As a mother, there’s nothing more important to me than teaching my kids to believe in themselves, to see the world not just for what it is, but for what it could be. I want them to know that if they see something missing, they have the power to create it. This is the lesson that has guided me through one of the most difficult times of my life and the journey that led to the birth of Colour Me Christmas.
Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, filled with joy, family, and traditions that celebrate the beauty of our diverse world. But when my newborn son fell gravely ill with RSV and the flu in December 2022, my holiday spirit was tested in ways I could never have imagined. Our baby was hospitalized at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), spending 19 agonizing days in the ICU. As I sat beside his tiny bed, watching the machines and monitors and praying for his recovery, Christmas looked nothing like it had in the past. The twinkling lights, the joyful music—everything felt distant.
Those days in the ICU were some of the hardest I’ve ever faced. But in the quiet moments, when fear and uncertainty felt overwhelming, I found myself reflecting on what I wanted my children to learn from this experience. I didn’t want this time to be defined by sadness and worry. I wanted it to be a reminder of the power of hope, resilience, and the incredible things we can create from even the most painful circumstances.
While my son was fighting to get better, I began to channel my fear into something positive. Sitting in that hospital room, I realized that the world was missing something I wanted my children to see—a Christmas that celebrates everyone, in all their beautiful diversity. I thought about my own frustration at not being able to find a Black Santa plush for my daughter, and how so many families like mine were still searching for representation in the holiday season.
And so, Colour Me Christmas was born. What started as an idea quickly became my lifeline. I began sketching designs, sourcing materials, and building my vision for a business that celebrates joy, inclusivity, and the magic of Christmas in a way that reflects the diversity of our world. From the ICU, I found purpose, turning trauma into something beautiful, something my children could be proud of.
I want my kids to know that even in the darkest moments, we have the power to create light. We can take our pain and transform it into purpose, making the world a little brighter, not just for ourselves, but for everyone. Colour Me Christmas is more than just a business; it’s a celebration of love, resilience, and the belief that we can build the things we want to see in the world.
This journey has taught me that our toughest times can plant the seeds of something beautiful. I hope that through Colour Me Christmas, we can share that message with others—bringing joy, spreading kindness, and creating a holiday season where every child, every family, and every story is celebrated.
Thank you for being part of our journey, and for helping us turn our story into something that shines.