MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — From Target to Michael's and Barnes & Noble, a Minnesota author-illustrator's work can be found at some of the biggest retailers.
But Jena Holliday's creative journey required a leap of faith — or a spoonful.
Her Minnesota-based illustration company, Spoonful of Faith, is celebrating a decade in business.
"It's been crazy... just to think from where it began, just doodling in my notebook... and then kind of taking that step of faith," Holliday said. "It's like taking that leap to see, 'What is this? And maybe there's something here.' And then just to see it grow into something way bigger than I ever thought it could be."
While Holliday loved drawing since she was a kid, she pursued a degree in marketing. Once her daughter was born, Holliday started more deeply exploring her creative gifts.
"I began sharing my illustrations and doodles on Instagram and people were responding and they were like, 'Wow, this is really good. Why aren't you doing this?'" Holliday recalled.
Since launching her business, Holliday has created products for some big companies. She partnered with Target for a Black History Collection a few years ago and, at the same time, signed a book deal with HarperCollins for her first children's book, "A Spoonful of Faith."
She also struck a licensing deal with The Happy Planner for a full collection of planners and stickers that were sold in JOANN's and Michael's. Her work has also been featured at Kirkland's.
"It was this really crazy couple of years because all these things were just happening one after the next and then I got a book deal with Penguin under their imprint WaterBrook," Holliday said.
The three-book deal began with "Sacred Creativity" which launched in August.
"It shares a bit about my story... But then it also shares kind of how I walked in my faith as I began to share my creative gifts," Holliday said.
The book also shares guidance to help unlock the reader's creativity. The description on the cover says, "Inspiration to reclaim the joy of your God-given gifts."
Holliday said it has reflections and tips for "that person that's creative at heart, that has gifts, that just might simply not be using them, or also might just not be sure if they're worth anything or matter."
Holliday recalled how as the middle child of seven, her parents always affirmed them as kids.
"They spoke a lot of life into us. A lot of positive affirmations were just told to me growing up, especially as a young Black girl growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood. That was just something that they did. So I really wanted to make sure affirmations were in this book and that encouragement was in this book," Holliday said.
Next up, Holliday is launching a coloring book called "Wildly Loved" which is an extension of "Sacred Creativity." The coloring book also includes affirmations and inspiration.
Holliday works predominately with watercolors and creates the same feeling when working digitally.
"A lot of people tell me a lot that it feels really joyful and happy. There's also a lot of themes around just women, being seen, around growing," Holliday said. "I've been in different seasons of my life where things are really hard and I think those are always just good to share with others. Keep going. You can do it. Don't give up."
"Sacred Creativity" is out now and can be found at many places where books are sold including Target, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
"Wildly Loved" will be released on Tues. Sept. 24 and can be pre-ordered, here.