Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I create intimate watercolor story pieces—often mermaids with gently patched tails. The mermaid has long been both a personal and artistic symbol for me; I performed as a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs and have carried that identity into my work. The patches speak to the truth that we carry scars and still remain beautiful.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in stillness—gardens, old homes, and the quiet rhythm of daily life. Much of my work was born from loss, especially after losing my son. I began creating to encourage happiness in others who are grieving, whether a loved one or a cherished animal, offering gentle, meaningful beauty that reminds them they are not alone.

What would you do with $25,000?

I would invest the funds into my nonprofit and the early foundation of The Carter Settlement—a place dedicated to healing through art, beauty, and slow living. After experiencing personal loss, my work became a way to gently encourage joy, even as we carry what we’ve lost. This space would offer comfort, inspiration, and a sense of belonging rooted in beauty, resilience, and quiet happiness.