After more than twenty years in education, I’ve retired, which feels both exciting and surreal.
If you’ve ever reached a turning point and found yourself asking, “What now?” you may recognize this feeling.
For me, the answer is ART, as the work I want to devote my life to.
Leaving the Classroom but keeping the Lessons
When I became a teacher, I was needing stability. I wanted meaningful work and a reliable foundation. At the same time, I carried a dream that one day I would have the freedom to pursue art full-time
Now, at 59, I find myself standing in that very place.
A teaching career comes with structure, schedules, and a predictable paycheck. An art practice offers none of those guarantees. There is no single roadmap. No certainty about what comes next.
But teaching taught me discipline, responsibility, and how to show up, even on the days when traffic was bad and my students and admin were none too polite. In a classroom, you can’t wait until you feel ready. You prepare and do the work.
A Small Artwork about Liberty
Recently, I created a miniature artwork inspired by ideas from The Story of Us by Joy Hakim and the concept of self-governance. This tiny mixed-media collage is about liberty—not only as a political ideal, but as a personal one.
Become Limitless | Original Miniature Mixed Media Collage | Framed Liberty Stamp Artwork | 2.75 Inch Tiny Art (View it in my Etsy shop here.)
The idea that people can choose how they live, participate in community, and shape their future feels especially meaningful right now. As I step into this new chapter, I find myself reflecting on my own freedom: the freedom to choose how I spend my time, what I create, and what kind of life I want to build.
At the same time, our country is moving through significant change. Questions about belonging, responsibility, and shared humanity feel more important than ever. Art gives me a way to explore those questions.
Starting Before I’m Ready
I’m now teaching myself how to document my process. Camera angles may be wrong. My head may block a shot. The results may be awkward and messy.
But I’ve learned something important:
I’d rather make imperfect art and imperfect videos than wait for perfect conditions that may never arrive.
I’ve started and stopped creative projects many times over the years. It’s surprisingly easy to lose a decade while waiting for the right moment.
So my commitment now is simple:
Show up.
Make the thing.
Share it.
Consistently.
I’m working through creative blocks, building budgeting and business skills, and figuring out digital tools I never expected to use. The learning curve is real.
But so is the joy of continuing and finally getting to create the life I’ve been wanting to live.
Art Business, and Giving Back
What am I trying to contribute?
I want my work to help people feel welcome, create moments of connection, and remind people that they matter.
That there is beauty, generosity, and possibility in building together.
With my Etsy shop, I’m creating t-shirts, home goods, collage work, jewelry, and other experimental pieces.
On my YouTube channel and blog, I’ll be sharing what I’m learning along the way because I know many people are navigating similar questions about creativity, business, and sustainability.
I care about earning a living, paying my bills, and maintaining a sense of security. I also want the business I build to reflect the values I care about: community, generosity, and making people feel welcome.
As part of that commitment, through October 31st, 2026, I’ll be donating 50% of profits from my Etsy shop to the San Francisco Mime Troupe. (SF Mime Troupe website)
I’ve admired their work for years. They create political satire that is bold, accessible, funny, thoughtful, and rooted in community. Supporting them feels like one small way to help more of that kind of work exist in the world.
I want my art practice to create beauty, connection, and contribution at the same time.
Art Business, and Giving Back
Retirement feels like stepping toward something. I’m grateful for the years that brought me here, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter leads.
For now, I look forward to showing up, making the work, and sharing what I learn along the way.
Explore More
🎥 Watch the video: [YouTube Link: Just Retired! Time to Make Art!]
🖼️ View the “Become Limitless” artwork: [Etsy link to the artwork]
🛍️ Visit my Etsy shop: [HOSHI HANA Etsy Link]
📧 Join my email list: (Email List Link)
Thank you for being here as I begin this new chapter.