Hey, I’m Ava Grace!
I’m 20 years old, a college student, dog mom, and the person behind Finding Grace. I’ve always loved being creative and usually have some kind of project going, whether it’s sewing, embroidering, painting, or coming up with something new to make. I love anything colorful, girly, and personalized, and I wanted my shop to feel like a little piece of me. What started as hobbies I picked up during some really hard seasons of my life has turned into something I genuinely love doing and sharing with other people.
My Story
It really started my sophomore year of high school when I began getting sick and my life changed pretty quickly. I was eventually diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses, including MCAS, POTS, HATS, and PNES. Since then, I’ve had 58 hospital visits, countless appointments and treatments, and a lot of days that look very different from the typical college experience.
Through all of it, I found a real love for sewing, embroidery, and creating. Finding Grace grew from those hobbies and gave me a way to do something I love while working around the unpredictable days that come with chronic illness. It’s also become a way for me to share my story, spread awareness, and hopefully make something positive out of some really hard experiences.
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Finding Grace With Elevated Tryptase!
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I created Finding Grace because working from home gives me the flexibility I need while living with chronic illness. What started with sewing and embroidery became a small business where I can make colorful, personalized pieces while building something of my own!
What Is MCAS?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, or MCAS, causes mast cells to release chemicals inappropriately, which can affect many different parts of the body. Reactions can range from things like flushing, hives, and stomach problems to severe reactions like anaphylaxis. It’s a huge part of my story and the reason behind the “MCAS” in Finding Grace.
Finding Creativity in the Hard Days
Being sick changed what everyday life looked like for me, but it also gave me a lot of time to discover things I genuinely love doing. Sewing and embroidery became creative outlets during some of the hardest parts of being sick, and eventually those hobbies grew into something much bigger.
Cute Things Are for Sick Girls Too
Chronic illness can make so much of life feel clinical. Medical bracelets, medications, appointments, hospital stays, and supplies aren't exactly cute. I wanted Finding Grace to be a little reminder that being chronically ill doesn't take away your personality or your love for fun, colorful things.
More Than a Small Business
Finding Grace is also a way for me to share a little more of what chronic illness actually looks like. I want to create things people are excited to receive while also bringing awareness to illnesses that are often misunderstood or invisible. Every order supports a small business built around creativity, flexibility, and finding something good even in really difficult circumstances.