The story of Color & Convo

Greetings and Salutations!

Today, I’m inviting you to walk with me on a journey that has been marked by fear, growth, and a deep desire for visibility. I’m Elizabeth Ann, co-founder, educator, and guide of  Color & Convo LLC, and I want to share a story that’s personal, yet universal—one that speaks to the power of embracing who we are, no matter how uncomfortable or hidden we feel.

We all carry unique stories that shape the paths we walk. For me, my journey began in high school—a time full of promise, where I first found my passion for theater.

I thrived behind the scenes, supporting my peers by applying makeup, running lights, and even memorizing lines. I played minor, fleeting roles like a ‘working girl’ or a dinosaur with a huge paper-mâché head, where I could literally disappear.

These early experiences taught me the art of embodying others, but for years, I was content to stay out of the spotlight. The joy of helping others shine far outweighed any desire I had to be seen.

But life, as it often does, had other plans. During a high school production of Skin of Our Teeth, I was cast as the understudy for the lead role—something I hadn’t fully grasped until just two weeks before opening night. When our lead fell ill, the director turned to me and said, “Beth, looks like you’ll be performing if she doesn’t get better.”

Panic set in. I had no desire to stand in front of an audience.

My heart raced as I fervently prayed, “Please, let Sharon get better.”

Fear of the spotlight consumed me, and the thought of being seen was terrifying.

Thankfully, Sharon recovered, and I returned to my familiar background roles, relieved.

The play was a success, but a lingering thought haunted me: What if I had been brave enough to take the stage?

Fast forward several years, and that same fear lingered.

The girl who hid behind the curtains had evolved into a woman who understood the importance of being visible—of stepping into the light, no matter how daunting it may seem.

Color & Convo deserves to be seen, and if I have to be seen to show it, I will face my fears to be of service.

Color & Convo was born out of a deeply personal experience with my husband, Dwayne, who is a veteran living with PTSD.

When we moved to Colorado, his symptoms flared up, threatening not only his well-being but our marriage. We were on the brink of divorce when, desperately seeking answers, I came across the idea of color therapy.

At the time, we were living paycheck to paycheck, waiting for disability benefits, and I asked the universe, “If color therapy can help us, please make it possible.” Just days later, our neighbor’s daughter showed up wearing bakers pink, and that small act of kindness led to a life-changing discovery.

After Dwayne tried the pink, he went in and place an order for the full set to try the other colors.  When they arrived we tried the all, when Dwayne put the indigo on for the first time, he took in a huge breath, let it out and said, “It is quiet.” For the first time in over a decade the chaos that his been his mind, quieted.

It was a transformative moment.

The colors brought peace, healing, and clarity.

We wanted to share this with others who were struggling, and so we’ve been doing so for the last few years. However, there was still a missing piece—how could we get the word out?

I made a deal with the universe: “If I am meant to share this message, someone will come to me.” That very day, I received a call from Meral Jones at Level Up CoWork and Creation Center, and the doors began to open.

Today, Color & Convo is so much more than just a focus on color. It’s about fostering an environment where conversations thrive—where vulnerability and growth are encouraged.

Color & Convo is a place where everyone’s voice is valued, and where the stories we carry connect us all.

At Color & Convo LLC., we believe that creativity flourishes from genuine conversations, and often, in order to be truly visible, we must confront our discomfort and lean into vulnerability.

What can help you become visible and confident in sharing your story?

·         Join organizations like Toastmasters to refine your communication skills and learn how to confidently take center stage in your life.

·         Engage in creative outlets such as painting, writing, or acting to help you connect with others and yourself.

·         Surround yourself with supportive, positive individuals who believe in your vision.

·         Acknowledge your fears and take small, brave steps to face them head-on.

As I continue to embrace visibility in my own journey, Color & Convo offers a space for others to do the same. This is where fears are shared, dreams are celebrated, and every story matters.

Your voice is powerful, and when we stand together, we create a tapestry of color and conversation that celebrates who we truly are.

So I ask you, as I close:

What stories do you carry?

What fears are holding you back?

And, most importantly, are you ready to step into the light?

Together, we can create a world where authenticity, courage, and connection reign. I invite you to join me on this journey—because your story is worth being seen.

References:

• Luscher, M. (1971). The Luscher Color Test. Random House.

• Birren, F. (1988). Color Psychology and Color Therapy: A Factual Study of the Influence of Color on Human Life. Citadel Press.

• Gage, J. (1999). Color and Meaning: Art, Science, and Symbolism. Thames & Hudson.

• Goldstein, K. (1942). The Effect of Color on the Function of the Organism. Psychological Bulletin.

• Küller, R., & Wetterberg, L. (1993). Melatonin, Cortisol, EEG, and Subjective Comfort in Healthy Humans: Impact of Two Lighting Conditions. Lighting Research and Technology.