Looking Back at 2025 — and Stepping Into My Next Chapter

As we step into a new year, I’ve been taking a moment to look back at everything 2025 held for me; the growth, the surprises, the challenges, and the small (but mighty) wins that shaped who I’m becoming. It’s been a year of transition, creativity, and learning to trust myself more.

Highlights From 2025

Creative Growth

This year, my art found new momentum. I refined my style, built a more intentional collection and poured myself into a commission that meant something —a piece filled with symbolism and personal story. I leaned into designing for others, whether it was bespoke gifts, community‑focused projects, or new workshop experiences. Every piece reminded me why I create.

Launching Workshops

One of the biggest milestones of 2025 was launching my very first workshop. on my birthday, no less. What started as a single guided landscape session grew into more than a dozen workshops throughout the year.

A mix of calm, scenic landscapes and vibrant cocktail‑themed paint & sip evenings, each one brought people together in a way that felt energising and meaningful. Seeing others relax, create, and surprise themselves has been one of my favourite parts of the year.

A Year of Growing Confidence

If there’s one quiet thread running through 2025, it’s confidence. Not the loud, performative kind, but the steady, growing belief in my own voice, my own ideas, and my own creative path.

From launching workshops to sharing more of my work publicly, I learned to trust myself a little more. To take up space. To try things before I felt “ready.”

That shift has changed everything.

Personal Wins

I embraced new routines, from gentle self‑care to carving out more time for rest and creativity. I learned to set boundaries, protect my energy, and celebrate the small steps. I’m ending the year feeling more grounded, grateful, and quietly ambitious.

Looking Ahead: My Goals for 2026

I’m stepping into this year with intention. These are the goals I’m holding gently but confidently:

1. Prepare for a Studio Move

One of my big focuses for 2026 is planning a studio move. The building I’m currently in is expected to be closed in the near future, it’s one of the last old structures around the Railway station in Coventry that hasn’t been redeveloped yet, and over time it’s become quite outdated and unsafe.

Artspace are exploring options for a new venue, and I’m hopeful, but I’m also taking practical steps to look at alternative spaces myself so I’m ready for whatever happens next. My aim is to find a safe, accessible studio close to home where I can keep growing my creative practice and hosting workshops.

2. Grow My Creative Business With Purpose

This year, I want to keep building on the momentum of 2025 by expanding what I offer and how I show up creatively. That includes:

• Developing more cohesive collections

• Introducing new prints and product ranges

• Taking part in more art fairs and markets

I want my work to feel both elevated and accessible, something people can connect with, gift, display, and enjoy in their everyday spaces.

3. Expand My Workshops

I’d love to introduce new themes, formats, and experiences, keeping them joyful, accessible, and rooted in connection.

4. Prioritise My Wellbeing

This year, I’m committing to routines that feel sustainable and kind. One of my big personal goals is training for my first 10K — something I’ve only just begun, but already feel proud for starting.

5. Keep Choosing Creativity, Community, and Connection

Whether it’s public art trails, workshops, or personalised commissions, I want to keep creating work that brings people together and tells meaningful stories.

A Note to My Community

To everyone who came to a workshop, commissioned a piece, shared my posts, or simply cheered me on — thank you.

Your support has shaped my year in ways I can’t fully put into words.

Every message, every booking, every conversation has reminded me why I do this.

You’ve helped me build something warm, creative, and connected, and I’m so grateful.

Word of the Year: Connection

This year, my guiding word is connection.

I want to create artwork that connects — to stories, to emotions, to the people who see themselves in it.

I want to connect with the right audiences through art fairs and markets.

And I want my workshops to continue being spaces where people connect with creativity, with each other, and with a part of themselves they don’t always get time to explore.

Connection in my art.

Connection in my business.

Connection in my community.

That’s the thread I’m following into 2026.

Closing Thoughts

2025 taught me that growth doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it’s quiet, steady, and deeply personal. I’m proud of the foundations I’ve built — in my art, my routines, and my wellbeing — and I’m excited to see where 2026 takes me.

Happy New Year!