Made With Kindness
“The best part of life is not just surviving, but thriving with passion and compassion and humor and style and generosity and kindness.”
Maya Angelou
It started with Post-it notes.
Before heading to work each day, I would scribble messages of positivity and kindness on Post-it notes and leave them in random places throughout the city. What started as a way to cope with the loss of my mom soon became a tribute to her memory. She had a heart full of love and kindness, always extending a helping hand—even to strangers. I truly believe that acts of kindness create a ripple effect, inspiring others to pay it forward and making the world a more compassionate place.
Over time, my simple notes transformed into Tiny Jars of Stars. As a child, I would sit beside my mom as she patiently taught me how to fold paper stars, one of my most cherished memories with her. I want to share that warmth with others, so I began leaving behind tiny jars filled with these stars, each carrying a message of hope and encouragement. Every jar is meant for someone to find and keep, a small reminder that kindness still exists. I hope these messages will uplift others and inspire them to pass on that kindness to those who need it most.
In The Spotlight
Launched in August 2025, the Still We Hold tote bag features a hand holding a cornflower, a symbol of resilience and hope for those living with ALS. Paired with the words “Even the smallest step can lead to something big,” this design is a tribute to courage, progress, and the enduring strength to keep going.
I designed the illustration on this tote bag, Still We Hold, to feature a hand holding a cornflower as an enduring symbol of hope for those living with ALS/MND. The cornflower, known for its resilience, blooms with strength even in the harshest conditions. It mirrors the extraordinary courage of those living with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), who meet each day with the same unwavering determination to persevere through profound challenges. Beside the artwork are the words “Even the smallest step can lead to something big.” These words speak to the ALS journey, where every step, whether through research breakthroughs, advocacy efforts, or the daily acts of strength shown by those living with the disease, moves us closer to greater hope, progress, and resilience in the face of ALS.
This design is both a tribute and a reminder that even in the toughest moments, hope can take root and continue to blossom. I also dedicate this artwork to my mother, who lost her battle with ALS on July 9, 2017. Her endless compassion and empathy continue to guide me every day, inspiring the kindness I try to bring into my work and into the world.
Dimension: 18"W x 14"H x 5"D
Material: 10 oz canvas
Features: Copper metal rivet accents and an interior pocket (7” x 7”)
For each tote bag sold, 50% of the proceeds will go towards I AM ALS https://www.iamals.org/
About I AM ALS:
I AM ALS is the only grassroots, community-led convener and mobilizer that ignites a radical call for urgency and action—making ALS advocacy personal, powerful, and unstoppable—and transforming it into bold, systemic change.
Founder Brian Wallach came up with the name “I AM ALS” to open the door to community and allow all to see themselves as part of the real and ongoing struggle to relegate ALS to the dustbin of history. Additionally, the “I” makes this a deeply personal commitment. ALS is 100% fatal, but the determination to end the disease lives on. I recognize that, as brutal as this flight is, I have agency, I have the choice to make a difference. And I am 100% committed to fighting until the day, working together, we defeat ALS.
I AM ALS Mission:
I AM ALS is a patient-led community that provides critical support and resources to those living with ALS, caregivers, and loved ones. We empower advocates to raise mainstream awareness and lead the revolution against ALS in driving the development of cures.
At the end of each month, I will total up the proceeds to donate to the organization, and it will be announced here and on my Instagram @tinyjarsofstars
Tiny Jars of Stars is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by I AM ALS. This design was created independently as a personal initiative to support the organization, with the proceeds intended to benefit the organization directly.
I appreciate your support!
You can make a difference!
Acts of Kindness, no matter how small or big, can brighten someone's day, ease burdens, and foster a sense of connection and belonging. Ultimately, kindness strengthens communities, improves mental well-being, and reminds us that empathy and humanity are what truly make life meaningful.