About Regina Caeli Designs

Life here on earth is a short journey.

Ever since my youth, I have always been fond of the world of creativity. From sidewalk chalk, markers, crayons, and kid cameras to developing and designing t-shirts, websites, wedding invitations and programs, and church photography. My greatest passion is designing anything in regards to the Catholic Faith and Holy Mother Church.

In my sophomore year of high school, I was introduced to the digital world of art through my graphic design and photography classes. Oftentimes, when the theme for projects was left open, I remember basing most of my projects on my Catholic faith. To be honest, I wasn't 100% sure why, in the moment that this became an occurring theme for the projects, there was just something that always lifted me up.

Frequently, in my later high school and college years, I would dream about creating and building a Catholic design shop. From time to time, this idea would pass until it became a persistent thought halfway through my junior year and all of my senior year of college. At times, it seemed to never leave me.

In retrospect, this was no doubt God knocking on my heart, asking me to explore and walk down this unpaved road with Him. However, there were many times that I would throw the idea "under the rug," telling myself that I didn't have the time, resources, or finances and wasn't talented enough to be able to build a ministry that would be successful. I had the idea that I would be successful at this if I were married and a stay-at-home mom. These notions were definitely an attack from the devil trying to get the best of me. Nonetheless, I didn't allow it to come to me.

~ LET'S FAST FORWARD A YEAR LATER ~

In the summer of 2022, I was given the opportunity to volunteer for the Ohio Teen Eagle Eye Retreat at the Maria Stein Spiritual Center, located in a midwestern part of Ohio. Eagle Eye Ministries is one of the programs under the umbrella of The Saint John Institute, founded by Father Nathan Cromly with the Brothers of the Community of Saint John. Little did I know at the time that the fruits of my "yes" would be the beginning of new adventures in my life, both physical and spiritual.

Amidst my service, I was invited to a Young Adult 5-day retreat that was happening that August in Kentucky. There was something within me that wanted to go to the retreat, but I didn't want to go alone (no young adult ever). After texting multiple friends, I was able to get one who was also intrigued by the retreat, and we went together to the retreat. During the retreat, I had a moment to sit down with the priest who was leading the event. We talked about many things, but one thing in particular was a desire to start a design side hustle once I was married, but currently in a state of singleness.

The next few lines he mentioned, after I posed my desire, struck deep in my core. Something that I truly had to ask myself. Now, I don't remember exactly how he worded it, but to the degree of, "Why wait? God hasn't called you to the sacrament of marriage yet, and he might not be calling you for some time yet."

After I left that retreat, for the next few weeks, those little words, "Why wait?" would constantly be circulating in my mind and heart when I would bring this desire to the Lord. There were moments when I got tired of not hearing an answer about how I would do it and what it would look like. Deep down, I knew I had to surrender the plan over to the Lord and allow Him to show me the "how" as I started the process. This was definitely and continues to be a daily battle, as I can't accomplish the mission of my ministry without the help of the Heavenly Father and Mother Mary.

On October 22, 2022 (the feast day of St. John Paul II), I officially began Regina Caeli Deigns. This outlet is a way for others to discover beauty through creations displaying the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. The mission of Regina Caeli Designs is to energize souls in hope of leading them closer to Jesus Christ and Holy Mother Church.

Regina Caeli, Ora Pro Nobis