Rising Tides: Behind the Name

A reflection on shared humanity, quiet ripples, and the power of rising together.

I am so grateful you’re here. It means so much that you are taking time out of your busy day to read what I share. I don’t take that lightly. I want the time you spend here to feel meaningful. Maybe it opens your heart a bit, nudges your perspective, or helps you feel seen. I hope you spend a few more minutes with me, as I share the inspiration behind the name I chose.

So why Rising Tides?

Yes, I love the ocean, but this name is less about my beach-loving heart and more about my core belief: that we are all connected. What lifts one of us, lifts all of us. Our energy, our choices, our attention… they create ripples. And those ripples matter.

To me, the ocean is a metaphor for our shared humanity. The tides rise and fall, and they carry us all. No one is above the current. No one is outside of it. I was born into privilege, but I don’t believe I deserve more because of that. Two of my children were born into that same privilege. Two were not. And yet, all four carry the same infinite value. Simply being alive and breathing makes us worthy.

When we brought our adopted children home, people would sometimes say, “They’re so lucky.” But no, I am the lucky one. When they joined our family, we became whole. They lift me up as a mother and show me how expansive love truly can be. They also give me a clearer, truer lens on the world… and a fire in my gut to help make it better. In the great ocean of humanity, their presence raised our tide.

I write about my personal experiences as a mother, because I know that my lived experience is unique. I am deeply inspired by all four of my children, but also by our shared humanity. My sincerest, most humble hope is that these reflections offer a gentle reminder in how we are, now and forever, connected to each other. When one falls, we all fall. When one rises, we all rise. In addition, I write about using our consumer dollars for good, because I believe that where we spend our money matters. Philanthropy has its place. But too often, it comes with strings attached, with expectations that people in need must justify every dollar, every outcome. I believe in accountability, yes, but also in trust. What I want is a world where more people have real agency. Not choices shaped by circumstance or scarcity, but true choice. Where supporting someone’s dream isn’t an act of charity, but a smart, beautiful investment in our collective future.

Yes, I share fashion, home, and beauty finds, but this space isn’t about buying more. It’s about buying with intention. Spending with care. Every dollar is a vote, a ripple. I spotlight brands built by people who have historically been left out of the spotlight not just because representation matters, but because ownership changes everything. Ownership means you don’t have to ask permission: you decide what’s best for you.

Please know that your clicks on these links matter. When you support an entrepreneur who built something from their imagination and will power, you’re not just buying a product, you’re participating in a form of justice rooted in agency, not handouts. The founder of AAKS, a brand that makes hand woven bags from Ghana, once sent me a handwritten thank-you card. Enough of you clicked and purchased that she noticed and took the time to send me a note of gratitude. That’s the ripple effect. That’s the heart of Rising Tides. It’s not charity. It’s about solidarity. It’s about building a world where more and more people rise.

And when they rise, we rise too.

I’m putting my heart out here with the hope of creating a ripple effect. A community that grows slowly, with care and intention. Thank you for believing in something better. Thank you for being part of this Rising Tide.

With love,

Katie