The Captivating Woman

Designed with purpose.

Meet Christine Errington

Have you heard of The Hipster Housewife on Instagram? I couldn’t tell you how I found her. Actually, I believe I was going through the hashtag #shereadstruth and I found her profile. First of all, I love the aesthetic of her Instagram. I also loved the pieces of work she was creating. Christine Errington is the lady behind The Hipster Housewife. Her Etsy shop contains lettering work of scripture, prayer journals, and greeting cards. She is extremely talented. She emailed us a few months ago and I was in shock because I had been fan-girling for quite awhile. We are excited for her to share her story with all of you! We all know that you will be a fan!

Question: Where do you live & how old are you?
Answer: I live in Sharon, MA, a smallish suburb south of Boston, and I am 32 years old.

Q: Can you give us a day in the life of Christine?
A: Hmmmm, every day is different! I guess a pretty standard day involves getting up at 6 and getting my 3 kids ready for school. Once the bus picks them up I’m at my desk having my devotional and prayer time. I’m super into She Reads Truth and their mission to be ‘women in the word of God, every day’. That’s my goal. With my schedule, it is super important that I start my day in The Word – unfortunately otherwise I know it will get lost in the shuffle. Then I map out my day in my Day Designer, that planner is pretty crucial to the smooth running of my life! I usually start by answering emails and Etsy convos, and then work on prayer journals until it’s time to pick up my youngest from half day kindergarten. Once I have her it is a balance of mom and business owner – not easy. We’ll go to the post office, my printers, and run any other errands (including Starbucks!). I pick up my older two at 3:30, then it’s homework, snacks, and dinner prep. I try to sneak out to yoga any night that I can after my husband is home! If I can’t, I’ll be back at my desk working until I’ve got nothing left. Then sweet sweet bedtime!!!

Q: What three words describe you?
A: Creative, passionate, Jesus-freak (ok, that’s two words).

Q: How did you get The Hipster Housewife name?
A: When I first got married it was a little joke between my husband and myself, that I was not your typical Christian housewife. I am a proud feminist, I speak my mind, and I have a really hard time with the word ‘submission’ (which I’ve since come to a better understanding of, but I still don’t love it!). I really AM a ‘hipster’ housewife!

Q: Do you believe that your Instagram and Etsy shop has become a little ministry incorporated into a job?
A: Absolutely! I have connected with so many incredible women of God via this work and it is 100% a ministry for me. To be able to speak into your lives is such a privilege and a honor. I think it is so important that we are frank and honest in our struggles and our faith – that is what speaks to people, not some whitewashed, I’ve got it all together, I say all the right ‘Christian’ things, and I don’t capital ’S’ Sin, sort of thing. I’m just being myself and sharing my faith, for better or worse, and other people are responding to that. Which is crazy and awesome. I’m building His Kingdom, not my own.

Q: What is the favorite thing about your job?
A: My day revolves around scripture – reading it, writing it, sharing it. It’s awesome! I also love that I can be home with my kids and have the flexibility to volunteer at their schools during the day. I set my own schedule, so if I need yoga at 9am, I go!

Q: Favorite verse?
A:Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord, through your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow.”

Q: What makes a Captivating Woman?
A: She is all in for Jesus and everything she does, every word she speaks, stems from that. She is defined by her love for her Lord. She’s not perfect, and frankly, she isn’t trying to be! Because grace. Because love. Because hope.

Q: Favorite story in the Bible?
A: Oh definitely the resurrection story! I love when Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene in the garden and she doesn’t recognize him. And then she does. Can you imagine? Could you imagine watching your Lord crucified, thinking he was gone, and then seeing him standing there before you! I’ve often imagined her heart in the moment. Her joy. What that moment of realization felt like for her. I identify with her and her story more than any other in the bible. I understand her love and devotion to the One who saved her, because he saved me from my sin too. My sin that was killing me, as hers was killing her.

