After the Gala: Inspiration, Wildlife & Creativity

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Steve Irwin Gala in Las Vegas — and I honestly still can’t believe I was there.

As someone who has always loved wildlife, conservation, creativity, and all things “Crikey!”, this experience felt surreal from start to finish. From the excitement leading up to the trip, to gleaming it up for the gala, to being surrounded by people who care deeply about wildlife conservation… I don’t know how the same event could be life-changing two years in a row, but it was.

Besides meeting some amazing new friends, the obvious highlight of the night was meeting Terri Irwin. She was every bit as kind and beautiful and genuine as I hoped she would be. If the 1996 version of me would have known that Terri would be holding one of my bookmarks, she wouldn't believe it!

And yes — people absolutely noticed and loved my Steve Irwin tattoo, which made me feel surprisingly confident and proud. It ended up becoming such a fun conversation starter throughout the evening!

Vegas itself was such a whirlwind — bright lights, excitement, fancy outfits, zip lines, late nights, and so much energy — but what stood out most to me was the feeling of inspiration I came home with afterward. Sometimes when life gets busy with work, responsibilities, and everyday routines, it’s easy to forget the things that truly light you up creatively. This trip reminded me how important it is to hold onto the things you love.

Wildlife and nature have always inspired me creatively, and experiences like this remind me why I started creating in the first place: to bring joy, connection, creativity, and meaningful moments into people’s lives. A lot of that inspiration quietly makes its way into my work here at NicolioWithLove — whether it’s through colorful paper crafts, animal-inspired creations, thoughtful handmade details, or simply creating products that encourage people to slow down and make something meaningful together.

Coming home from Vegas, I felt energized in a way I haven’t in a long time. Tired? Absolutely. But also grateful, inspired, and excited for what’s ahead creatively. Thank you to everyone who follows along with my small business journey, supports my creations, and cheers me on through these special moments. It truly means more than you know. And now… back to the craft room!