During the summer of 2003, I had the chance to visit one of the enchanting islands of Hawaii. I soon discovered that one of my favorite ways to pass the time there was to enjoy peace, while sitting under the famous Banyan trees.

There is so much inspiration to be gathered in the wise, stillness of these majestic trees, or any tree for that matter. The sanctity of the tree's energy brought upon powerful thoughts of reinventing my life to do what really makes me happy.

At the time, I did have a great job. I was 25 years old, working as a government contractor, with good pay, steady hours, vacation and benefits. But there was still something in me that was missing. I was bored. And I knew that I had a gift with art. Everyone else seemed to know too.

Every week my phone was ringing for me to paint somebody's baby room or help them add some
spice and color to their kitchen. I just never seriously considered it to be my bread and butter. But somehow, here in Hawaii, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, something I had never really known back home in Virginia Beach. I was meant to paint. I was an artist.

I knew that when I left Hawaii I was going back to my ordinary job that could easily replace me at any time. I didn't want to be bored, I didn't want to just wake up everyday and sit in traffic for hours just to work at a job that paid me well. Life to me has always meant more than the money.

I wanted to live, and to wake up being excited and satisfied about what I contributed to this world. I knew I would never be the same after these thoughts had awaken me.

So that's when I began to manifest my business. I wanted to paint murals for my job, not just as a weekend thing or whenever I could find the time. This was what I was really meant to do. I knew it in my heart, and your heart will never lie.

I began by writing everything down on a little brown paper bag I had with me that came with some books I bought. I wrote everything as if it had already happened. The words felt so familiar to me. I wrote down that I wanted to have my own hours, and my own time to be creative. That I would attract all the right people in my life that would help me on my path. I would have enough money to pay my bills and enough clients that loved my services and I would make friends for life.

I wrote down..."JADEN'S DREAMING TREE". Jaden was my nickname. I pictured my self as Jaden, who I imagined was a successful artist within me and was guiding me to fulfill my dreams. So there it was...."Jaden's Dreaming Tree"!! I was so excited! I was going to start a mural company, I was going to get my business license, make business cards and be official!


I told my husband (then boyfriend) about my wonderful thoughts for being a business owner and he supported me all the way. He told me I had to start somewhere and that I would have all the support from everyone who knew my talent.

After coming back from Hawaii I gave notice to my job and couldn't believe I was really going to do this. I was nervous one minute, and so excited to get started the next! Everyone at my job thought it was so wonderful and they knew this was the best for me! That really gave my peace of mind.


I got married in the summer of 2004 and officially started my business in October. It has been so wonderful for me and a dream come true.


If it wasn't for that magical trip to Hawaii, I'm not sure if I would have ever thought about my life the way I did under those beautiful Banyan trees.


The business has been a success and has fulfilled the writing on the little brown paper bag, many times over. This is what I am meant to do and everyday I am more and more thankful to all those who gave me great encouragement on my journey and to the wonderful clients that I have made inspirational, lifelong friends with. I am eternally grateful.