Q: Who are some Captivating Women in your life that we need to know about?
A: Oh definitely the women running Christina’s House, a non profit I’ve been involved with for a couple of years now. They provide a home for women and children in need, but it is more than just shelter. It is the gospel in action and it is beautiful. These women have huge hearts for ‘the least of these’. The work they are doing for the Kingdom is incredible and I’m honored to be a part of it! Linda and Shannon Mumblo and my dear friend Melissa Manion run the house along with a missionary family who lives there full time providing support and a sense of normalcy to women and children who desperately need it. Check out the work they are doing at www.christinashouse.org!

Source: Prayer Journal on Etsy Shop

Want to find Christine online?
Twitter: @thehipsterwife
Instagram: @thehipsterhousewife
Facebook: The Hipster Housewife
Etsy Shop: www.thehipsterhousewife.etsy.com
Blog: www.thegraceletters.com

Meet Tasha Branham

I met Tasha through an email. I posted a photo on our Instagram to start the search for “Captivating Women of 2016”. Tasha, boldly sent her email. I instantly was in awe and captivated by her. You’ll read her story and learn what she does. She’s amazing, talented, and her own girl boss. We are excited to share Tasha with you! Everyone, please meet Tasha Branham.


Question: Where do you live & how old are you?
Answer: I am 35 years old and I live in Columbus, Ohio.

Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I am the CEO of Naturally Smitten (@naturallysmitten) which is a line of natural products that I developed. We are currently in select Walmart stores nationwide. Our products can also be found abroad in France, the UK, and Australia. I am also the Co-Founder of The Grapevine Box (@thegrapevinebox). The Grapevine Box is a monthly subscription service that introduces new and emerging brands to consumers. I am also a consultant for businesses and ministries. I work as a brand strategist in helping companies implement social media efforts to speak to and attract their target audience.

Q: What three words describe you?
A: Encourager. Creative. Worshipper.

Q: Give us a day in the life of Tasha.
A: My day starts at 6am. I have two sons and I make sure that they are up and ready for school. Once the boys are gone for the day, I use my initial alone time for prayer, worship and intercession. It helps me to set the tone for my day. Being a CEO and having so many things going at once, my days can be rather unpredictable. I find that if I enter His presence early, He can carry me through my day.

After prayer time, I make my to-do list. This list helps me to stay on task. As a creative, its easy to allow your creative mode to drive your day, and before you know it, you didn’t make it to any other task on your to-do list because you spent too much time in creative land!

My to-do list is followed with responding to emails, sending emails, checking our social media, planning posts for the day, and any order fulfillment. I also devote a lot of time in conducting research and brand analysis for some of the brands I work with. I also live for meetings! I have meetings and conference calls every day of the week. Sometimes, I’ll have meetings that run all day or they’ll be scheduled back, to back, to back.

Once my boys are home from school, I have to put the mom and wife hat back on while I simultaneously work. As a CEO, your work never really ends. It may just slightly pause until you have to pick it back up.

My evenings are typically jam packed as well. I will schedule in family time with my husband and kids as much as we can. My husband and I are also Co-Pastors of Advance Church Columbus. During the evening is typically when I will schedule in mentorship time with women that I am mentoring. Our church has a discipleship model and my husband and I spend time throughout our week conducting one on one time with some of the members of our church.

Q: What is the favorite part of your job(s)?
A: My favorite part of my job is inspiring others. God has blessed me in a way that has given me the opportunity to inspire other people to chase after God and to pursue the dreams/desires He’s given them. That is the thing I am most passionate about. I absolutely love to encourage women to pursue their passions.

Q: Do you ever feel disqualified?
A: Absolutely! When I share with people my journey to Walmart, I always tell them about how we made it on shelf with absolutely no money. It was a faith walk from the very beginning. Since then, I’ve had to believe God even more. Walmart wasn’t the end! Its been a huge test for me and people have often looked up to me as one that has great faith. I actually have struggled with fear and doubt often. I’m always encouraging others in their faith when my faith wavers. It’s easy for me to allow my bouts with fear to make me feel like I am disqualified to receive God’s blessings and to be an inspiration to others when I don’t have it all together!

