My first exhibition at the Hamlet Court Road Art Trail was terrifying and exciting in equal measure, and then I sold 4 paintings! From there came Southend Art Club, more exhibitions and Hadleigh Gallery. Looking back, I realise confidence didn't arrive before I started. The confidence came because I started.

Before I ever picked up a paintbrush, I was already telling stories, through people, places, photographs and Love Leigh-on-Sea. Looking back, I can see that my love of community and creativity were always connected. I just hadn’t realised that one day, I would become part of the story too.

I thought I was changing direction. Looking back, I was simply collecting the pieces of who I was always meant to become. My first blog is now live… ❤️🧡🩷

I thought I was simply learning to paint. I didn’t realise I was finding my way back to myself. This is the beginning of an unexpected journey—one that taught me it’s never too late to rediscover who you’ve always been.

“I met a stranger who accidentally changed my life.” She encouraged me to start painting again when I got back to the UK. At first, I thought she was mad…