My Journey with PaperPie — and Beyond

From reluctant reader to literacy advocate. From stay-at-home mom to empowered entrepreneur. Here's how it all unfolded...

I joined PaperPie (then Usborne Books & More) on December 31, 2013, with one intention: to earn free books for my kids. I didn’t see myself building a business — I just wanted to nurture my children’s love for learning. But something shifted.

I quickly fell in love — not just with the incredible quality of the books, but with the mission behind them. Before I knew it, I had said “yes” to giving it a try… and within a year, I was among the top 1% in the company.

What many people don’t know is that reading wasn’t always easy for me. As a child, I struggled deeply — so much so that in high school, I was placed in a reading program and tested at a third-grade level. I carried the shame of that for years.

When I became a mother, I made a decision to change the narrative. I began reading to my children every day — not because it came naturally, but because I wanted more for them. And somewhere in that process, I found my own healing through books. I began to enjoy reading for the first time. I began to connect with story. And I realized: books can heal.

Today, I believe everyone has a book that will open something powerful inside them — they just haven’t found it yet.

Early in my journey, a dear friend introduced me to the Mary West Networking Group. I walked into that room — a stay-at-home mom with two young kids — completely unsure of myself. But, that space became a turning point.

With the support of Mary, my friend Mescha, and my mom (who watched my kids so I could show up), I began learning how to speak about what I do. It was uncomfortable at first, but I kept showing up — and my confidence grew.

Even without consistent support at home, I found strength in community and creativity. Social media became my bridge — a place where I could share from the heart and reach families who truly needed what I had to offer.

It wasn’t always easy. I’ve walked through seasons of loss, personal grief, and deep transformation. But every chapter shaped me. Every challenge gave me tools I now use to lead, teach, and serve others.

In 2022, life invited me into a new direction. As I navigated divorce and personal transformation, I started managing social media for a local business. It became a creative outlet — a way to express, create, and stay grounded in purpose while navigating big emotions behind the scenes.

That experience sparked a bigger vision:

What if I could help other heart-led businesses grow their visibility too?

That vision became New Light Marketing Co. — my social media management and strategy business supporting small businesses in Kitsap County and beyond. Now, I help others find their voice online, connect with their communities, and grow with intention.

Through PaperPie, I help families rediscover the joy of reading — and help moms like me foster connection, curiosity, and confidence through story.

Through New Light Marketing Co., I empower purpose-driven entrepreneurs to share their light, serve their communities, and grow in alignment.

As the co-founder of Healing Hearts Collective Co., I help create sacred spaces for women to heal, connect, and rise through intentional gatherings, energy work, and soul-led community.

And through LoveBombForYourself, my handcrafted bath and self-care line, I offer heart-centered tools that encourage rest, self-love, and transformation.

Every piece of this journey — from literacy to leadership, from hardship to healing — has brought me here.

And I wouldn’t change a thing.

I believe in stories.
In connection.
In starting small.
And in rising again — no matter how many times it takes.

Together, we’re changing lives —
one book, one post, one connection, one healing moment at a time.