Q: What is the biggest thing you’ve learned on your journey?
A: I learned that if we place limitations on God, that it limits Him moving in your life. I used to dream but I dreamt small. The things I prayed about and asked God for were small in comparison to His purpose for my life. When I would pray concerning the desires of my heart, He would move. I would get a new job or a new opportunity, etc but I wasn’t fulfilled. I began to seek Him to learn more about what His plans were for my life. Once He began to speak, I was able to see just how great His desires were for me. So…I began to dream a little bigger. And a little bigger. And a little bigger. I had to learn that there is no-thing that is too hard for the One who created the earth and the heavens in six days. Who else can compare to that? No one! I began to allow Him to woo me in my relationship with Him. I became hopelessly lovestruck and now, there’s nothing I won’t do for Him. I took God out of the neat little box I had placed Him in and I am now living my dream as they unfold on by one. I am so fulfilled knowing that I am doing His work and that I am positively impacting the lives of others!

Q: Favorite verse?
A: Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Q: What makes a Captivating Woman?
A: I believe a Captivating Woman is a woman that has the ability to impact and positively change the lives of other women. Her life is one to be inspired by. Her relationship with God is a source of encouragement. She is modest, caring, and walking in God’s unwavering love. A Captivating Woman displays the fruit of God’s Spirit in every area of her life.

Q: Favorite story in the Bible?
A: I enjoy most of the Old Testament! It’s so hard to choose. I’d say that my favorite read is when the Children of Israel were delivered from their captors in Egypt and lead into their promised land. There are so many life lessons throughout their journey!

Q: Who are some Captivating Women in your life that we need to know about?
A: My friend Lena. I love Lena. I really do. She is so creative and such an inspiration! If you met her, you’d love her just as much as I do! She is the Founder of Farmhouse Frocks (@farmhousefrocks) and to me, she’s a walking model of faith!

Find Tasha here, as well as check out her businesses!

Instagram: @tashabranham
Twitter: @tashabranham
Snapchat: @tashabranham
Website (in working progress): www.tashabranham.com

The Grapevine Box:

Instagram: @thegrapevinebox

Naturally Smitten:

Meet Edith Taylor

Here’s the thing: none of us who write for The Captivating Woman are wives or mothers. So when we get in contact with someone who is married and/or has children, we jump on it! Our mission is simple. We want women to be encouraged by other women who are serving the Lord in their unique ways. Serving God is not cookie cutter & I love that it’s like that.

Let me introduce Edith.

Edith contacted me with a lovely email nominating her friends to be a part of the “Meet Captivating Women” series. She ended the email humbly saying, “I am only entering myself because I promised someone I would after them bugging me.” She said that she didn’t believe she was qualified, but I instantly had to kill that lie. Don’t you ever feel that coming out of your mouth? “I am not qualified. I don’t do anything special…” For years I said that. But 2 Corinthians 3:5 says:

“It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.”

That’s where Edith comes in. Her heart for motherhood comes deeply from the Lord. She believes that motherhood should be filled in grace and that mothers should walk in it daily. I know that there will be some mothers who will be encouraged by Edith – I sure was, as a single woman.


Q: Where do you live & how old are you?
A: I am a very young 31 years old, but I still get asked if I’m in my early 20’s. I’ll credit that to my extreme shortness. I live in a very old, tiny little farmhouse in Corvallis, Oregon. We are surrounded by mostly pastures & we are neighbors to a bunch of sweet cows.

Q: Give us a day in the life of Edith.
A: I hate mornings with every ounce of me so after 5 alarms (my husband loves it), I finally force myself to roll (some day’s literally) out of bed. Then my toddler son heads off to the sitters while I go to work for a pest control company where I handle most of the rodent & wildlife services. It’s the most amazing family owned business & actually a really interesting job!  After I head home with my son we get to do my favorite thing, which is lots of fun playtime. Since I work all day, I really strive to make the time I have with him very intentional. Dinner is for catching up on each other’s days & talking around our farm table my husband built. I always always lay with my son as he drifts off to
dreamland. Finally when it’s quiet it’s time for strict routine: cleanup, pack lunches, make dinner for the next day, dishes laundry & writing or editing. I used to have a fulltime photography business on top of all of this, but God asked us to lay that down for a year of devoted family time & growth. It was the hardest decision filled with the greatest reward.

