Daily Inspiration: Meet Gracey Andel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracey Andel.

Hi Gracey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I spent most of my early to mid-twenties bedridden or in a wheelchair due to chronic Lyme disease and a host of other complex health issues. It felt like life had taken a devastating detour, and I often found myself questioning why. I had always dreamed of pursuing a creative, purpose-filled career, but instead, everything was put on pause. There were moments I wondered if I’d ever live a “normal” life again.

But about a year ago, after years of deep healing, I finally began to feel vibrant and alive again. That spark reignited my passion for life, creativity, and building something meaningful.

Since then, I’ve been able to create a life and business that truly align with who I am. I wake up every day in awe of how far I’ve come. I’m living a life that’s not just “normal,” but more beautiful than anything I could have imagined. I’m so grateful for the journey, even the hard parts, because they shaped the strength, faith, and purpose I walk in today.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been far from a smooth road. The journey through chronic illness was filled with pain, uncertainty, and a lot of waiting. There were years where I felt like life was passing me by, watching others build careers, relationships, and dreams while I was just fighting to make it through the day. Even in healing, there have been ups and downs, learning to trust my body again, navigating lingering symptoms, and rebuilding my life from the ground up.

But every challenge has taught me something invaluable about surrender, resilience, and the beauty of slow, steady transformation. I’ve learned to celebrate the small wins, to listen to God’s timing over my own, and to trust that nothing was wasted, not even the hardest seasons.

While the path hasn’t been easy, I wouldn’t trade the lessons or the growth for anything. The road may have been rough, but it led me to a life filled with purpose, creativity, and gratitude and that makes every step worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
After everything I’ve been through, I knew I couldn’t go back to a traditional 9–5. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial and creative spirit, and I felt deeply called to build something that brought joy, not just to me, but to others too. Over the past year, I’ve poured my heart into a few different ventures that reflect both my passions and my story.

In 2024, my husband and I launched Pumpkin Perfect Co., a seasonal pumpkin concierge service. It has been such a fun and fulfilling experience. I wanted to create something full of joy and meaning, but also flexible enough to honor my health and energy. This business has allowed us to bring beauty and warmth to people’s porches during one of the coziest times of year. It’s playful, personal, and filled with opportunities for connection, which I absolutely love. I’m so grateful to be doing something that lights me up and I’m already counting down the days to this next season!

I’m also in the process of authoring and illustrating my first children’s book, which has been a dream come true. It’s such a joy to translate the message of hope and purpose I’ve found through my healing journey into a story that will inspire little hearts (and their parents too!).

One of the things I’m most proud of, and what truly sets me apart, is my journey through chronic illness. Walking through years of pain, uncertainty, and healing has deeply shaped who I am. I now use my story to encourage others walking through hard seasons, whether through social media, writing, or creative projects. My hope is always to reflect light, hope, and the reminder that even in the darkest chapters, a beautiful life is still possible. That’s the heartbeat behind everything I do.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I wouldn’t say luck has played a major role in my journey. What’s brought me to where I am today has been a combination of deep inner work, persistence, and a lot of intentional mindset shifting. I truly believe that what we focus on grows and when you choose to focus on hope, healing, and possibility instead of fear or limitation, you begin to align your thoughts, actions, and even your circumstances with the life you desire.

Of course, life hasn’t been without its challenges, but I’ve learned that we always have the power to choose how we respond. That mindset shift has been one of the most powerful tools in both my healing and my business journey. For me, it’s not about luck, it’s about faith, perspective, and the courage to keep showing up for the life you’re building.

Pricing:

• Pricing for our 2025 Pumpkin Packages:
• Medium Porch: $475
• Large Porch: $800
• X-large Porch: $1,150

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pumpkinperfectco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pumpkinperfectco/