Courageous Expressions

*** THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MY DREAM OF GROWING MY SMALL BUSINESS -- We now have a separate Etsy shop for our digital print or cut files - Check it out if you prefer to create great things yourself - TammdesignsLLC.Etsy.com - My shop for completed gift items is CourageousXpression.Etsy.com ***

Several years ago I started this business simply as a means of keeping my go kart racing son in afford

able decals. Since that time I decided I would use my skills and equipment to help pad the pockets a little as well. When the journey first began I was working a full time position as a 911 dispatcher. I loved the job and the satisfaction it brought on the good days. But the mental anguish it brought on the bad days started to become more than I wanted to face daily. After a particularly bad few months in 2019 I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a program for first responders and military personnel that helps provide them with the tools to deal with PTS (we take off the D because it seems to be a label that comes with stigma). The Battle Within is a program located in Parkville, Missouri and it opened my eyes to the fact that while I was in a job that served others I had forgotten one really important person who needed to be cared for....ME. So, after some prayer and much discussion with my police officer husband, we both decided to make some big career changes in an effort to improve our family life. In August 2019, he left his position as police sergeant after 16 years and I left my 911 dispatcher after 9 years. Though it was a difficult decision we both knew it was what we needed to better care for ourselves. Because he wanted to make an income that would allow me to be able to grow my small business he went back to driving a semi locally. Though I have been working full time on my business for a little more than a year I never really could explain the true purpose behind "Courageous Expressions". But it wasn't until recently that God showed me exactly what he wanted for my business. On Thursday, October 22, 2020 I was blessed to attend the Livestream of Christy Wright's Business Boutique event for women. As I listened to guest speaker, Jamie Kern Lima with IT Cosmetics speak about making your "why" so big that you can never give up on your dream, it hit me like a ton of bricks. The tears fell uncontrollably and I knew exactly why I had to succeed with Courageous Expressions. I believe there is not one person alive who has not been through some kind of trauma that has left a scar within their hearts. I am no different. As a person who has lived through my share of trauma I haven't always remembered the love that God and others feel for me. During those lonely and empty times I hated how I felt. So, on Thursday, October 22, 2020 I realized my purpose with my talents was to provide items that would allow others to remember the value they offer to God and to those around them. Sometimes all it takes is something as simple as an encouraging quote to remind us what we mean to at least one person in this world. So, please, take a look around and think of those Everyday Heroes in your life that would love something personal and made in honor of them. You have found the right place if you are looking for a perfect gift for that special someone. We take pride in hand making each item so that it is unique with its own flair. Each item can be personalized with your favorite quote, color or with names and dates. Email [email protected] or send a private message to inquire about special pricing.