Q: What three words describe you?
A: So my blog used to be mostly for my photography business, but instead of closing it I decided to transition it to an outlet for my heart. I’ve always really loved to write. As my love for motherhood grew deeper, I found myself wanting to share that love with other moms. I’d spend time each night writing (what my husband calls novels) on instagram, so the blog was a very easy outlet for me. Honestly most of my posts are written sitting on a tiny footstool in my kitchen during the evening when the house is still.

Q: Describe your heart for motherhood & pouring into your family.
A: Oh gosh. So from day one I’ve had a deep passion for being a mother. I truly believe that I was designed to be a mom. To love in that constant unconditional way was so natural. That being said, our first few years with our son were excruciating. Our son didn’t sleep through the night by any means until around 11 months, from 4 months to 12 months we had 12 ear infections, 2 rounds of croup, endless colds, a vicious flu, popped all of his teeth except his 2 year molars & developed an antibiotic allergy. I was so overwhelmed by the trial; I began sinking in all of the advice that everyone gave to fix it. I read every book, tried every method, researched every this or that but nothing helped. No matter what I did it was contradictory to someone else’s advice & I could feel the sorrow mixed
with judgment in daily interaction I had with other moms. I distinctly remember my complete meltdown in the kitchen after he developed the antibiotic allergy because I’d heard some comments about how it was our fault for giving him the medicine. I told God I was at the end of my rope, that I was tired, that I needed answers. That I needed to know what to do. It was the first time I really questioned if I was capable of doing this.

The hard part of being a mom today is that in this world of advice & judgment we have to find the confidence that God has in us for ourselves. It was on that kitchen floor, broken into a million pieces crying the ugly cry that God reached down, transformed my heart completely & started a momma bear fire within me. Not only did I finally understand that I needed to have grace for myself, but also know that I could walk in total confidence because God was leading my decisions as a mother. And if God is leading my decisions, they are always right. Once we finally are able to breath in the truth of who we are as moms, we can start living in the freedom of that. This freedom allows me to make decisions for my son’s health & know that it is the very best thing for him. To not question myself as a mom, allowing me to be his biggest advocate. I get to raise him based on what God has spoken to me in prayer & not worry about the 7 million pieces of advice I can get in a day. That same confidence allowed me to close a photography business just as it was exploding in order to put my family first. The greatest transformation in my entire life has been through the hardest journey of being a mom.

Q: What’s the favorite part of your “job” (Being a mom & writing on your blog)? 
A: The word that keeps coming to my mind is loving. Honestly it’s just the best part. Loving my son through serving him, caring for him, playing with him, teaching him about God. The best part is seeing him growing his heart & showing that same compassion to others. The best is when he does it so naturally & unprompted. Every night I pray over him, the same prayer, in the same order, the same words. He has started to ask before I can say anything to pray for others. He always decides who to pray for one after another. Watching him grow that innocent heart for the Lord, that is the
victory in it all. It’s the payoff for being diligent in raising them, for doing those 10 million thankless jobs, for praying out loud when we think they’re not even paying attention. This is in addition to the endless giggles, the snuggles, that freak the heck out excitement when I pick him up each day. I just honestly love every part of this mom gig.

My favorite part about writing again is about loving. To speak in a love that is calling out the freedom of grace in other mothers. There is so much pressure out there to do everything right, not talk about the taboo, pretend like we have it all together & delicately wrap it up with a Pinterest bow. Honestly I don’t have time for all that fake bull honkey. My favorite is getting to the nitty gritty & praying in the trenches with mothers. I really truly believe that we are all incredible mothers. That we are doing an amazing job, far better than we think. When I get to encourage women who are in the hard places of motherhood & speak truth into their hearts, hope into their days, love into their trials. That is where it’s at for me. Pouring so much grace over them that it overflows & they can’t help but breath it back out. I love to call out that confident mother in other women. To help them transform into a heart that believes in themselves.

