August Recap: Growth, Creativity, and Health Wins
August has been a whirlwind of activity, and I couldn’t be more excited about the progress I’ve made both in my art studio and in my personal health journey. Juggling commissions, product building, marketing, fulfilling orders, and outreach has been an incredible ride, and I’m loving every moment of it. It’s all about finding that flow—both in my creativity and in my health.
One thing that’s been keeping me in that creative groove is my August Spotify playlist. It’s full of tracks that help me get into the zone. Seriously, if you need some tunes to help you get into flow, give it a listen. It’s so sick!
Building My Social Media Presence
I’ve also been working on growing my presence on TikTok and Instagram, and the response has been amazing! My very first TikTok video got over 800 views—it was a little montage of me painting three dogs, perfectly timed to Clairo’s “Juna.”
@taguinaldoart #acrylicpainting #taguinaldoart ♬ Juna - Clairo
The fact that 800 people took a moment to watch a snippet of my creative process feels surreal. Of course, I’m still learning. One viewer checked out my TikTok profile, and that’s when I realized—oops—I forgot to add a link to my online shop! A small lesson learned, but it’s all part of the journey.
A Personal Health Milestone: My GLP-1 Journey
On a more personal note, I’ve also been on a transformative health journey this year. After dealing with PCOS and PMDD for so long, I finally started GLP-1 medication, and it has been a game-changer. In just two months, I’ve lost 15 pounds—something that felt impossible after years of trying every diet and exercise routine out there.
For the longest time, I felt like I was fighting against my own body. I worked out hard, lifted heavy weights, and followed all the “right” steps, but I wasn’t seeing the results I needed. My hormones were out of whack, and I constantly felt inflamed. My doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong, even though I knew something wasn’t right.
I actually came across GLP-1 through my For You page on TikTok, right after reactivating it to get ready to market my art studio. I binge watched Ashley Raibick's videos and went through a rabbit hole on GLP1.
@ashley.raibick Hope this helps! #fyp #semaglutide #weightloss #ozempic #semaglutideforweightloss ♬ original sound - A S H L E Y R A I B I C K
After researching and connecting with an online provider, I decided to give compounded semaglutide a try. In just the first week on the medication, I lost 6 pounds. Pretty sure that was just the inflammation calming down. It finally felt like my body was working with me rather than against me.
Before GLP-1, I was grinding at the gym—working out 6 times a week, burning 600 to 1,000 calories during 2-hour sessions, chasing intensity. I was pushing myself to failure each time, but I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted. Then, I came across a clip from Joe Rogan and Firas Zahabi where they talked about working out smarter.
That hit home for me. It made me realize that constantly pushing myself to the limit wasn't sustainable and wasn’t helping me reach my goals.
Now, instead of focusing on burning out, I focus on building up. I’ve shifted to lifting weights with a priority on mind-muscle connection, time under tension, and good form. I’ve also incorporated barre and Pilates into my routine, and I’m loving how my body is responding. It’s no longer about chasing exhaustion—it's about building consistency and balance.
This health shift has made a world of difference, not just physically but mentally too. I feel more energized and clear-headed, which is translating into my work. I have more stamina for long studio days, more focus during my creative sessions, and overall, a renewed sense of balance.
How Health and Creativity Connect
I didn’t expect my health journey to influence my art studio work as much as it has, but the two are so interconnected. When I’m feeling better in my body, I’m able to show up as my best self in my business. I have more energy to pour into my art, more patience with myself when learning new skills, and more creativity flowing through me.
This August, I’m celebrating all of these wins—both in my studio and in my personal life. It’s all about embracing growth, whether it’s through a new commission project or a healthier approach to life. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next and to continue sharing it with all of you.
Thanks for being part of this adventure. Here's to creating, growing, and thriving—one day at a time!