ABOUT LIANNA

It was a dream come true and everything that I envisioned it to be. However, my artistic journey didn't stop there. I had a burning desire to expand my offerings and add a touch of uniqueness to the world.  That's when the idea for the Potty Mouth Collection came to life. Inspired by a desire to create something truly special, I launched a line of candles that embraced wit, humor, and a touch of irreverence. It reflected my personality and was a celebration of bold self-expression.  My customers raved over them for both their labels and scents, and they quickly became my best sellers.  The collection has more than doubled in size since its creation in June 2021 and additionally, can now be found wholesale online for other boutique and small shop owners nationwide.  

My brand grew immensely inside those four walls. The friendships and client relationships that cultivated there while also occasionally collaborating with other local female makers gave me the support and solace I desperately craved while going through a series of my own hardships and high conflict divorce.  I am forever grateful and will reminisce fondly on the experience and memories created there.  In April 2022, my lease was not renewed, the area was changing rapidly and given my circumstances at the time, rent became much higher than I could handle. I had no choice but to temporarily move back home and into storage but by the end of June, had relocated to a completely different style setting that also allowed me to have a little more freedom and flexibility in return. Unfortunately, the establishment I was partnered with did not reopen the following spring and instead it became my warehouse.  

When the 2023 new year came, it was the fresh, clean slate I had been waiting for. I had this list of new business ideas, plans and goals anxiously waiting to be put into action and I was ready for it- until I wasn’t. The hustle culture and years of built-up stress, past traumas, betrayals and living in fight or flight had finally caught up to me.  I was this empty shell of a person, barely existing, doing the bare minimum, feeling nothing and everything all at once. I felt isolated, cut off from the world, and most troubling of all, I didn’t recognize myself anymore.  It was a soul crushing, spiritual awakening experience that I spent most of the year healing from, but I realize now was so very necessary. Prioritizing self-care and mental health is real, raw and scary.

In early 2024, just as I was getting back on my feet and about to launch my online store, I was contacted by Simon Property Group about a potential business opportunity at the Jackson Premium Outlets. I couldn’t believe I was chosen and felt incredibly fortunate to have my own retail space again, this time much larger with room for significant growth. Ironically enough, this is also the same exact retail space where my very first job was 21 years prior. I am excited for this serendipitous chapter, finally expanding into the online shopping world and where it takes my family next. Everything happens for a reason, and I am grateful for this amazing opportunity. Hard work truly pays off.