Q: Favorite verse?
A: Wait do I really have to pick one? I’m studying the scripture about rest right now (#edithlearnstorest) so I have a lot of them. If I have to narrow it down these are my rock verses that carry me through anything. “Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2 – 4. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

Q: What makes a Captivating Woman?
A: Captivating is defined as to be capable of attracting and holding interest. I think this is such a good description of who God is. This amazingly beautiful, loving person that just draws people to him in the most natural way. To me, a captivating woman is someone who does the same for God’s kingdom. A woman who is always mindful of walking out a representation of heaven, with a heart of Christ. Someone who champions for us to live in truth, honesty, grace & freedom. Not worried by the judgment of others or opinion of the world, but simply the approval of her heavenly father. She is a woman who carries the Holy Spirit so thick that effortlessly they draw in others to see out God’s truth.

Q: Favorite story in the Bible?
A: I’m always intrigued by the story of Abraham. To have that kind of faith that you can come to a place of almost sacrificing your son. With that amount of trust in God…I just…it blows my mind every time. Can you imagine believing in Gods sovereignty so deeply, to the extent that Abraham did? To trust God literally with every part of you. I used to pray when we were in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy a prayer to be like Abraham. That no matter what happened on this road of motherhood, God would give me the ability to have faith like Abraham. To trust him to that extent with my son. With my family. With my life.

Q: Who are some Captivating Women in your life that we need to know about?
A: There are a few women that I just draw richly from. My friends Faith & Mountains in Ethiopia. Brad & Bethany Canfield moved their family to help run the Soddo Christian Hospital. Bethany is hands down the most Godly woman I know. She speaks loving truth where ever she goes in the most
honest & raw way. She is humble, passionate for God, walking out an overwhelming calling & the most beautiful soul. I miss her so dearly, but love the work that their family is doing. Stephanie Tait from The Joy Parade Blog. This lady is an incredible mother of two amazing little boys. She blogs, writes, speaks & is honestly the one that is my glue. My friend Karen Stott who is the founder of the Pursuit 31 Community for women. She hosts conferences, writes devotionals, created the Intentional Home Project. She is an unbelievable woman who is so head over heels in love with Jesus it’s contagious. My life has been changed so drastically just by knowing her heart for intentional families & devotion. Jacki Moore who is a beautiful light to this motherhood journey. I love watching her motherhood unfold in an honest, real way that breaths life into others. The tenderness of her heart calls out the softness in others & connection to the father always lifts me up on days when I need some truth.

Find Edith on her website www.simplykissed.com
Instagram: @simplykissed
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyKissedPhotography

Meet Jessica Senbetu

I met Jessica through Cru my junior year. I remember the day exactly. I walked around the chapel where Cru was having their weekly meeting, probably 4 times. I was so nervous to go in. But I knew that I would find my friends there. I connected with Jess and we realized we were in the same major, plus we had the same class together after the meeting was over. I instantly loved Jessica. I love her personality, her humor, and her love for Jesus. She does her job so well – it was made for her. I’m excited for Jessica to share more about herself in this month’s “Meet Captivating Women.”

Where do you live and how old are you?

I live in San Jose, CA and I am 23 years old!

What did you get your degree in?

I got my degree in Recreation from San Jose State University.

What three words describe you?

Passionate, creative, intuitive.

What do you do for a living?

I work full-time with a Christian missions organization called Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ). I work with the “campus ministry” of Cru at San Jose State University reaching college students with the Gospel! It’s crazy fun! Our tagline is, “Cru is a caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus”, and I love that vision-because it’s about changed lives, changing lives. My life was radically changed by Jesus through Cru during my freshman year of college and I was so changed that I wanted as many college students lives’ to be changed by the Gospel as well, and I wanted to be a part of that.

Give us a day in the life of Jessica Senbetu.
Let’s see…it usually starts with me waking up to the sound of my husband watching ESPN and thinking “How long has he been up? What day is it? I’m so thirsty!” Every. Single. Morning.

