You quite literally never know where your art could go

The past few months I’ve had the great pleasure of expanding on social media, and it has opened my eyes to a whole new way of sharing art with the world - for me, that’s beaded plants, handmade jewelry, and all the colorful creations I dream up.

For so long, I thought too small for my creative mind. I never imagined that what I’m doing now was even an option. But somehow, through endless hours of work, plenty of creative exploration, and - to put it kindly - working my little butt off, I’m here. And I know this is only the beginning.

This business comes at a price, sure, but it also speaks directly to my purpose. It gives me creative freedom, allows me to connect with designers, artists, and makers (both seasoned and aspiring), and brings me so much joy.

To put it into perspective: I feel like I’ve climbed a hill only to find an even bigger hill on the other side - and beyond that, an even bigger one still.

A few weeks ago, I was testing out my new booth design at a flea market in downtown Des Moines, IA. I had a nasty cold, I was exhausted, and, to put it gently, things were not going well. I felt myself starting to spiral. Even though I know this is my path and what I’m meant to do, running a business comes with sacrifices - my own space, my social life, a steady income. I still have those things, but not to the extent I’d like. And that’s okay.

While I was lost in thought, forgetting exactly why I do this, I suddenly heard a voice in front of me: “Oh my god, hi!”

I looked up, completely blank on who I was looking at, worried I’d forgotten someone from college.

Then she said, “You don’t know me, but I know you! You’re Anka, right? You post tutorials on TikTok.”

I was stunned. “Yeah… wow, hello! This is blowing my mind!”

She joked that she’d just met a celebrity - which made me laugh - and then showed me a beaded plant she had made from one of my tutorials, along with one her friend created. I started to tear up. When you post your art online, all you can do is hope someone resonates with it. I’ve seen lots of recreations before of some of my projects, but hearing it in person was different.

I suggested she follow me on Instagram, and she said, “I don’t do social media, actually! I found your tutorial on Pinterest and downloaded TikTok just to follow you. I’m obsessed with your page. You’re so authentically creative and yourself. You make things tangible and you don’t gatekeep - you want people to be creative.”

And in that moment, I remembered my why.

It’s naïve to think that money and time won’t ever cause stress - they will. But my goals remain the same: share my art with the world, teach others how to create, explore endlessly, inspire others and be inspired by others.

Her name was Brenna. She was so kind, and when I shared how much her words meant to me, it made her day too.

That day reminded me that the hills will always be there - but there’s beauty to notice at every step along the climb.

You never know how far kindness can go. There is beauty in humanity, and in art, and it keeps on giving.