We recently connected with Caroline Tullis and have shared our conversation below.

Caroline, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest decision that, for me, felt risking was moving from my small hometown of Cuyahoga Falls to the big city of Cleveland. It was the first time, aside from college, I moved somewhere a bit more further away from where I grew up. I’ve lived in Cuyahoga Falls for 27 years and loved it, yet I felt for a long time that God was calling me to move to Cleveland to pursue more opportunities, that being with my passion for storytelling and fashion styling. It felt risky as it was very new and unfamiliar, and I’ve never really experienced life in a big city before. I was also fearful of not being able to find a church community and thought I would wound up lonely. Turns out it was the best risk I’ve ever taken. Not only was I able to pursue more opportunities in my career, but I also found a church I now call home and have so many friendships I know will last throughout eternity. I’m so glad I didn’t let fear hold me back!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As far as writing, I’ve always had a passion for storytelling. I loved reading children’s books growing up, and that’s where God planted my desire to write in that category came from. With my books and stories, I hope that both children and adults can embrace the gift of childlike joy and heal their inner child when reading. I also pray that feel the whispers of Jesus’ love, wisdom, and kindness when reading as well.

For fashion styling, I’ve always loved that, too. However, I didn’t realize it was something I wanted to actually pursue till college. After studying creative writing for two years at Malone University, I transferred to Kent State University to study fashion merchandising with a minor in public relations. I was able to learn so much more about the industry and even spend a whole month in Italy where fashion is a big part of the culture. Putting together outfits and finding what looks/feels best can be intimidating at times, so I want to take the pressure off clients and help them to feel like the best version of themselves that God created them to be!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

To help people who follow my work to see the light of Jesus radiate through it all, and to give Him the glory for the work that He’s done in me.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Seeing people being touched and emotional when they either read a story I wrote or look at a digital fashion lookbook I curated for them- it makes me emotional as well!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.styledbysplendor.com
• Instagram: @carolinetullis (main account) + @styledbysplendor (styling account)

Image Credits

Katie Rios (Instagram: @katiemae_creative)