I Turned 13 Today – And I’m Celebrating With a Big Canvas Sale and Even Bigger Dreams
Hi flower friends!
Today I officially became a teenager (cue dramatic music and a cupcake with extra sprinkles). Yep, I’m 13! And instead of presents or parties, I’m celebrating with something even more exciting:
A Birthday Sale on My Canvas Art – $130 OFF Today Only!
Because when you're 13, your business is your baby, and birthdays are for dreaming BIG! I'm a teen entrepreneur, and every canvas I sell helps me grow, not just as an artist, but as a young business owner learning how to make a difference. I'd love to see my photos out there on people's walls. Imagine that!
Our Birthday Tradition: Reflect, Laugh, Dream
We don't really DO birthdays in our family like other families! I mean, there's no huge presents or big parties. It's never been like that. Birthdays for us mean cake, yep, always cake... but also something even better. Birthdays mean dreams.
At dinner, I get to have a huge conversation all about me! We talk about my achievements from the last year, things my famliy are proud of me for, things that I am proud of myself for, and usually quite a few jokes about all the silly things I may (or may not) have done, and this is the fun bit, we talk about all the things I want to learn about and do the next year. I might sound a bit lame to you...but me and my sisters love it!
So here’s what I shared this year, and I want to share it with you too, because if you’re reading this, you’re part of my journey.
✨ My Top 5 “I Did That!” Moments (Age 12 Edition)
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I started my own business — Gracie-Mae Photography was born! A real website (OK part of my sister's Stripey Caterpillar website but close enough), real art, real orders, and so many kind messages.
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I was featured in the newspaper — It made me feel like maybe I am doing something special.
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I won trophIies at the National Dahlia Show — one of my proudest days ever! I love growing exhibition-worthy seed-grown dahlias and sharing them with the world. I also love competing against adults and not just in the kids section!
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I learned to stand up for myself and my dreams — even when people don’t quite understand. It’s taken courage to say, “This is who I choose to be.”
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I grew, photographed, and launched my first canvas collection — each one full of colour and joy, inspired by the garden, muddy boots, and inspiration.
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What I’m Dreaming of Now (Age 13 Version!)
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Helping Milly grow Caterpillar Castle into something magical AND we are going to do it together!
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Learning everything I can about photography – I want to take better photos of my dahlias and art to WOW you all!
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Saving for a new camera lens I'm set on getting a macro lens, because I really want to invest in learning to do macro photography better (they cost a fortune, but I’m determined!)
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Being an inspiration to other kids—and adults—who want to do something brave
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Growing even more beautiful seed-grown dahlias that could win shows and maybe get sold one day and be growing in your garden too!
It Wasn’t All Easy...
There were tough bits this year. Grown-up stuff that made me grow up a little faster.
But I don’t want to dwell on that. I've learned to stick all the hard stuff at the back of my mind and focus on the good stuff front and centre.
Instead, I want to remember that I kept trying hard. I kept planting. I kept seeing the colours. And I kept dreaming.
Want to Support a Dream?
Today only, you can get $130 OFF any Gracie-mae Photography canvas in my shop until midnight 23rd September, 2025.
Each one is filled with dahlia-inspired magic. And when you hang it on your wall, you’re not just decorating your space...
You’re helping a 13-year-old artist, photographer, flower grower and youth-led business owner keep doing what she loves.
Use code: HAPPY13 at the checkout
Visit: www.stripeycaterpillar.com
Thanks for celebrating with me.
Thanks for believing in kids like me.
Thanks for helping this big-hearted dream bloom.
Gracie (now officially 13 and full to the brim with cake)🌸