My Journey with PaperPie — and Beyond

From reluctant reader to literacy advocate. From stay-at-home mom to heart-led entrepreneur. Here’s how the story unfolded… 

I joined PaperPie (then Usborne Books & More) on December 31, 2013, with one simple intention: to earn free books for my kids.

I didn’t plan to build a business — I just wanted to nurture their love of learning. But somewhere between those pages, something awakened.

I fell in love — not just with the books themselves, but with their mission: to spark curiosity, connection, and confidence in every child.

That simple “yes” became the beginning of a calling. Within a year, I was among the top 1% of leaders in the company, proof that when we follow what lights us up, the right doors open naturally.

What many people don’t know is that reading was once my deepest insecurity.

As a child, I struggled with reading comprehension and was placed in a high school program testing at a third-grade level.
For years, I carried the quiet weight of shame and self-doubt.

When I became a mother, I decided to rewrite that story. I began reading to my children every day — not because it came easily, but because I wanted something better for them. Somewhere in that process, I began to heal.

For the first time, I found joy in reading. I discovered stories that helped me understand myself, my emotions, and the world around me. 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 friend invited me to a Mary West Networking Group meeting. I walked in — a stay-at-home mom with two young kids — nervous, quiet, but curious.

That community changed everything.

With encouragement from Mary, my dear friend Mescha, and my mom (who watched the kids so I could show up), I began learning how to speak about what I loved. Each time I stood up, my voice trembled a little less.

Even during seasons when support at home was scarce, I found strength in creativity and community. Social media became my bridge — a space where I could share from the heart and connect with families who needed what I had to offer.

It wasn’t always easy. I’ve moved through grief, loss, and reinvention — but every chapter has shaped me into the guide I am today.

In 2022, life called me toward new horizons. As I navigated divorce and deep transformation, I began managing social media for a local business. It became both creative expression and emotional grounding — a way to process, create, and lead with heart.

That season revealed something beautiful:

I wasn’t just meant to share stories — I was meant to help others tell theirs.

What started as a side project grew into New Light Marketing Co., my soul-aligned business supporting small, heart-led entrepreneurs across Kitsap County and beyond.

Now, I help others find their voice online, build authentic connection, and grow with intention — not pressure.

Through PaperPie, I help families rediscover the joy of reading — nurturing curiosity, confidence, and connection through story.

Through New Light Marketing Co., I guide entrepreneurs in amplifying their presence and impact while protecting their energy and growing in alignment with their unique rhythm.

Under the LoveBombForYourself pillar, I create intentional self-care experiences and sacred spaces where women can heal, connect, and rise together — through soul-deep work, authentic community, and gentle reflection.

Every piece of my journey — from literacy to leadership, from hardship to healing — has been a bridge leading me home to myself.

I believe in stories.
In connection.
In starting small.
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.