Welcome to the Lavender Labrador Blog – A Space for Healing, Learning, and Community

Hey there, and welcome! I’m so glad you found your way here. Whether you stumbled across my shop looking for natural skincare, pet care, or just a little inspiration, I hope this blog becomes a space where you feel at home.

Who Am I?

I’m a creative, a nature lover, a kidney transplant recipient, and the heart behind Lavender Labrador. My journey has been anything but simple—growing up in St. Charles, Missouri, working at a little family restaurant across from the first state capitol, and spending weekends on the Mississippi Riverwith my family. I was a tomboy who loved camping, a kid always doodling instead of listening in class, and an artist fascinated by the behind-the-scenes magic of Hallmark (thanks to my aunt and uncle, who worked there!).

Art has always been my outlet, but so has exploration—whether it was experimenting with different forms of creativity or diving into the 60s and 70s counterculture (I’ll take rock and psychedelic music over pop any day). Life, of course, had its twists and turns. College brought new experiences, some amazing and some destructive. I fell deep into the party scene, lost good friends, and nearly lost myself. But life has a way of throwing you lifelines when you least expect them.

One of those lifelines was my husband, a chill, emo-music-loving guy who helped me see that life didn’t have to be chaos. He supported me as I went back to college, not just to finish one degree, but two. It was during this time that my kidney disease story truly began.

My Kidney Journey – The Battle for My Health

When I was in elementary school, my mom noticed my urine was a dark, burgundy color. That led to my first kidney biopsy and a diagnosis of IgA Nephropathy, an autoimmune disease that was supposed to stay in the background of my life until I was “much, much older.” Spoiler: it didn’t.

Fast forward to my early twenties, I wasn’t feeling great, but I had no idea that my kidneys were failing. I had always struggled with eating and staying hydrated, but when my vision started going black in one eye, I knew something was seriously wrong. An eye doctor visit turned into an emergency room nightmare—high blood pressure had caused hemorrhaging in my eyes, and that was just the beginning.

In a cold, sterile hospital room, a group of med students surrounded my bed as a doctor squeezed in to deliver the news: I had end-stage renal failure. I was alone, terrified, and overwhelmed. Over the next few weeks, I had to make decisions no one in their early twenties should have to make. I started peritoneal dialysis, a treatment I did every night at home while I slept, hooked up to a machine that kept me alive. It was exhausting, frustrating, and became part of my everyday life—so much so that I even took my machine on vacation to New Orleans to do dialysis in a hotel room.

Then, one summer day in August 2023, I got the call that changed my life.

I was a backup for a kidney transplant, so I tried not to get my hopes up. But at 3 AM on August 14th, my husband shook me awake—the kidney was mine. By 5 AM, I was at the hospital, and twelve hours later, after a six-hour surgery, I had three kidneys inside me (yes, they leave the old ones in there!). The recovery was hell—between the drain tubes, stents, and countless doctor visits—but every second was worth it. Today, over a year and a half later, I see my nephrologist every few months and get monthly bloodwork. It’s been a journey, one filled with depression, healing, and rediscovering who I am outside of being a kidney patient.

Why Lavender Labrador?

My health struggles opened my eyes to how many unnecessary chemicals we put into and onto our bodies. During dialysis and after my transplant, my skin was a wreck—dry, cracked, and irritated by the so-called “gentle” skincare products I had trusted. I started looking into natural alternatives, and that’s how Lavender Labrador was born.

I wanted to create something safe, natural, and actually effective, especially for people like me—immunocompromised, transplant recipients, and those with sensitive skin. But I also wanted it to be fun! Because self-care, whether for yourself or your pets, shouldn’t be boring. It should be something you look forward to, not just another step in a routine.

What You’ll Find on This Blog

This blog is a little mix of everything that makes me, me:

• My personal journey – The ups, downs, and real-life experiences of living with a transplant and chronic illness.

• Health & wellness tips – Not from a doctor (because I’m not one!), but from my own research, trial and error, and personal experiences.

• Recipes – For both humans and pets, because what we put into our bodies matters.

• Skincare & ingredient deep dives – Why I choose certain ingredients, their benefits, and how they tie into my mission.

• Pet care – Natural ways to care for your furry (or scaly, or feathery) friends.

• Art, nature, and creative living – Because healing isn’t just about the physical, it’s about finding joy and purpose.

A Quick Disclaimer

While I am college-educated and put a ton of research into everything I share, I am not a medical professional. This blog is not medical advice—just my personal experiences, opinions, and research. I always encourage you to do your own research and talk to a doctor, veterinarian, or specialist before making health-related decisions. Your body, your health, your choice!

Welcome to the Pack

The Lavender Labrador isn’t just about products—it’s about building a community of people who care about what goes on and into their bodies. Whether you’re here for skincare, pet care, health info, or just to connect with someone who gets it, you’re in the right place.

So, stick around! Read, comment, share your thoughts, and let’s make this a space where we learn, heal, and grow together.

 

Last Updated: Feb 27, 2025