Friends, Here are my thoughts for the days when I’m feeling a little left behind. I hope this encourages you and reminds you it’s never too late to start something new! Leah
Let’s start with a truth I’ve had to remind myself of—more than once:
You’re not behind. You’re building—brick by brick, idea by idea.
Embracing the Middle
I’ll admit it—I’m no spring chicken! In a world where everything online looks fast, flawless, and perfectly filtered—and where I’m not always the most tech-savvy—it’s easy to feel like everyone else is miles ahead. But I’ve come to believe that some of the most meaningful growth in life and business happens quietly. Off the radar. Behind the scenes. In the slow, steady, unglamorous middle.
And honestly? So many people find their “thing” later in life.
Julia Child didn’t start cooking professionally until her late 30s.
Vera Wang entered fashion design at 40.
Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first Little House on the Prairie book at 65.
Grandma Moses began painting in her 70s.
There’s no deadline on purpose. No age limit on creativity. Thank goodness.
Why I Believe in Slow Growth
When I moved from being a full-time mom and picked up a paintbrush years ago, I didn’t have a business plan or a fancy art degree. I just had a deep desire to create—and a quiet voice inside telling me to try.
Over time, I built something, brick by brick:
→ A creative practice rooted in faith and nature
→ A business that blends inspiration, storytelling, and soulful products
→ A community of women (hello, Women for Women!) that I deeply believe in
I’ve taken classes, launched collections, said yes to shows, and been terrified more times than I can count. But every bit of it—especially the slow bits—has mattered.
📚 Books That Encourage Purpose-Driven Growth
I’ll be the first to say—I haven’t read every one of these books cover to cover or listened to every single podcast episode. But these titles and voices have been highly recommended by women I admire and trust, and many are on my own "to-read" or "listen-while-I-paint" list.
Take what you need, skip what doesn’t resonate, and remember—you’re not alone on this path.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being — Rubin – Creativity as presence, not performance.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – A lifeline for anyone battling fear while creating.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown – This book gave me the courage to start painting.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron —Your guide to unlocking creativity through daily writing, self-discovery, and playful exploration.
Essentialism by Greg McKeown – A reminder to simplify and focus on what really matters. (Boy, do I need this one!)
🎧 Podcasts That Give Me Courage and Strategy
Some of these I’ve listened to while painting. Others have kept me company on long drives to visit my three kids (in three different states!) or my mom in Mississippi. And of course, they’re a go-to while walking Bella, my nearly 14-year-old yellow lab.
The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher – Practical marketing tips and soulful business advice.
The Art Coaching Club Podcast by Hayley Price White – Helps artists navigate creative entrepreneurship.
Marketing Your Business by Stu McLaren – Great if you’re building (or dreaming of building) a membership-based business.
The Marie Forleo Podcast – High-energy insights on purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Creative Pep Talk by Andy J. Pizza – Whimsical, wise guidance for the creative journey.
💡 Leaders Worth Following
These women remind me that creative entrepreneurship isn’t about going viral—it’s about going deep, staying true, and building with heart.
Morgan Harper Nichols – Artist and poet whose words feel like a deep breath.
Jenna Kutcher – Marketing know-how meets heartfelt honesty about business and motherhood.
Marie Forleo – Helps multi-passionate entrepreneurs build lives they love (Everything is Figureoutable is on my Audible wishlist!).
Brené Brown – Her work on vulnerability and leadership is foundational.
Annie F. Downs – Brings joy and spiritual encouragement through her podcast That Sounds Fun.
Christy Wright – The first coach I learned from—her book Business Boutique was a game-changer.
Shauna Niequist – Shares beautifully on creativity, calling, and grounding yourself in the present (Present Over Perfect is on my wishlist too!).
So, If You’re Still in the Middle…
If your creative business isn’t quite “there yet”—that’s okay. You are building something with soul. That’s rare. That’s powerful. And that’s exactly what the world needs.
You don’t have to go fast.
You don’t have to go big.
You just have to keep going.
One sketch.
One email.
One kind word.
One small yes at a time.
You’re not behind—you’re right on time.
All my best, Leah