Your Hidden Genius

Your Hidden Genius: A Personal Journey and a New Beginning

In 2011, I embarked on a journey that changed my life in unexpected ways. I started writing a blog called Artstormer.com—a delightful experiment to explore the “new” technology of blogging (ha ha!) and dive headfirst into the captivating world of art and emerging artists. Back then, the internet was still finding its footing as a place to buy and learn about art. So much has changed since those early days, but I treasure that time of discovery.

Over the course of 550+ posts, I immersed myself in art from all corners of the globe, feeling constantly energized by the boundless creativity I encountered. For artists, the internet became a launchpad, and for art lovers like me, it became a portal to expand horizons far beyond the local galleries. Today, art fairs, online platforms, and even Instagram offer a feast of visual inspiration, but back then, Artstormer was my way of building a bridge between artists and those who wanted to connect with their work.

The blog wasn’t just a creative outlet; it was a passion project, an avocation that brought me immeasurable joy. I didn’t do it for a paycheck—I did it because it filled my soul. Even though I’ve stepped away from blogging in recent years (Instagram now serves as the go-to platform for visually addicted folks like me!), the lessons I learned during that time remain deeply meaningful.

Which brings me to today—a new beginning I’m so excited to share with you. Tomorrow, my new book, Your Hidden Genius, co-written with Alex Ellison, will be released by HarperCollins.

This book represents everything I’ve learned about the importance of knowing yourself—your true self—and using that knowledge to unlock a life filled with purpose and joy. Aptitude assessments, like the one included with a code in the book, gave me the tools to discover my innate strengths and passions. They also gave me the confidence to explore those passions fully, whether in my career or in my avocations, like Artstormer.

Your Hidden Genius is about helping you uncover your own unique aptitudes and showing you how to use them to design a life that feels both fulfilling and meaningful. Whether that means pivoting to a new career, diving into a creative pursuit, or simply finding ways to bring more joy into your everyday life, this book is your guide to making it happen.

If there’s one message I hope to leave you with, it’s this: Pursuing your passions matters. Avocations—those things we do for joy, not pay—can transform our lives in ways we can’t predict. My blog was my way of leaning into a creative passion, and it gave me a sense of purpose and connection that still fuels me today.

So here’s my invitation to you: Discover your own hidden genius. Find the confidence to pursue your passions. And take action to create a life that feels aligned with who you truly are.

And, true to form, I give you the work of Dharma Strasser MacColl represented by Traywick Contemporary. Her work, like the process of writing a book, is an exercise in patience and stringing together a million elements that together create some beautiful. Read more about her HERE.

Please consider ordering Your Hidden Genius and let it guide you toward uncovering the talents, interests, and dreams that make you you. Let’s make 2025 the year we all embrace our hidden genius!

With gratitude and excitement,
Betsy