first BRAND NEW Sugarluxe Girls.
Hairstylist or Psychotherapist? Probably both!
Have you ever joked that your hairstylist knows more about your personal life than your family does? Many people feel like their stylist is truly a therapist! “Therapists are like dependable parents you want to sit next to at Thanksgiving dinner, while hairstylists are like girlfriends you want to have cocktails with,” says stylist Jill McCormack
To all the hairstylists out there, thank you for listening to our problems while making us look beautiful. It’s a job that takes a ton of talent and you are appreciated for all you do. This is the first Sugarluxe Girl I sat down to create. I hope you love her like I do.
Simple Pleasures
“A joyful manicure might seem superficial but in fact can be a powerful way to create a small burst of joy in the day to day,” said Ingrid Fettell Lee, author and founder of the Aesthetics of Joy.
Three years before I started Sugarluxe, I had a boss/mentor named Sheila. She is a petite powerhouse who taught me so much. She also took me to a salon to have my very first mani/pedi. It might seem like a trivial thing, but the bonding that happened, the relaxation, and the appreciation I felt for her for giving me this experience will last a lifetime. I’ve only had three other nail salon visits since that time, but each time has been – at least for a moment – heaven. NOTE TO SELF: get more mani/pedis.
The face as a Canvas
I’d be lying if I said I liked doing my makeup. But when I was in college, I worked as a mall makeup artist and I just loved it. I think it’s when I first discovered the joy in painting faces. I also had the chance to work with real makeup artists who taught me little tricks and totally upped my makeup game.
But the best part wasn’t the cool people I worked with or the discounts on cosmetics, it was the happiness I saw on women’s faces when they looked in the mirror. They learned new techniques and they felt beautiful. Not that I think women need makeup. Just like we don’t need our nails done. But for me, and the women looking for a way to outwardly express their inner beauty, there was, and still is such satisfaction in helping women feel seen.
The Next Chapter
When I launched Sugarluxe on Valentine’s Day 2005, I had no idea where it would take me. I started with a few fashion accessories and it grew into a company that sold art-based, lifestyle products into 1000s of boutiques and major retailers. It felt like an amazing accomplishment.
Today, because of my kids, I’m much more focused on celebrating the little things. I’m not interested in being a big manufacturer and designing/making products. It was so consuming and left me little time to create. I managed huge retail accounts, a team of people, and a small factory. Making art was a luxury.
I’m so thankful for the chance to start again. I’m excited to get to help kickstart new companies and I get to do what women asked of me for so long but I simply had no time for: bringing to life Sugarluxe Girl Art Characters for logos + design to help brand your business.
And as much as I got bogged down in the manufacturing side of things when starting my business, the accessibility of making your own products have come so far. Just look at some of the cool things you could make with your own Sugarluxe Girl character:
Sugarluxe Girls | Beautiful Characters for Your Business Brand
If you’re interested in the Sugarluxe Girls I’ve made so far, they can be customized for your unique look – changing hair color, eye color, adding your logo – just get in touch with me. I will be rolling out more creations as they’re completed. So keep checking, too.
Need something made just for you? I’m also currently accepting a handful of commissions.
So what does Sugarluxe look like in the future? I hope you will stay with me to find out.
You are so sweet for being here!
Glad your back!
I was first introduced to your products by my daughter….she bought me a keychain with a little poodle on it.
I lost my daughter 1-4-2014. We are now raising her son, he is 11 now.
Would love to see a angle.
And a grieving mom….
Here’s to wishing you much success!
Thank you for your sweet message Tammy! I appreciate you sharing this with me. I am so very sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine. I’m so thankful her darling boy has you to help him, although I’m sure it’s been so hard on everyone. And I want to thank you for your idea. It’s beautiful and I would love to think about how I might do something so special. Sending you much love 💗