Once I break out of my haze I get some reading and/or praying in. This doesn’t come naturally to me, I gotta work for it. After that it’s usually straight into some type of meeting with my Cru staff teammates, staff meeting, staff prayer, check-in with my team leader. I like starting the mornings with my team, it keeps my focused and fills up my relational tank! The afternoons are usually meeting with students, sometimes that’s meeting up for coffee to talk about who Jesus is or what it looks like to follow Him, sometimes it’s going into the dorms to pray and meet students, and sometimes it’s planning to meet up with a student leader but then running into 5 other Cru students on campus and having an impromptu hangout! I love college ministry because it’s highly relational and unpredictable. God is always doing something unexpected. Lastly, the evenings are Cru meetings and small groups. This next Spring I’m helping launch a co-ed Greek Bible study, so you’ll find me on Greek row on Wednesday nights!

What’s the favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is watching God change lives. I know it sounds simple, but I can just never get enough of it! This past Fall semester I personally got to see 5 freshmen girls surrender their lives over to Jesus and begin to follow Him, and that was out of 28 students who indicated decisions for Christ through Cru! Crazy! I watch students leave everything behind to follow Jesus- girls texting me at some odd hours in the night to tell me they need to break up with their boyfriend because the relationship is leading them away from Christ or that they need prayer because they just shared the Gospel with their friend from home and they can’t believe they even got through the conversation! I love getting to see answered prayers be manifested through the Spirit in real lives of college students, it’s like we’re real characters in this beautiful story God is writing.

Favorite verse?

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'” -Romans 10:14-15

What makes a Captivating Woman?
A Captivating Woman is a woman who lives out who she is supposed to be. Who she was created to be. She is unwavering from the woman God created in her mother’s womb and she seeks His voice because her identity is not in what she can do, but in Who gave her life.
Favorite story in the bible?

My favorite story in the Bible right now is the story of the sinful woman who broke her alabaster box at the feet of Jesus in front of the crowd. I came back to this story again and again this semester with my freshmen girls bible study and I was so overcome with emotion when it really hit me for the first time, I am the sinful woman and I need to come to Jesus. I love all the gems of historical context in this story…the box of perfume, the Pharisees, the washing of the feet…so good. This is one of my favorite pictures of how Jesus feels about mankind, so much compassion & love for us and so much hope offered to us.

Who are some Captivating Women in your life that we need to know about.
Elisabeth Elliot – wife of missionary Jim Elliot, and missionary herself who followed God’s leading with her husband into the remote villages of Ecuador to bring the Gospel to people who had never heard the name of Jesus. Her book Through Gates of Splendor is the account of their journey and their story changed my life! When I first became a Christian I wanted to be just like her!
Christena Cleveland – In 2014, Christianity Today named her one of the “33 Under 33” millennials leading the next generation of Christian faith. She is “a social psychologist with a hopeful passion for overcoming cultural divisions in groups”. I first heard Christena speak at our Cru staff conference this past summer and I was obsessed. Her strong voice for justice lit up the room, created discomfort, and got people talking. I loved how she used her voice to eloquently and unapologetically speak truth. www.christenacleveland.com

Meet Jessi Snapp

11792035_830499823724211_8910286527143633377_oI first met Jessi through her Etsy shop Luminous Light Studio. I was going through a bit of a rough patch and was obsessed with Bethel’s You Make Me Brave album, especially “It Is Well”. I love the song as a whole, but the end of the song says:

“So let go my soul and trust in Him, the waves and wind still know His name.”

It struck such a chord in me and I couldn’t get it out of my head. I briefly considered tattooing it on my body, and upon further reflection, decided Etsy was probably a better option. I typed the lyrics into the search bar, and only one shop showed up – you guessed it – Luminous Light Studio. After a couple of days emailing back and forth about some personalization I was wanting, I found her website http://luminouslightstudio.com and fell in love with her work, her mission and the way she brings light into the dark. She graciously agreed to Skype with me and be interviewed for TCW.

Hannah: Hi! Thank you so much again for being willing to do this – I’m so excited! So first off, why don’t you introduce yourself? Who are you, where are you and what do you do with your life?
Jessi: Hi! My name is Jessi Snapp. I currently live in Indiana, I’m 27 and a full-time student and stay at home mom. I’m studying social work, and I finish this year. I own Luminous Light Studio and I’m a contributing writer for All That Love Can Do and as of October, I’m writing for Still Standing Magazine.

