Northern Michigan isn’t just where I was born and raised—it’s the heart of everything I create. The winding forest trails, the golden dunes, the way the turquoise waters sparkle under the summer sun—it all inspires me. You’ll find that love reflected in my self care line,  Northern Nail Polish, where each color tells a story of this beautiful state, and in Great Lakes Mosaic, a magazine my best friend and I launched that is dedicated to uplifting the makers and artisans who bring Northern Michigan’s creative spirit to life. The lakes don’t just surround me; they always call me back home.

I wrote Shine On for my son—the brightest light in my life. He’s the reason I keep pushing forward, building, creating, and doing what I do. He gives my life that spark, that drive, and on top of it all, he’s simply the most fun, amazing person I’ve ever had the joy of knowing. This song is for him, but also for anyone who has that one person who keeps them going.

Every day, I tell my partner I love him—but I wanted him to truly know just how lucky I am to have found him. He’s my best friend, my rock, and everything we needed. He filled a space in our family we didn’t even realize was missing, and for that, I’m forever grateful. This song is my way of saying thank you—for loving us, for being you, and for making our world complete.

Over the years, we’ve chased the Northern Lights—driving out to the darkest spots we could find, hoping for a glimpse of their magic. One time, we thought Old Mission Peninsula would be the perfect spot… so did everyone else. We couldn’t even find a place to park! But the joke was on us, because the most breathtaking display we’ve ever witnessed wasn’t miles away—it was right here, in my own backyard. That’s where we captured the photo for this album cover, in May 2024. Sometimes, the best things aren’t far at all. You just have to look up.

I grew up as an only child, but my world was never lonely—it was built on love. My parents gave me a childhood full of adventure, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the little things. We found joy in nature, in quiet moments, in the simple magic of just being together. They taught me kindness, resilience, and the value of creating a life filled with meaning. Their love is the foundation of who I am, and this song is my way of thanking them for every lesson, every sacrifice, and every moment that made me: me.

This song is for my late ‘Meme’, whose love was as steady and comforting as a warm embrace on a cold winter’s day. She had a way of making everything feel safe, of turning simple moments into cherished memories. Her hands, always busy—crocheting, crafting, cooking, cleaning, caring—were proof of a life spent giving to others. Though she’s no longer here, her love still lingers in the quiet moments, in the recipes and keepsakes she passed down, and in the warmth she left behind. This song is my way of holding onto that.

As a teen, I was always jealous of the girls with smooth, tame hair—the kind they could style a million ways with trendy cuts and accessories. Meanwhile, my hair had one style, and that was pretty much it. No matter how hard I tried, it refused to be anything but itself. It took me a long time to realize that was never a flaw. This one’s for the wild, untamed, beautiful curls—the ones that refuse to be anything but exactly what they are. Crown of Curls is about embracing what makes you unique, standing tall in your own skin, and loving every part of yourself, just as you are. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t quite fit the mold, this song is for you. Wear your crown with pride.

I grew up listening to everything—thanks to my mom’s music collection. When I bought my first record player, I knew my collection would be just as varied. From Madonna to Metallica, Lana Del Rey to Journey, Pat Benatar, Heart, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Lord Huron, AURORA, Stevie Nicks—every artist, every genre, every song has shaped the way I see the world. Play It All is about embracing it all—the highs, the lows, the anthems, and the ballads. Because life isn’t just one song on repeat. It’s a whole, messy, beautiful playlist.

This song is for every handmade business owner who gets it. The late nights, the early mornings, the never-ending to-do lists. The wild balance between making a few bucks and managing family—because let’s be real, that’s why we do what we do. I’ve been making nail polish from my home studio since 2012, and it’s been a blessing to work on my own time, in my own space. But let’s not sugarcoat it—this life is so much work. It’s more than a full-time job. It’s craft shows on weekends with my husband and son in tow, building and maintaining my website and social media, answering emails, sending newsletters, creating and photographing every product, and shipping them out once they sell. Some days, you make $10, and others, you make $100. But at the end of the day, it’s ours. This one’s for the makers, the dreamers, the ones pouring their hearts into every handmade piece. You’re not alone.

And to those who support handmade businesses, you’re the real star! Your purchases, shares, and kind words keep the magic alive. Thank you for choosing heart over hype.

One night recently, I came in from playing in the snow with my son, feeling light and happy—until I saw the stack of bills waiting for me. Reality hit, and suddenly, I felt that all-too-familiar panic creeping in. I didn’t have enough to cover them, and in that moment, it broke me. I stood there in the kitchen, stirring spaghetti sauce, trying to blink back the tears. I thought I was alone. But my son turned the corner, saw me, and without hesitation, wrapped me in the biggest bear hug. No words—just love. And somehow, that was exactly what I needed to remind me that we’d be okay. Mom’s Tears in the Spaghetti is about those moments—the ones where you feel like you’re carrying the world, only to realize you’re not carrying it alone.

Some days feel endless—like the weight of the world is too heavy, the rain won’t stop, and the storm will never pass. But if there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that no matter how dark the skies get, the sun always finds a way back through. Storms Don’t Last Forever is a reminder that the hard times won’t stay forever. The winds die down, the rain clears, and we find ourselves standing stronger than before. If you’re in the middle of a storm right now, hold on—brighter days are coming.

