Stephanie Forshee: Blooming in Full Color

Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What does creativity look like for you these days?

I was a very creative kid - outwardly there was lots of time spent working on art and projects, my favorite place in the world was the craft department at Wal-Mart, ha! I was always interested in a new medium - paint, beads, latch hook, needlepoint, clay - whatever I could get my hands on. I was also inwardly very creative - always lost a bit in another world, weaving elaborate storylines in my mind. I spent any time alone in a daydream and loved nothing more than to bring others into some elaborate game of make believe.

What helps you make time and space for being creative? How do you avoid burn out?

This is such a timely question - within the last two weeks there has been a huge shift in my house - we have decided to transition away from homeschooling to send our kids to a Montessori charter school. We made this decision hugely because of burn out. It was so difficult to carve out the time we needed for all of the things - I held immense guilt because it felt like nothing was actually receiving my full attention, but also it felt like stepping away from homeschooling was admitting a huge failure. Now that we've made the transition, I see that what I was trying to do was impossible. We aren't meant to parent 24/7 in a vacuum with no support. By allowing someone else to take over the schooling part of the day I have opened up SEVEN HOURS of time. It's almost unbelievable. So now I am rediscovering what it feels like to be creative without feeling like I am dropping another ball. It's going to take some time to find a new rhythm but I'm thrilled at the possibilities. 

What’s inspiring you outside of your own genre?

I am a deep lover of poetry - especially in the easy to access way you can find it through social media now. My hours sometimes feel so limited, I am not quite back to a reading for pleasure phase of life - so I love that I can find raw, real, beautiful words at my fingertips. 

How would you like the world to see artists and mothers?

I would love for both to be viewed as valid, full, and worthy paths. As a creative young adult, I always felt like my dreams and ideas weren't as important as someone with a more traditional outlook on their career. Interestingly enough, motherhood feels the same - a bit frivolous, not to be taken seriously. But the world needs creatives just as much as we need doctors and lawyers. 

What’s your favorite super easy creative practice to do when you’re looking for fresh ideas?

When I need fresh ideas I get outside. There is always something new happening in the garden as the seasons shift. 

What mothers inspire you? Who should I interview next?

I love Ashley @neverhomemaker - she inspires me in so many ways, but her take on fashion and dressing for yourself in terms of comfort and as a means of expression has really encouraged me to not feel guilty for enjoying the art of getting dressed! 

What do you hope your kids will learn about creativity from you?

I hope they learn that creativity is a valid, full, worthy path. I spent a lot of my teenage + early adult years feeling guilty or inferior because I didn’t want to pursue a more traditional career path. I wish I would have known that I could find something creatively fulfilling 

If you could give everyone a small treat, what would it be?

I would absolutely give everyone a sweet little macaron from a local bakery - Beeswax + Butter - they’re adorable and delicious, never fail to make me smile.

If you had a free hour, how would you spend it? What about a free day?

I would read! I would take myself to a beautiful place, bring plenty of coffee and just read guilt free!

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More about Stephanie…

I'm a born + raised midwesterner that transplanted to Florida, then fell in love with the mountains of Western North Carolina. After many years of dreaming, my family took the plunge and relocated to Asheville in 2021 and I pinch myself daily that I get to call this magical place home.

I'm the momma and wife in a little red haired family - my two boys are turning 8 + 5 in just a few days!

I love a good cup of coffee, all things cozy and strive to find adventure in the simple. My happiest place is in the garden with my people and my chickens.

My love of flowers became a career in floral design after the birth of my first son. While I transitioned from being a full time hairstylist to a mostly stay-at-home mom I longed for a creative outlet. Inspired by the amazing farmer florists of the PNW, I picked up some blooms and started arranging. I found the similarities between good hair and good flowers striking - color, balance, texture - it all translates.

Website: Little Wild Bloom

Instagram: @littlewildbloom

Flower photos attached are my personal photos - other photos are by Melina Coogan - Wild + Bright Photography

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Hi! I’m Heidi. Writer. Editor. Mother. I’m interviewing 100 creative mothers, because I believe the more we see other mothers making beauty and meaning in small moments, the more we will be inspired to make our own kind of art, whatever that may look like during this intense season of life. Support the project by sharing with a friend.