Stepping Into the Brave New World of Video

I’ve been a partaker in social media for years, but a very reluctant participant. Before starting Sunset Patterns, I probably posted on my personal account only 5–10 times. Then came May 2023, when I launched Sunset Patterns on Instagram and Facebook.

At the time, I hesitated to put myself — and my work — out into the world, especially in such a public way. But a wise cousin and successful entrepreneur gave me a piece of advice that stuck: “just start.”

So, I did. Looking back now, my first posts weren’t exactly polished, but they represented a big leap: I was showing up, sharing my work, and starting the journey.

Fast forward two years to Fall 2025, and I’m still showing up. But this season, I’ve stepped into a brand-new (and slightly terrifying) realm: video. 😧

For months, people have told me that video is key for growing engagement and reach. Still, the idea of putting my face and voice out there pushed me way outside my comfort zone. I kept reminding myself of Bonnie Christine’s motto — “Do one thing a day that scares you.” (I even engraved it on the back of my iPad as a daily nudge) And video? Well, it definitely qualifies.

So, I decided to create a reel introducing myself as a maker for the One of a Kind Show, with the hope it might even get shared to their thousands of followers. I put on my brightest shirt, did my makeup, rearranged my backdrop, set up the lighting, wrote the script, and hit record. Nine takes (and more than a little sweat) later, I finally had something that felt… acceptable.

Then came the editing — voiceover, splicing clips, layering background music — all for a 45-second reel. I gathered feedback, took a deep breath, and put it out into the world.

Voila! 🎉 I was proud of myself… until I showed it to my 12-year-old son. His instant reaction? “It reminds me of those local ads they play at the Amherst, Nova Scotia movie theatre.” One word: amateur.

I could have taken that as criticism, but instead it made me laugh — a full-bodied, can’t-stop chuckling kind of laugh. And honestly, he was right. I am an amateur when it comes to video and social media.

But here’s the thing: that’s okay. Because what matters is that I’m pushing myself, learning, and continuing to show up. Maybe someday it will feel natural, maybe one day I’ll even go viral. Until then, I’ll keep creating, posting, and laughing at myself along the way.

👉 If you’d like to see my very first brave step into video, you can check out my OOAK reel. ! I’d love to hear what you think.

Fun outtake from another video: At one point, I completely forgot my lines and just muttered, “blah, blah, blah…” My son insists this version should have gone viral instead. 😂