From Fortune Cookies to Paper Darlings
Sometimes the thing you create while waiting for what you want most becomes exactly what you need to stay grounded along the way.
Meet Lindsay Sheldon, the artist behind The Paper Darlings, a DC-based mom of three who's turning feelings into art you can hold, see, and keep forever. Her mixed media illustrations capture the invisible threads between mother and child and honor the people, places, and pets our hearts never forget.
The Fortune Cookie That Changed Everything
Four years of infertility. Fourteen months navigating the adoption process. Then, one July day in 2021: a fortune cookie promising "your dearest wish will come true within the month."
Three hours later, the phone rang. Pack your bags. Book a flight. Your daughter was just born, and her birth mother chose you.
That first sweet surprise was followed by two more — she's now raising a 4-year-old, 1-year-old, and 4-month-old.
When Therapy Becomes a Business Model
"I didn't intend to start a business," she admits. "I just started painting around the time we started trying to start a family and slowly began to realize it wasn't happening as easily as we expected."
The paintings filled time. Gave her something to create when she couldn't create what she wanted most. People started calling her portraits "paper dolls," so she played with the name: Paper Darlings.
Then came the commission requests. First individuals. Then small businesses. Then events, workshops, live portrait sessions and prints. "I said yes despite all the fears and trepidation and am so grateful I did."
That hobby she picked up to combat the ache ended up funding a large portion of their adoption costs. It's since allowed her to leave her full-time job for a more flexible schedule, so she can be with her kids while still helping support her family.
Two Pivotal Moments
When Anthropologie (!!!!!!!!!) asked her to do an in-store pop-up and live painting event, she had one small problem: she didn't actually sell prints yet. Cue every free moment spent creating new illustrations and figuring out printing and packaging before the event.
Then came the mural contract, a really big wall in a Georgetown yoga studio, still her largest work to date. "It was intimidating, but so fun."
These days, being a mother is her ultimate joy and work, so this business is her sanity-saver and side hustle all in one. "I love being able to create. I love that it brings joy. I love that I can do it during nap time!"
The Daily Reality
With three kids under 5, the victories look different these days: "Any time I get to shower without anyone needing me (or crying while I'm showering) is really exciting."
Also on the list? "Managing to brush out the knots my baby created while twisting her hands through my hair. There were some moments that I thought it was going to be a problem only scissors could fix."
A Note From One Mom to Another
"I know the road to motherhood can be long and complicated, and motherhood itself can bring its own set of challenges. Whatever your path looks like, you're not alone.
During my journey, seeing strangers share pieces of their adoption, infertility, and IVF stories gave me hope, and I'll always be grateful for the kindness and insight they offered when I reached out. If you or someone you love is navigating any of those paths, my inbox is always open — whether you need advice, a listening ear, or just someone who gets it."
Find The Paper Darlings:
Website: thepaperdarlings.com
Instagram: @thepaperdarlings
