Wild Way Studio, Long Jetty

Even as an art teacher and a mother, I still have to catch myself wanting to step in. When the tape won’t stick, the tower keeps falling or frustration starts creeping in, every instinct says “here, let me help you.”

Because helping feels like love. But sometimes holding back is the best thing to do. When we give our little artists the space to struggle a little, experiment and eventually find their own way through, what we’re really saying is “I trust you. I trust your ideas. I believe you can figure this out.”

And there’s something pretty special about watching the moment they do. The solution might be completely different to the one you would have shown them, but that little look of “I did it myself” is worth so much more than getting it right the first time.

That’s one of the reasons I love process art so much. The painting or creation is almost beside the point. What I hope they carry with them is the quiet confidence that when something doesn’t work, they are capable of wondering, trying again and finding another way.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have some pretty wonderful women in business cheering me on along during these early days of Wild Way. Their encouragement, generosity and willingness to share what they’ve learnt has been immeasurably valuable and so I wanted to clap for them as they have been for me so I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you 💜

First off, Mel fron Naturally Creative Kids thenaturallycreativekids for the encouragement, advice and even generously contributing some of the art supplies now being put to very good use at Wild Way.

Luminary Soul — my lovely shop neighbour. We opened around the same time, so we’ve been riding the slightly chaotic rollercoaster of new small business ownership side by side.

Nikki Coleman Sophie Lou two incredibly talented photographers who visited the studio, captured Wild Way so beautifully and generously shared their images with me. Please check out their gorgeous work!

Restoration Retreat | Coaching | Inner Child Healing | Retreats — a genuinely kind and compassionate soul whose support and encouragement has meant more than she probably realises.

Mama Tree Farms Amelia and I only met a few months ago, but she’s already clapped hard for Wild Way, offered advice when I’ve been unsure, brought her little artists to the studio… and inspired my latest hyperfixation: convincing my husband we need a pet duckling. 😝

And of course, the one and only Mandy from The Golden Grove Children’s Community Garden Mandy dos Santos . I first met Mandy when my eldest was still toddling around Golden Grove. Her fan club spreads far and wide — and it’s easy to see why. Her words of wisdom have helped steer me back on track many a time.

Another hat tip to some of the other queens and small businesses that have shared, tagged and spread the word about Wild Way.

Wild Way might be my little business, but little pieces of so many wonderful people have already helped shape it. I’m very grateful for the women who’ve shared their time, knowledge, encouragement and kindness so freely.

Our little creators have a busy few weeks ahead… from blasting off into outer space to joining the Mad Hatter for tea and heading out on safari. We can’t wait! 🚀 🦁 🪄