Dear Muse Community,

Welcome to the Bloom issue of Creating the Muse. This edition is a celebration of growth, transformation, and the quiet yet powerful process of becoming. Just as nature teaches us the art of blooming in our own time, this issue invites you to embrace your seasons, whether you're in the planting stage, the messy middle, or finally stepping into full bloom.

Our cover feature, Kelsey McCormick, embodies the essence of creative evolution. From the high-energy world of entertainment to building Coming Up Roses, Kelsey’s journey is a testament to the power of showing up before you feel ready, embracing change, and selling with confidence, all while staying true to the heart of your craft. Her work is a reminder that creativity is not linear but a living, breathing force that grows with us.

This issue also highlights women who have nurtured something meaningful from the ground up. Meagan Orford of Braidwood Blooms shares how she turned her connection to the land into a flourishing flower farm and a sanctuary of beauty. Dr Hayley D. Quinn offers a compassionate perspective on personal growth, urging us to tend to ourselves with the same care and patience we give to a garden. Penny Beaumont’s poetic showcase explores the layers of planting,both literal and metaphorical, while Tenielle Dunstall reveals nature’s best-kept skincare secrets, proving that true beauty is rooted in the earth.

As you read this issue, I invite you to reflect on what blooming means to you. Are you giving yourself the nourishment, space, and support you need to grow? Are you allowing yourself to shed what no longer serves you, making room for something new?

Blooming is not a single moment; it is a continual process. It is the quiet work beneath the surface, the unseen shifts, the slow unfurling. It is trusting that, no matter where you are, you are exactly where you need to be.

May this issue remind you to honour your journey, embrace the season you’re in, and bloom in your own time.