Introduction to More Than The Making

Hello everyone, and welcome to  More Than The Making!

This first segment is just a soft beginning — a little intro, a cozy chat to let you in on who I am, what this space is all about, and why I felt called to start this.

I’ve been a maker, a creative, and a small business owner for years now., but somewhere along the way, I realized that the story behind the work — the messy middle, the growth, the heartache, the real-life human part — is just as meaningful as the products we create or the goals we hit.

That’s what More Than The Making is about. 

It’s a space for honest reflections, behind-the-scenes stories, and the things we often don’t see on social media. 

The moments that shape us, not just as artists or entrepreneurs, but as people.

So today I’ll share a little about my journey, what brought me here, and what you can expect from this space going forward.

Whether you’re a fellow small business owner, a creative soul, or looking for a bit of encouragement and advice from a girl who is always showing up imperfectly but learning along the way —I’m so glad you’re here.

A little bit about me: 

So for those of you who don’t know me yet, or those who have followed me for a while but feel like you don’t really know me,  I’m Jess Renee — the hands, heart, and (very full) coffee cup behind Bohemia. 

I was born and raised in Tennessee and have always had a love for design and creativity!
I have been at my office job for 10 years.
I started as an admin assistant, and as of today, I am the loan specialist who is currently studying to become a licensed mortgage loan originator, and let me tell you… It has been streeeeessful!

Something was missing in my life- an outlet. A space to show up as my raw self and use the talents God blessed me with. 

I started Bohemia in the spring of 2022 after two years of battling some health issues(that I later found out was endometriosis) I needed to find my purpose. 

I had no idea how to run a business. Let alone, alone. 

However, I wasn’t doing it alone. I felt God’s guidance through the entire process of getting started. 

I’m not a numbers or strategy girl- even though I work in the mortgage industry. I’m a hands-on creative who thrives in making art. I just knew I wanted to share my art and bring joy to the lives of others, and inspire them to live fearlessly authentic. That is the slogan that I knew I had to adopt for Bohemia

In a world where we are fed so much on a daily basis, it can be so hard to recenter and remember to be who we are meant to be. 

I want to inspire you to march to the beat of your own drum and romanticize all the little moments. 

Now, with that said, I’m not ignorant of the fact that some days, weeks, or even months just aren’t easy to romanticize. 

I live in pain 90% of the time. Like I mentioned earlier, I live with endometriosis and some other issues that cause chronic pain. 

If I have a pain-free day, it is rare, and I never want to take it for granted. 

I recently went part-time at my day job due to some burnout and needing to do some major self-care and healing. 

I’ve been creating things for as long as I can remember, but the journey into turning my creativity into a business — now that’s where things got real.

I started this segment because I needed a place to say the things I don’t always get to say in an Instagram caption. A place for truth-telling — about creativity, burnout, trying to grow something beautiful while still growing yourself. This space is for the stories behind the scenes — the real ones. The raw ones. The ones that remind us we’re not alone in this.

There will be segments where I share stories and advice from fellow business owners, share inspiring lessons, let you in on things I’m working on for Bohemia, and so much more.

I’m very excited to share the journey with you and bring you along for more than just the highlight reels!

Until next time!
xoxo,
Jess