My Story

I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, but if I’m being honest, my greatest accomplishment isn’t hanging on a wall. It’s the faith I’ve built through every season of my life.

Today, I’m 59 years young, stepping into what I call my “New Era.” I’m embracing this season with open arms, believing that life doesn’t stop because we get older. If anything, it gets richer. There is still so much life to live, so much laughter to share, and so many dreams waiting to be chased.

I’m the proud mother of six amazing children—five beautiful daughters and one incredible son who now lives in Heaven.

Life hasn’t always been easy, but I truly believe every experience has been both a lesson and a blessing. I don’t live with regrets because every victory, every mistake, every tear, and every answered prayer has helped shape the woman I was meant to become.

Where the Podcast Began

One of the hardest chapters of my life began when my youngest daughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at just 19 years old.

In a single moment, everything changed.

Like any mother, I was terrified. I wanted to fix it, take away her pain, and carry it myself. Instead, I did the only thing I knew how to do—I prayed.

I asked God over and over, “What do I do now? How do I get through this?” The answer wasn’t loud, but it was clear.

Hope.
Purpose.
And most of all, faith.

That’s when the idea for a podcast came to me. I had no experience. I didn’t know anything about microphones, editing, or recording episodes. I simply put on a pair of headphones, pressed record, and shared my heart.

That very first episode became the beginning of the Simply Lili Podcast. What started as one conversation has grown into a community filled with people from all walks of life who simply needed someone to remind them they weren’t alone.

Where the Shop Began

While my daughter was receiving treatment, I spent countless hours sitting beside her. I prayed. I read my Bible. I read inspirational books. I found comfort in God’s promises.

I also found myself collecting the business cards from doctors, nurses, and patient navigators. Before long, they became my bookmarks. One day, I started doodling on the back of one of those cards. That tiny sketch became another dream.

I began creating bookmarks that carried messages of faith and encouragement— the kind of words I wished someone had handed me on the hardest days. Little by little, those bookmarks grew into devotionals, faith-inspired gifts, and meaningful pieces designed to remind others that hope and faith are never out of reach.

That’s how the Simply Lili Shop came to life.

Why Simply Lili?

People often ask me, “Why Simply Lili?” The answer is actually very simple.

After spending so many years trying to be everything for everyone else, I finally discovered who God created me to be. Simply Lili.

Not perfect. Not finished. Just a woman who loves God, loves people, believes in second chances, and wants to encourage others to keep becoming the person they were always meant to be.

If my story can remind even one person that it’s never too late to begin again, then every part of my journey has been worth it.

Welcome to Simply Lili. I’m so grateful you’re here.

With love,
Lili