Why I Started Lead & Layer: A Harmonious Blend of Care, Creativity, and Connection
At the heart of Lead & Layer is a simple belief: life is journey, and the story of our lives isn’t about the education we receive, the number of hours we work, the money we earn, the house we own or the car we drive. It’s about people. It’s about the process. It’s about intention, warmth and the way every layer of care we give ourselves and others enriches our lives. In this space I can share stories, lessons, laughs, creative outlets, spiritual beliefs, organizational tips, leadersship, recipes and more. This is my real-life joy – Lead & Layer by Tina.
Who I Am
My name is Tina. I have had life experiences that have taught me so much in this life. I am a nurse in a clinical leadership role. I have mentored emerging leaders and refined operational strategies for better patient care. I have worked in many settings including bedside, skilled nursing care, home health, hospice and now to care management. I have also worked in fast food, pharmacies, lawn care, daycare and fertilizer distribution. I am a wife, a mom to three, a Nana to five, a daughter, a sister to four, a niece, an aunt and a cousin. That isn’t all though. I am also a crafter. I love to make things with my hands. I have knitted, cross stitched, made jewelry, pottery, various wood projects and I love to sew. My heart goes into every project I make. Life has allowed me to be a survivor, a failure, a believer and a warrior. I have made choices I am not proud of and I have made decisions that have brought me joy. I have fought battles physically and spiritually. I have won some and lost most. I have learned that I can replace all the things in my life except those I love. My experiences brought me here, to this space.
My Philosophy
Lead & Layer thrives on honesty, integrity and authenticity. It is not just what I do – it is who I am and how I do it:
· With warmth in every interaction
· With commitment to share only what I have experienced and trust
· With intention to uplift and empower others
Whether I am helping someone to strategize, mentoring a new leader or writing about my own wellness journey, my mission stays the same; to help you lead with purpose and layer your life with care.
How I Can Help You
I designed Lead & Layer to offer practical, heartfelt support across four life pillars
· Elevate health and wellness goals, utilizing tools and strategies for lasting health
· Discover skincare solutions and product insights crafted for mature skin used by real people
· Embrace hands-on craft projects that create smiles and confidence
· Enhance joyful connection practices – simple gratitude exercises and gathering ideas that deepen the bonds with family and friends.
Join Me on This Journey
Your story matters here. If you’re ready to elevate your wellness, discover creative outlets, or infuse everyday moments with gratitude, let’s connect.
Fill out the form below, and I’ll be in touch with resources, tips, and occasional behind-the-scenes peeks at what’s brewing in the Lead & Layer by Tina studio.
🌿 Lead with Purpose. Layer with Care.
It all begins with an idea.
Welcome to Lead & Layer!
This is the start of something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time — a space where leadership, resilience, and creativity meet. My heart has always been in helping others care for themselves, whether that’s through my work as a nurse and clinical leader, or through crafting, storytelling, and community.
I created Lead & Layer because I believe life is not about doing it all at once — it’s about layering care, one choice at a time.
✨ Why "Lead & Layer"?
The phrase comes from my personal journey. I’ve worn many hats: nurse, healthcare leader, craft maker, trauma survivor, sibling, aunt, and friend. Each layer of my life taught me something new — about strength, healing, and what it takes to keep showing up.
But here’s what I’ve learned: You can’t lead with purpose if you don’t care for yourself first.
When we add small layers of care — a boundary, a pause, a moment of gratitude, a creative outlet — we build resilience. We show up stronger for our patients, our families, our communities, and ourselves..
🌸 3 Small Ways to Layer Care Today
Check in with yourself. Take one minute to notice how you feel. Are you tired? Hopeful? Overwhelmed? Naming it is powerful.
Create a ritual. Brew a cup of tea, light a candle, or work on a small creative project. Rituals anchor us in the middle of chaos.
Write it down. Journaling helps untangle what’s inside your head. Even two sentences can bring clarity.
🎁 A Gift for You
To help you begin your journey, I’ve created a free Lead & Layer Self-Care Kit. Inside, you’ll find:
A Take Care of Yourself Worksheet
A Reflection Journal with guided prompts
A Lead & Layer SVG design
👉 [Download your free Self-Care Kit here] (link to your sign-up form)
This kit is my way of saying thank you for being here — and a reminder that caring for yourself is the first step toward leading with love and purpose.
💛 Final Thoughts
This blog will be a mix of reflections, tools, and creative inspiration — blending what I know from healthcare leadership, my love of crafting, and my real-life lessons in resilience.
I’m so glad you’re here at the beginning. Together, we’ll build a life that’s not just about survival, but about layering care into every season of it.
With gratitude,
Tina
Blog Post Title Two
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.