Authentic Steps: Faith Lived Out Loud
This space was created as an extension of Velvet Rose Studios — a place rooted in authenticity, bold creativity, and faith. Here, we’re opening the doors to something deeper than design: real stories from real people walking out their faith.
These guest entries are shared by individuals who have said “yes” to vulnerability, courage, and the journey God is writing in their lives. Some stories come from mountaintop moments, others from valleys — but all are marked by God’s presence and His unwavering faithfulness.
Even if the story isn’t about taking a bold step, each one is a reminder that we never walk alone. In the quiet, in the chaos, in the unknown — Jesus is with us. Through their words, may you see how deeply trustworthy He is, and how He works in every part of our lives, not just the big decisions.
My hope is that these testimonies encourage you to live authentically and step out boldly in faith — just as you are. May you find inspiration, comfort, and connection in every story shared here.

Healing The Hurt: Hope in Jesus, Freedom from the Past - Megan Araujo
My husband, Joshua Araujo, is a local taxidermist and owner of Araujo’s Taxidermy – “Honoring God’s creation through timeless preservation.”
Specializing in shoulder mounts, European and plaque mounts, and turkey fans. Located in Murfreesboro, TN.

He’s Not Done With Me Yet - Deborah Harper
Deborah Dee Harper loves to write inspirational/humorous novels for both children and adults. She spent the first fifty years of her life in Michigan, then moved to Kentucky, Alaska, Mississippi, back up to Alaska, down to Murfreesboro, back up to Alaska (notice a pattern?) and now back to Murfreesboro. She loves our Father, photography and her family—a son and his family in Michigan, a daughter and her family in Kentucky, and her daughter and granddaughter, with whom she lives, here in Tennessee. My brand is “Laughing with the LORD” and my Printify business, once I get it up and running will be “Love, Your Father.”

Lightening the Load - Karen Masteller
Karen Masteller, a retired language arts teacher, now employs the art of language to share faith and encouragement with readers. She writes devotions, poems, memoirs, and non-fiction pieces. On the other side of the teacher’s desk, she is eager to improve her writing. Transplanted from Pennsylvania, Karen lives in the countryside, southeast of Nashville—a quiet spot conducive to writing.

Not-Enoughness - Nikki Banning
Hi, I’m Niki Banning, a Christian woman entrepreneur.
I pride myself not just on crossing tasks off your list, but in being a trusted partner for your business. As a relationship builder, I want to walk alongside you in your business journey to help you step out of overwhelm and stress and into a state of peace and inner harmony.
I have been blessed with the ability to help others calm the chaos of their business, whether that means answering emails, doing research, supporting your marketing initiatives, editing documents, or other time-consuming, tedious tasks. My mission is to work with integrity and Christ-centered purpose to free you from things that would keep you from your zone of genius – and have some fun along the way.
Let's talk.

Too-Ness - Tami Gray
Tami J Gray is a serial creative who has paired her creativity with her love of problem-solving and technical curiosity to create The Gray Factor, LLC. Her business lifeblood is walking alongside female entrepreneurs who have giants to slay and adventures to focus on without being slowed down by the valuable yet technical aspects that try to split their attention. Tami’s mix of creative and analytical styles has a unique ability to take the areas women seem to be stuck and help them find that next right step and to take the ideas of an entrepreneur and put them into practice in logical and easily replicable forms for future success. Her goal is to help other authors and entrepreneurs by taking care of behind the scenes technical projects that distract them from their main objective of writing.

When God Called Me to Let Go of the Hustle - Jenna Herrig
Jenna Herrig is a faith-driven content strategist, blogger, and mentor for Christian women in business. She helps solopreneurs simplify their marketing, attract aligned leads, and build businesses rooted in purpose - not pressure. When she’s not creating or coaching, you’ll find her exploring new coffee shops, adventuring with her husband and dogs, or journaling with the Lord. Connect with her at www.jennaherrig.com.

When Everything Stopped, I Started Becoming Me - Amanda Surratt
Amanda works virtually with women across the globe who are ready to stop striving, start healing, and return home to the truth of who they are in Christ.

From Wandering to Warrior: My Journey to a Faith that Stands - Kathy Lindberg
Hi I'm Kathy
I’m a wife, mom of two, musician, avid reader, quilter, and lover of Jesus, animals, and chocolate. But more than anything, I’m passionate about helping women experience spiritual transformation through the Word of God.

Breaking Free: How Embracing Imperfection Transformed My Art and Life
In this post, I reflect on how I rediscovered my love for art after years of neglect. Growing up in a creative family, I struggled with perfectionism and comparison. I learned to let go of those fears and embrace the freedom of imperfection. This journey reminded me that creativity is about the joy of expression, not perfection

Unbounded Creativity: Finding Freedom and Faith Through Art
This post explores how painting became my outlet for expressing creativity and finding peace amidst anxiety. Encouraged by my husband and guided by faith, I launched a business to inspire others to embrace creativity, step out in faith, and live authentically.