09/10/2026
The end of an era 🌴🌺 long post ahead! I’m not sure if anyone will read it all, but I wrote a thank you note to all of you.
In 2023, I decided to paint a surfboard that I found on Facebook for $10. I was super pregnant and needed something to do with myself besides wait, so I played around with some paint that our movers skipped over during our PCS. I was happy with how it turned out, but didn’t ever plan on making into a business. Months later, this silly little craft saved me from the trenches of postpartum depression and anxiety. I had no idea what I was doing, but a Facebook post took off on our local sells page and I offered free boards to a few families in exchange for portfolio builders. No one had seen my work, but they took a chance on me anyways. I wish I knew that those boards would lead me to meet so many wonderful families. I finally felt seen, I felt excited, and I poured all of that love into creating items for so many military families across the island of Oahu.
Hawaii will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I became a mom, established a career, and built a separate business that allowed me to find myself again. I rediscovered my passion for creating alongside of my husband and daughter. I’m proud of what The Rusty Palm grew to be, but I could not have done any of this without my faith, some crash outs, and of course all of you. From the very bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you so so much. I learned a lot throughout this process and continue to learn every single day. Thanks for taking a chance on me, trusting my process, watching my art evolve, helping me learn through my mistakes, and allowing me to give back to the community. I only pray that I can return the favor somehow.
I’m sobbing while I write this btw. 328 boards in 2 years. Pinch me 🤍
A Hui Hou to the most special place on earth. I’ll be back soon 🤍
Love, Jillian
