Daily Inspiration: Meet Danielle Morris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Morris.

Hi Danielle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” Albert Einstein, I was faced with a burdensome time in my life. I was attending college and managed to get myself into some pretty hefty student loan debt. “One of the biggest lies we love to believe is education equals success,” says Dale Partridge, an author of the Wall Street Journal. Students attend college wondering if it will all be worth it in the end. Debating if you want to suffer the consequences of student loan debt and fight off all the psychological effects that come along with it.

Society imposes pressure on understanding that only education will lead us to success, we become incognizant of the other options. I had been following the Dave Ramsey plan for some time and was making great progress. Next was to tackle student loans. With the interest rate alone this seemed impossible. There were times my payments would increase to outrageous amounts to where I would not be able to afford to live. I was working overtime, doing everything I could to pay off debt, this burden hanging over me.

It was very slow going, building from nothing. I had to slowly invest in myself while using natural strengths while engaged in tasks and deciding on clear goals. This meant dedication and contributing to something with meaning beyond oneself. I’ve always been a creative person and never found the right outlet for myself. I eventually discovered the world of vinyl printing. I learned everything I could and ventured into making custom shirts. With this, I created a lot of memorial shirts which I loved doing.

I eventually ventured into other areas such as sublimation, tumblers, jewelry-cremation jewelry, and resin work. I am privileged when I am given the opportunity to keep the memories alive of a loved one. I enjoy giving back and doing what I can to brighten someone’s day or two and try to make some sort of difference in this crazy world. My goal is to spread positivity, hope, and love.

My goal has been to be able to slow down and take the time to know my customers and what they are wanting and going above and beyond their expectations. If you’re excited, the customer is excited! Being passionate about what you do and surrounding yourself with people who will inspire you to be the best version of yourself.

What started out as a way to stay afloat and pay student loans turned out to be something I absolutely love doing. It’s not just a business to me, it’s my happy place. This is why with the help of my closest friend and I, named my Business Ardor Creations, Ardor means enthusiasm and passion, which seems very fitting.

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” Dolly Parton.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, I never had intentions of establishing an actual business. My intentions were to find a creative outlet for myself and my sanity, as well as to make a little extra money to help with student loans. It has taken quite some time; I have saved up for years for the equipment I needed and am still saving. It’s little investments here and there that add up. I started in 2019, and in 2022, I decided to take the leap and become an official business. Ardor has been such a blessing and I realized that you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take, so why not dream big?

In addition to Ardor, I also work in dialysis so juggling both has been a challenge at times. Covid and the constant challenges of everyday life also presented difficult challenges. There have been times of discouragement, times of great sorrow with losing loved ones, and times I just didn’t know where I was going. Family, friends, and customers have demonstrated so much love and support which pushed me to go further and take Ardor to a whole new level.

Dream big. Start small. But most of all, start. Making the decision to go for it is a step that many people never get to. It’s the most overwhelming part. Once you decide to move on to the next steps, everything will start flowing from there. You will face every new challenge as they arise. You can stay afraid but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it, and eventually, the confidence will follow.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in custom clothing, tumblers, resin work, cremation jewelry, and more.

I am most proud to offer my memorial pieces such as shirts, resin angel babies, memorial resin keepsakes, and cremation jewelry.

I will briefly convey that I am no stranger to grief. The pain is, at times, unbearable. Therefore, I have chosen to make beauty out of ashes. Animal cremation jewelry and human cremation jewelry in the form of ashes keepsakes such as necklaces, earrings, rings, resin pieces, and love stones help one feel connected to the loved one. The feeling of connection is what keeps us healing and moving forward.

God has blessed me with the opportunity of being able to establish Ardor Creations LLC. I never imagined my work could offer some sort of healing and peace to grieving loved ones. Working with people to bring their visions to life and being detail oriented is what I love doing and what sets me apart from the rest.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
As quoted by Barbara Ann Corcoran, “Don’t you dare underestimate the power of your own instinct.” Deep down, you’ll know if your ideas are good enough to pursue.

Any blips along the way are opportunities to learn, not reasons to give up. Of course, I have taken many risks along the way. I have always doubted myself and could never figure out what my talent was. I had come to the conclusion that I just didn’t have one. I would pray about this and that I wanted to find something that could help financially as well as find something I’m passionate about and able to make some kind of difference.

Making the decision to go for it is a step that many people never get to. It’s the most overwhelming part. Once you decide to move on to the next steps, everything will start flowing from there. You will face every new challenge as they arise. I left it in God’s hands, and I trust his plans. If you push through that feeling of being scared, that feeling of taking a risk, really amazing things can happen.

“What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, What if you fly?” Erin Hanson.

Contact Info:

• Website: Ardorcreationsbydee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardorcreations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArdorCreationsByDee
• Other: tiktok.com/@ardorcreationsdee