"I started growing dahlias in 2020 during the pandemic. Growing the dahlias gave me a purpose during a very difficult time in my life. In May of 2020, I unexpectedly lost my stepdad of 33 years. And then eight weeks later, my dad suffered two life-altering strokes, leaving him unable to walk and talk.

Navigating life during a global pandemic with so many unknowns while raising two small children and grieving my stepdad and dad was profoundly challenging.

Gardening became a form of therapy for me. I've expanded my backyard garden to over 70 varieties of dahlias this year. I've been sharing my garden and the growing process with my audience since 2020. Many say they look forward to the growing season because the dahlias (and other flowers I grow) bring them joy and a sense of peace during a very difficult and stressful time in our country.

Some of my audience members have started gardening and growing dahlias because of my garden. I chose the word democracy because of the alliteration and because it's what we're all fighting for."