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In my last post, I shared how Sweet As April began with a strong family presence at its core. That warmth is still here - we’re still a family-run business - but the heartbeat of SAA has shifted. Today, the focus is more on my artwork, the intention behind each piece, and the quiet magic I try to weave into everything I create.
This evolution hasn’t come easily. For years, the community surrounding Sweet As April was deeply intertwined with my role as a mother, especially as a mom raising neurodivergent children. Sharing our journey made the bonnets feel personal, like little heirlooms stitched with love and lived experience.
So when I made the decision to stop sharing my children online, it felt like a huge part of my identity within this business changed overnight. But it was the right decision - a deeply personal and necessary shift toward privacy, respect, and protection.
In stepping back, I was finally able to reflect on who I am outside of motherhood, not in place of it, but alongside it. I’ve poured that energy into growing as an artist. Instead of creating content, I focused on building skill: refining patterns, learning new techniques, and discovering the confidence that comes from quiet, intentional work. That growth has made me a better artist, a stronger business owner, and yes, an even more grounded mother.
The online landscape has changed, too. There was a time when we were tagged in hundreds of beautiful bonnet photos each year. Now, that number has trickled down to a handful. Parents are sharing less - and I understand that deeply. The world is different, and the conversations around children’s privacy have shifted. I’ve felt that pull, too, and it’s influenced how I show up online.
But here’s the truth: this transition has been a gift. It’s allowed me to create from a place of authenticity, not pressure. While my children will always be my heart, sharing their lives publicly came with a weight I no longer feel called to carry. The opinions, the assumptions, the constant exposure - it was never sustainable. And now, I finally feel free to grow in a direction that is fully aligned with who I am.
I’ll continue blogging as I document this shift - both in life and in art. I’ll be sharing more about the creative process, my growth as a maker, and where Sweet As April is headed next. Honestly, it feels like I’ve been moving toward this path for years. Now, I’m simply walking it with clarity - and a whole lot of peace.