H: That’s so much! I’m so impressed that are managing school on top of everything else, and hooray for graduation being so close! Tell me about your family?
J: My husband and I have our son Ezra, who is 6 and Silas, who is in heaven.

H: That segues kind of perfectly into the next question. Tell me about your Etsy shop and how all of that got started?
J: Sure. The shop started in May. After losing Silas in August of 2014, I got involved in a community of women who had also lost babies to Tris, and it really became like a sisterhood to me. I started to paint their babies names in these watercolor memorials, and send them out to the families, hoping that I could bring even a little bit of a light to a dark situation. Eventually it got to a point where it was so expensive to keep sending them out for free that I didn’t know how I was going to keep doing it. Then we started the Etsy shop and a portion of our proceeds go to sending the paintings to the families who have lost their babies, free of charge.

H: That is so incredible. I read the story on the blog, so I knew a lot of that coming in to this, but to hear you tell it. So powerful. So on to a bit more frivolous question. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
J: Ah. That’s so hard to answer. If I could travel anywhere, I’d pick Heaven for a day. But within the realm of possibility, I’d have to say Australia.

H: Do you know any Captivating Women?
J: Yes! Rachel at The Heart Magazine is definitely who I think of when I think of Captivating Women. Her magazine is beautiful and celebrates women being real and honest about their own lives – the joys, the loss and the everyday things. Another is Carly Marie Dudley in Perth, AU. She does these really incredible sunset photos with babies names written in the sand. I have one for Silas, and I treasure it. Her website is full of beautiful art and you can follow her on Instagram @carlymariedudley. Also RaeAnne Frederickson – because she is amazing. She runs two support communities: one for parents who continue their pregnancies despite a fatal diagnosis and another for mothers living childless after loss. She lost her son Samuel & yet she finds it in her heart to support others. She is pure gold! And Lexi Behrndt of Scribbles & Crumbs. She writes avidly on large platforms about grief & loss. She is one of those beautiful souls who has a way with words and instills hope into the broken. She has quickly become a voice for so many. She also runs The Charlie Sawyer Project, which is a beautiful place for bereaved parents to share their children’s stories.

H: They sound like absolutely incredible women! It’s so cool to me the ways that people like these ladies are making the world brighter by utilizing their own gifts in such unique ways. Okay, so if you say anything to a 10 years younger version of you, what would you say?
J: That no matter what you face, there is always hope to be found. You can always find joy, even in the darkest of times.

H: I love that. It’s so true. What is your favorite goofy ritual or thing that you treasure doing with Ezra?
J: laughs He is such a silly little guy, that I think there could be a fairly long list there. One thing we are always doing: we love to scare each other, so we will both hide in the house and pop out and try and scare the other one.

H: That’s so precious! I love those kinds of traditions!! So the last of my silly questions, do you with all of your free time that you don’t have, have any favorite TV shows?
J: TV is a guilty pleasure of mine actually. I’m always doing other things while watching TV, but I love to watch it when I can. My husband and I love to watch Game of Thrones, it’s kind of our Sunday tradition, and we get really into it

H: I totally understand that. Leslie Knope is my spirit animal on so many levels and I’m still way too emotionally invested in Parks and Rec.
J: Oh! I love that show too.

At this point I hear a consistent knocking at the door to her office, and she calls out to Ezra that she’ll be finished in just a minute and then she will be free to play checkers with him. At the time, it made me giggle because he sounds like a really wonderful little guy, but the more I thought about it, the more that highlighted my impression of Jessi in general. Willing to take time out of a very full schedule and a very busy life to get to know the stories of others and share herself and her story in an attempt to let people know they aren’t alone in their grief and struggle. She has since published articles online with Huffington Post and Good Housekeeping, and is really wonderful each time at being very real and vulnerable without trying to sugar coat it or giving into hopelessness. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone turn grief into such a thing of raw, honest beauty. Please check out her website at http://luminouslightstudio.com.

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