I grew up in a small town & being the bold person that I am, I’ve never “blended in”. Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with that, but I used to hate it. There were a lot of people who’ve expressed to me that it was a bad thing. So, I decided to conform & go into the beauty industry. I was still doing some form of art, even though it didn’t set my soul on fire.

After graduating high school in 2017, I moved from McLeansboro, IL to Westwood, CA. I went to Aveda Institute, received my CA Esthetician License, & the next day started at Makeup Designory in Burbank, CA.

While I was there I was doing TFP jobs to get experience. I assisted on a film & did solo photoshoots for beauty makeup. I lived there for almost 2 years. Life had different plans for me & my mental health started to take a toll, so I moved back home. Even though I loved it there.

I started working at a salon doing facials. Took classes on how to do lash extensions & microblading. I also decided to go to Southern Illinois School Of Cosmetology in Centralia, IL. Eventually, I was a licensed Cosmetologist too. I decided to let my Esthetician license expire, since I was no longer offering facials. Only lash extensions and hair.

My health started to decline more in 2021. I was diagnosed with anxiety & depression. Started going to therapy & taking anti-depressants on top of other medications for my POTS & allergies. Found out I was lactose intolerant, had IBS & meat was making me sick, so I switched my diet.

2022, my health started getting worse & I was taking off from work more. My whole body, especially my hands were in so much pain, that I could barely get out of bed & cry myself to sleep. I’ve had chronic pain, fatigue, & other health issues since I was little, but it kicked up 500 notches. Not everyone knew this, because I wear a “mask” since it has always been my normal & felt like a burden bringing it up.

I was diagnosed at 23 with C-PTSD, ADHD, OCD, a boutonnière deformity, h(EDS), & recently with PMDD. I was struggling mentally, physically, & spiritually. I started losing sleep, because my brain wouldn't shut off & the pain kept me up. I take 9 different types of medications everyday now. At the time, I lost my reasons to live, because there isn’t a cure, only pain management.

I couldn’t create art anymore. I could barely even open a jar, because I lacked the strength. What was the point of being alive when you’re constantly in pain? What was the point of life if I can’t do anything that makes my inner child happy? I went through a spiritual awakening while being bedridden for 3 months.

I found a PT & learned that since I am hyper-mobile due to my h(EDS), I was using my body incorrectly my entire life. I had to learn how to sit, walk, write, open/hold things, etc. properly all over again as an adult. It’s hard to break those habits. Eventually, I started slowly getting my strength back & my fingers were kind of straightening out. I made my own splint rings out of jewelry wire to help keep my fingers straight while also being functional.

I was able to live again, to breathe again. That’s when I decided to open up VLeeCreativity. I don’t want to be on my death bed & regret that I didn’t do what I truly desired. Life is too short not to follow your dreams. What if it doesn’t turn out terrible? What if I actually succeed, and I accomplish more than what I was hoping for? Doing something is better than nothing at all.

I enjoy the little things in life. Connecting & spending time with others. Whether it’s through art or just spending time with ones that I care about. That is MY life purpose. Creating isn’t my only purpose, but it’s one of my drives that gets me out of bed & makes me feel alive. Being here & having the good with the bad, is what I’m supposed to experience. You can’t have sunshine & rainbows, without gloomy clouds & rain.

I’m done saying that, “I’m not good enough”, or “What if?” I believe in myself & will work my ASS off to get where I want to be. I want to be my true, authentic, higher self. No matter what obstacle comes my way, I will overcome it.

Hi, plz buy my art..