REFLECTION DEC 30, 2025

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I started this year excited for what's to come, but also fearful. I knew it would be the year I put myself back out there and when I finally showed my artistic endeavors to the world. Because I have a career that can feel more elitist, I hesitated to share this part of myself with the people I interact with regularly.

I was afraid my art would be seen as some “silly little hobby,” something secondary or unserious. I worried about how old peers would perceive me in this space, transitioning from someone who was often emotionally reactive to someone intentionally channeling those emotions through creative expression. I worried about the final look of the site. I worried about how I would return to posting on my social media feed after being absent for so long. I worried about how others would receive my growth.

And yet...

This was the year I started calling myself an artist. This was the year I participated in my first art exhibition. This was the year I released my creative website. This was the year I introduced many people to Léonella.

My goal in life is to live authentically and to invite others into the parts of me that are shaped by curiosity, creativity, and growth. This site is my way of sharing what inspires me without needing to define every boundary or narrate every step.

I’m excited to continue building, learning, and sharing one piece at a time, while expanding on some of the lovely creative ideas I get along the way, such as the "Artist Spotlight" series.

I originally had the idea to have a separate page dedicated to artists that inspired me and showcase one piece per artist similar to my portfolio page, but after postponing my release I got the idea about a week or so before the release date to do the whole "Artist spotlight" series on my blog instead.

I'm so grateful the idea came to me. It allows artists to be vulnerable and truly give us the scope of their work. Showcasing just one piece per artist isn’t enough to really understand their journey!

I’m still brainstorming ideas on what to include on the blog so I’m not just posting on it once a month, but hopefully two or three times. For now, I’m focused on the consistency and building slowly.

My attitude with the website is: It doesn't have to be perfect. I’m just glad I started it. I’m learning along the way amidst my other responsibilities. I’m grateful people are trusting me to showcase their journey. More exciting things to look forward to in 2026, and exciting artists I can’t wait to showcase!

2025 will always be the year I chose to begin. Thank you for seeing this version of me and following along as I step into what's next.

-Léonella

Curator & Founder