Why This Project Exists

Project Worn to Heal was born from my own mental health journey. Every shirt sold helps fund counseling for our team — the very people who care for our community every single day. We believe the healers deserve healing, too.

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My Story

Back in 2018, before I became a mom, I was at the busiest point in my massage career. I was Mrs. Gilbert, competing in pageants, and involved with five different charities, many supporting children in foster care. On the outside, everything looked shiny and successful.

But inside, I was in the darkest place of my life. I was suicidal, exhausted, and running on empty. I knew I couldn’t keep going. That’s when I went to inpatient therapy in Seattle. For six weeks, I had a team — two counselors, two psychiatrists, a nutritionist, and group support. Every single day was hard. We peeled back layers I didn’t even know I was carrying. I left feeling completely wrung out, but also with a spark of hope. That place saved my life, and I thank God for it every day.

When I came home, life was still messy, but within six months, I was pregnant with our first child. Looking back, I know that doing that hard work before motherhood made me a better mom than I could have been otherwise.

It was during this time that I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and I made a decision: I stopped drinking alcohol. I haven’t had a drop since 2018 — seven years now.

Motherhood, of course, brought its own challenges. I experienced postpartum depression with my first, but things truly spiraled during my second pregnancy. I threw up every single day, just like with my first, and often lost my medications. Caring for a toddler while being sick and unmedicated pushed me back into suicidal thoughts. I didn’t tell anyone — because I thought I was supposed to be happy. Because other women around me were struggling with infertility. Because I felt like I had no right to hurt.

But I did hurt. I felt isolated, disconnected from family, and deeply alone. Somehow, I made it through without going back to inpatient therapy, but I wish I had reached out. I wish someone had told me: It’s not only okay, it’s necessary to get help.

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Why This Matters

Now, I want to make sure no mom feels the way I did.

• To the mom with postpartum depression: you’re still a good mom.

• To the mom with bipolar, anxiety, or depression: you are not broken.

• To the mom who feels alone: you are not.

Your kids are lucky to have you. And you deserve support.

That’s why I created Project Worn to Heal.

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What Project Worn to Heal Does

• Every shirt sold = funds for counseling. 100% of proceeds go into a fund for mental health care for our team.

• Our team supports moms, babies, and families every day. But small businesses like ours don’t have the ability to provide insurance or mental health benefits. This project is one way to fill the gap.

• Our dream? To eventually expand this support to more of our community — and maybe one day become a full non-profit.

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You Are Not Alone

Mental health struggles aren’t dark secrets. They’re everyday burdens that so many moms carry. By wearing and supporting this project, you’re helping lift that burden — for yourself, your friends, and your community.

We also want to connect families with resources like Postpartum Support International (PSI), which has groups for:

• Moms & dads

• Single parents

• LGBTQ+ families

• Religious communities

• Parents with fussy babies

• Parents navigating bipolar, depression, & more

There is a place for you here. There are people who understand.

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Final Words

I share my story because I know how much I needed to hear someone else say it first:

✨ You are not alone.

✨ You belong here.

✨ Your kids are lucky to have you.

✨ And it’s okay to ask for help.

This is Project Worn to Heal.

Wear the shirt. Start the conversation.

Help us heal together.