Every person in my family, myself included, deals with some form of chronic stress or anxiety. My son and I sat down and thought about all the ways we see it impact the people we love every day—and from that, this song was born. If you’ve ever felt the weight of it all, this one's for you. Take a deep breath, hit play, and let it out.

There’s nothing quite like the love of a dog. They don’t care about your bad days, your messy hair, or the worries you carry—they just want to be by your side. By My Side is about Benny, my best boy, my shadow, my constant companion. No matter what kind of day I’m having, he’s always there—ready for an adventure, a cuddle, or just to sit quietly by my side (like while I type this note.) But really, it’s for anyone who has a four-legged best friend who makes life better just by being there. The wagging tails, the knowing looks, the way they seem to just get it when you need them most—dogs have a way of making even the hardest days a little lighter. If you’ve got a pup who’s been there through it all, this song is for you.

Euchre by the fire. Cornhole in the yard. Kids laughing as they run through the sprinkler. Someone lighting sparklers way too early. Fireworks lined up, ready to see whose is the biggest and loudest. The smell of burgers on the grill, pops in hand, surrounded by family and friends. That’s what July Fourth Up North is all about—long summer nights, simple traditions, and memories that last a lifetime. If you’ve ever spent the Fourth up north, you know the feeling. This one’s for you.

I used to plunge my goggled face into the river, making friends with the crayfish and snails. Dragonflies would land on my arms like I was part of their world, and minnows nibbled at my toes as if welcoming me home. At night, we’d lie back and watch the stars while fireflies danced in the fields around us—tiny sparks of magic flickering in the dark. The Betsie River was all of this and more for me as a child. It was freedom, wonder, and the kind of connection to nature that never really leaves you. River of My Youth is about those moments, the ones that shaped me, and the way they still call me back—even now. Some rivers don’t just flow through the land. They flow through us, too.

Some relationships feel like a long winter—chilled conversations, distant glances, love that once burned warm now frozen in place. Cold Snap is about that moment when you realize you’re in something that just doesn’t fit, like wearing the wrong coat in a bitter wind. It’s not a storm, not a sudden blizzard—just a slow, creeping cold that settles in before you even realize you’re shivering. And sometimes, the only way to thaw out is to walk away.

The moment my doctor handed me a book about being an empath, everything clicked. I had spent my whole life feeling everything so deeply—absorbing emotions like a sponge, carrying the weight of the world, and struggling with depression that sometimes made life feel impossible. When things felt hopeless, like I’d never be enough for everyone, the darkness could be overwhelming. But I’ve learned that feeling it all isn’t a flaw. It’s not something to “get over” or shut down—it’s something to move through. To sit with the feelings, to understand them, and to know they don’t define me. I Feel It All is about embracing that depth, even when it’s heavy, because feeling everything also means experiencing love, beauty, and connection in a way that others might not. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in emotions, please know: you’re not alone. Help is available. If you’re feeling suicidal or in crisis, speak with someone today: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Journaling has become a regular part of my day for a few years now, and many of the lyrics on this album started as words I wrote just for myself. Over time, I realized how much creating—whether it’s writing, painting, playing music, or even something as simple as lighting a candle—helps me process and heal. Brushstrokes & Bandages is about the small ways we take care of ourselves, the moments of creativity that help us move through hard times. Whether it’s journaling, painting your nails, working on a craft, taking a walk, or just sitting with your thoughts in the bathtub, self-care looks different for everyone—but it all matters. If art or any little act of self-care has helped you heal, this one’s for you.

Speaking of Self Care Moments: There’s something special about slow winter days—the kind where the world feels quiet, and all I want to do is curl up with a good book, a warm mug in hand, and let the sunlight filter through the leaves of my houseplants. My bookshelf is more than just storage; it’s a collection of inspiration, a reminder of stories waiting to be explored. Sunlit Pages is about those simple, cozy moments that make life feel full—the warmth of a good book, the stillness of a winter afternoon, and the quiet joy of being surrounded by the things that bring you peace.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever started with nothing—no roadmap, no handouts, just a dream and the determination to make it real. Built From Nothing is about the grind, the sacrifices, and the fire it takes to push forward when the odds are stacked against you. Long nights, failures, and doubts are all part of the journey, but so is proving to yourself that you can rise every time you fall.

Right now, the world feels more divided than ever. People have different opinions, different backgrounds, different struggles—but that doesn’t mean we have to be broken apart. Like stained glass, our differences don’t make us weaker—they create something beautiful when we come together. Stained Glass Hearts is about finding strength in unity; about how understanding and connection can help heal the cracks.  No matter what’s happening in the world, we are stronger together.

To End this Album on a Lighter Note: Being a parent is already a wild ride, but throw ADHD into the mix, and it’s pure chaos. One minute, you’re making breakfast, the next, you’re reorganizing a desk drawer, mid-thought, while a half-folded pile of laundry sits on the couch and your coffee is cold again. Wait, What Was I Doin’? is the soundtrack to those days where your brain is juggling a million tabs, the to-do list keeps growing, and somehow, you still forget why you walked into the room. If you’ve ever started five tasks and finished…none, this one’s for you.