Terri as a little girl enjoying the morning sunshine, sitting in a pink floating ring on a river. In the background, her brother splashes in the water.

From Rural Roots to Entrepreneurship

Growing up in the scenic rural area of the Brisbane Valley, my childhood was filled with the simplicity of nature and the freedom to explore. Surrounded by the beauty of the valley, with no street lights to dim the brilliance of the night sky, swimming in the river and watching summer storms roll in became cherished pastimes. It was a childhood marked by creativity, outdoor adventures and a deep sense of belonging.

Raised in a family that deeply valued creativity, I immersed myself in drawing and painting from a young age. As an outdoor-loving kid, I found joy in being barefoot and carefree, allowing my imagination to roam wild amidst the tranquility of nature. These formative years laid the foundation for my passion for art and the natural world.

During my teenage years, I continued to nurture my creative spark and in my twenties I pursued a Diploma in Visual Arts while juggling a full-time job in retail. Despite the demands of work, I remained committed to my artistic pursuits, participating in group exhibitions in regional galleries. Retail became more than just a job; it was a platform for honing my business acumen, fueling my passion for providing exceptional customer service and learning the intricacies of style and merchandise.

At the age of 29, I met my husband and together we embarked on a journey marked by fertility struggles. After five years of challenges, we were blessed with the arrival of our first daughter in 2023, a moment that filled our lives with immeasurable joy and gratitude. 

Today, I find myself immersed in the world of entrepreneurship and motherhood, balancing the roles of artist, business owner, devoted parent and wife. My days are spent juggling painting artworks, crafting pattern designs and nurturing my baby. Motherhood has added a new dimension to my life, inspiring me to embrace each moment with a sense of wonder and gratitude.

As I navigate the complexities of modern life, I carry with me the lessons learned from my rural upbringing - the importance of creativity, resilience and connection to the natural world and each other. Each brushstroke is infused with the memories of my childhood, serving as a reminder of where I come from and the journey that has led me to where I am today. In the beautiful Mary Valley, on a familiar dirt road, I have found a place that feels like home - a place to focus on building a legacy of community, creative entrepreneurship, sustainability and love, with my family at the forefront of everything I do.

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