Meet Bethany Bayless

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bethany Bayless. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bethany below.

Bethany, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose through motherhood and the unexpected journey of starting Wildwind Lane, my sticker and stationery company. When the pandemic ended my career as a public speaker and I was navigating postpartum depression and anxiety as a new mom, I turned to art as a way to cope and heal. What began as a personal outlet quickly grew into something bigger—a way to encourage others, especially fellow moms, with small reminders of hope and kindness. Creating products that brighten someone’s day showed me that my purpose is to use my creativity to spread encouragement and light, even in life’s hardest seasons.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At Wildwind Lane, I create encouraging, joy-filled products designed to bring light to everyday life. My work includes stickers, stationery, glass cups, tote bags, and wall hangings—all made with the intention of spreading kindness and reminding people that even small things can make a big difference. What excites me most about what I do is seeing how something as simple as a sticker with an encouraging phrase can brighten someone’s day or make them feel less alone. Every product is rooted in my own journey through postpartum depression and the unexpected loss of my speaking career during the pandemic, which makes this work deeply personal and purposeful.

I’m currently selling direct to consumer through my website, Etsy, and social media. I am also growing my wholesale program to partner with more shops nationwide and beginning to license my artwork so it can live in new places and inspire more people. My hope is that whenever someone interacts with Wildwind Lane, they feel encouraged, supported, and reminded that there’s always light to be found, even in hard seasons.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey with Wildwind Lane are resilience, creativity, and adaptability. Resilience has carried me through some of the hardest seasons—the ups and downs of running a small business while raising two young kids. Creativity has been both my outlet and my superpower, allowing me to turn my experiences into uplifting designs that connect with others. And adaptability has been essential in learning how to pivot—whether that meant shifting from public speaking to product design, or expanding from direct sales into wholesale and licensing opportunities.

For those early in their journey, my advice is this: build your resilience by remembering your “why” and holding onto it when challenges come. Nurture your creativity by giving yourself space to experiment without pressure or perfection. And practice adaptability by staying open to unexpected opportunities and changes—they often lead to the most meaningful growth. Most importantly, trust that your unique story and perspective are what set you apart, and lean into that fully.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned how important it is to step back and give myself permission to rest. As a mom of two young kids and a small business owner, my schedule is often nonstop, and it can feel impossible to slow down. But finding even small pockets of rest and time to create just for myself—not for business—has been essential in keeping me grounded. Therapy has also been a huge part of my mental health journey. Having a safe space to process, gain perspective, and learn coping strategies has been life-changing and something I encourage others to explore if they’re struggling. Finally, I’ve found so much strength in surrounding myself with fellow creatives who encourage and build me up. Connecting with people who understand the challenges of both creativity and entrepreneurship helps me feel less alone and more inspired. My advice for others is simple: prioritize rest, seek support when you need it, and don’t underestimate the power of community. Those three things together can make all the difference when life feels overwhelming.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wildwindlane.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildwindlane/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanygrace/

Image Credits

ANGELA GARZON