Hi PS Fam!
I’m so excited to welcome you to my very first post here on my blog, an extension of Primrose Studio (aka PS)! It feels a bit like stepping into a whole new chapter of a story that’s been unfolding for years and I’m so happy to have you along for the ride!
If you’re wondering why now, let me start with my main inspiration: My Grandparents, Vicky and Joe aka Nanay and Tatay (pronounced “Nah-nye” and “Tah-tie”). You’ll learn more about my sweet grandparents as you follow along! Today is also my grandparents’ Heavenly Anniversary!😚 Their love story began on March 11, 1961, in the Philippines and continued in the states.
If you’ve been following along for a while, you might know that my path into creativity and business hasn’t exactly been a linear one. Like life itself, it’s been full of twists and turns, kind of like riding on two wheels on a dirt road. The ride’s been bumpy, but the views been worth it!
Back in 2014, I started blogging and sharing videos to my YouTube channel when I made the big move across the country from Virginia to Arizona (psst…you won’t find any old videos if you clicked on that link. They’ve all been archived now…but don’t worry! I’ve got new ones held up in the queue 😉). It was my first big step towards something new and something different. Less than a year later, I packed up again, moved to Germany, and spent the next few years traveling the world, documenting my adventures and cooking, inspired from my travels. From learning new recipes in distant lands to experiencing different cultures, I found a way to connect with the world through food and storytelling. My YouTube channel and former blog became a place to share these experiences. My passion for art, adrenalist adventures, traveling, and cooking became an essential part of who I am.
Fast forward to March 1st, 2022, I launched Primrose Studio, my very first business, all while continuing to grow my career in the corporate world. But as time went on, I realized there was something more I wanted to explore, something beyond the hustle of corporate life, the stresses that came along with running a business, and all of the life experiences I’d gathered until now. It was a deeper connection to the earth, a more intentional way of living, and a way to bring my love for adventure, food, and creativity into one beautiful space.
That’s where Primrose Homestead comes in.
From Cooking to Homestead: Finding My Roots
What started as a curiosity about growing my own food quickly became a full-fledged journey into homesteading. It was the natural progression of everything I’ve loved so far: new experiences, creating, cooking, and finding joy in the simple things. Now, I’m learning to cultivate a life that’s more connected to nature, one that’s focused on growing fresh ingredients, raising our pups, Clark and Lana (they’re on Instagram, too! Follow their sibling adventures), and curating products with intention.
My journey to homesteading didn’t come out of nowhere. Growing up, I was always inspired by Nanay’s green thumb, her love for animals, and the camisoles she’d sew for me as a little girl. As a child, I watched her tend to her plants and pick fresh strawberries from her backyard. Nanay would often wrap the stems of freshly cut roses from her garden in a wet paper towel and gift them to us to place in a vase on our altar. She loved spoiling her grandchildren equally with matching outfits and gifts for every occasion. I often joked that I was my grandparents’ favorite because I was their first born grand daughter. They would take me grocery shopping with them and I’d always come home with new hairbrushes, candy, or magazines from the check-out aisle, haha! Like Tatay and Nanay, gifting is my love language 😊. I witnessed Nanay give “kape’t tinapay” (coffee and bread in Tagalog) to the morning garbage collectors and cookies with cold soda to the afternoon recycle collectors. She taught my cousins and I how to love with all our hearts and these memories have always stayed with me. It wasn’t until last year, Summer of 2024, that I realized I was being gently nudged towards this simpler, more grounded way of living. It’s funny how life comes full circle, isn’t it?
The Journey with Mr. PS
I’m not on this small business and homesteading journey alone. Mr. PS (the yin to my yang) has been by my side every step of the way, supporting me both in the kitchen (fun fact: he’s the baker in our little family!) and behind-the-scenes with all things PS. Whether it’s helping me tend to our growing garden, taking care of our pups, or lending a hand with the business side of things, he’s the quiet force that helps make everything run smoothly, including my own well-being! 💚 Mr. PS helps me from overworking myself, that even as I write this blog post late into the night, he’s reminding me that it’s time for bed and not to burn myself out, lol oops 🤭.
Back to full circle: He isn’t the outdoorsy type like I am, much like my grandpa. Tatay, like Mr. PS, wasn’t one for many words, but when he spoke, it spoke volumes. He wasn’t big on outdoor adventures, but when he did something, he went all out – just like when he was an Airborne in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). I always wondered where I got my adrenalist side from! At home, Tatay made sure everything was taken care of, no matter how big or small. We’d sit together on the porch, sipping coffee, either in comfortable silence or listening to him share stories that always had a deeper meaning. Mr. PS is the same way – simple, steady, and always looking out for me, even when I forget to slow down 😅. But I’m the talkative one now, filling the air with words instead of silence, just like Tatay did with me.
We’re learning this lifestyle together, embracing the challenges, and celebrating the victories as a team. I couldn’t ask for a better partner to share this adventure with. Homesteading, like creating art, is all about collaboration, patience, and learning as you go.
What’s Next for Primrose Studio & Homestead
As Primrose Studio grows, so does my journey in homesteading. This blog will be a place for me to share everything I’m learning, whether it’s tips on cooking with fresh ingredients, homesteading projects, or small business behind-the-scenes. Along the way, I hope you’ll find something here that speaks to your own journey, whether you’re looking for creative ideas, homesteading advice, or just a little bit of quirky and eclectic positivity.
Of course, none of this would be possible without you, #PSFam, our incredible community of supporters who have cheered me on since day one! Your encouragement has made all the difference, and you all inspire me to keep creating and learning!
I want this space to be a place where we can learn together, share our experiences, support each other as we grow, celebrate each other’s successes, share our struggles, and encourage one another on this wild, beautiful journey. And remember, ✨kindness is key ✨ we all start somewhere.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been on this path for a while, I hope you’ll feel at home here 💜.
As always, thank you for being part of this adventure. Here’s to growing, learning, and living a little more intentionally every day. I can’t wait to see where Prim to my Rose takes us!
xoxo,
Jaybee
Prim to my Rose 