Shining Light on Alzhiemer's Awareness
Alzheimer's & Dementia affects millions of individuals worldwide, and its impact extends far beyond those diagnosed. Families, friends, and communities are all touched by this condition.
I saw firsthand how devastating this disease can be with my Mom, who battled dementia for years before her passing in 2021.
I chose to create our Purple Cactus Collection in her honor and for all those affected by this disease.
My "why" behind my fight!
Everyone’s journey with Alzheimer’s is unique—and my mom’s was no exception. She was joyful, creative, full of love and light. Until, slowly, that light began to fade. For over 10 years, we watched as dementia quietly stole parts of her away. But even through the grief, there’s beauty in remembering—and purpose in honoring her story.
She is the reason I am the woman I am today and the reason I feel so passionate about art and brinigng joy to the world. I always share her story in the hopes to inspire change and beauty.
A Life of Creativity
My mom was a true artist. With an Art Education degree in hand, she started her career teaching, then transitioned to building a successful hand-painted apparel business from our home. She explored watercolor, mixed media, and even taught art lessons to women in her retirement community well into her 60s. She was constantly evolving and unafraid to reinvent herself.
Her lessons live in me every day:
- Try new things, even if they scare you
- Practice doesn’t make perfect—it makes you confident
- Use more color!
- When in doubt, grab a funky paintbrush
- Art is therapy
- And always clean your brushes
Our Giveback: Purple Cactus
In her memory, I created a special lighted cactus in purple—the color of Alzheimer’s awareness. A portion of every purchase of the purple cactus is donated to Alzheimer’s research. It’s my way of shining a little light during a dark time.
You can also support by making a direct donation to our team page (linked below). Whether or not you buy a cactus, your support helps fund care, research, and advocacy.
Why I Share Her Story
The last time I held my mom’s hand was April 19, 2020. Due to COVID, our visits became masked and separated by Plexiglas. When she passed in February 2021, I never got to say goodbye the way I had imagined. That heartbreak still aches. But I share her story now because too many families go through this silent grief. We need to talk about it.
Sharing my mom’s journey with Alzheimer’s isn’t easy—but it’s necessary. It’s for the caregivers. The families. The kids explaining to their children why grandma “just forgets.” It’s for anyone who feels alone in this.
Cactus for a Cause!
My goal is for each purple cactus to become a symbol of love, strength, resilience, and hope.
- Love for our family members and a reminder of all the wonderful, good memories we've shared with them.
- Strength and resilience not only for those battling this terrible disease but for the caregivers standing strong and true beside them.
- Hope of a brighter future and the promise of a world where families can escape the grasp of this cruel disease.
A portion of all purple cacti proceeds are donated back to Alzheimer's research organizations.
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My mom taught me to be bold, to keep trying, to laugh loudly, and to never stop creating. While I wish I could share every success with her, I know she’s right here beside me—in every brushstroke, in every glowing cactus, and in every customer we connect with.
Thank you for reading, for remembering, and for helping keep her legacy alive.
