Where My Love Grows

Mother’s Day

Makeover Project
2026

Every year we thoughtfully choose a mother that has given it her all, a mother that is leaving this world better than she found it, a mother that deserves to be gifted with as much as she gives to others.

Meet this year’s deserving mother, Jolene.

I showed up at her door to tell her she’d been chosen for a full bedroom makeover—and she had no idea who I was or what was happening. Total shock… maybe even wondering if it was a prank for a second.

But what she has been carrying is anything but light.

This is what someone who nominated her shared:

“Jolene has shown incredible strength, showing up every single day for her two little ones after the sudden and tragic loss of her husband. In the earliest weeks, I told her how grateful I was that she had so much support around her. And she said something I’ll never forget…

‘Yes—but I need to remember they need me too. They lost a son, a brother, an uncle… a friend.’

That kind of selflessness… that’s what motherhood looks like.”

And honestly—there aren’t words big enough for that kind of heart.

So this is our small way of giving something back.

A space just for her.

A place to rest.

To breathe.

To begin again.

Keep reading to see how we transformed her bedroom into the sanctuary she truly deserves.

Jolene Williams

Every year, this project begins the same way — with a story.

A nomination is submitted, often by someone who sees the quiet strength in a mother who would never ask for something like this herself. Someone who is carrying more than most people realize.

This year, that story was Jolene’s.

Jolene’s journey is one of deep love, unimaginable loss, and incredible resilience. After losing her husband suddenly in October 2024, she was left navigating life as a single mom to two very young children — still in the thick of early motherhood, still learning how to carry a new kind of life she never expected. Through it all, she has continued to show up every single day for her children with strength, grace, and so much love. When I read her many nominations, I knew right away — she was someone our community needed to rally around.

Designing a Space That Feels Like Her

At the beginning of April, Jolene was told she would be receiving a bedroom makeover — and that’s when the design process began. She created a Pinterest board for her dream bedroom, sharing her style, what she was drawn to, and how she wanted the space to feel. This gave me a starting point — a glimpse into what “home” looks like for her.

But some of the most meaningful details come from the people who know her best. While connecting with her family, one thing that stood out right away was how much Jolene loves frogs. It was something small, but so her. She even had a frog shower curtain in her space — a detail we smiled about, and one we knew we could thoughtfully elevate. Instead of leaving it as-is, we found ways to incorporate her love for frogs in a more subtle, elevated way throughout the room — creating little moments that felt personal without overwhelming the space, going for a Princess and the frog theme. And yes… the shower curtain got an upgrade too. From there, the design began to come together — layering colors, textures, furniture, and layout to create a space that felt like Jolene… just brought to life in a way she never expected.

Bringing It All Together: Community, Donations & Volunteers

What makes this project so special is that it’s not done alone — it’s built entirely through community. Every piece, every service, every detail you see in the final reveal is made possible through the generosity of local businesses, sponsors, and volunteers who choose to be part of something bigger. Once the design is underway, I begin coordinating everything behind the scenes — sourcing donations, connecting with sponsors, organizing timelines, and making sure all the moving pieces come together when we need them. Furniture, materials, décor, trades, installations — it all has to align within a very tight window. And somehow, year after year, it does.

On April 27, Jolene was officially moved out of her bedroom — giving us just six days to completely transform the space from start to finish. Then comes transformation week — where everything shifts into high gear. Volunteers filling the space, last-minute adjustments, long days, problem solving in real time… all working toward one shared goal. To create something meaningful for someone who truly deserves it.

And just days later, she was able to walk back into a completely transformed space — one she can now enjoy and call her own just in time for Mother’s Day.

The Transformation

There’s a moment at the end of every project that makes all of it — the planning, the chaos, the long days — worth it.

The moment she walks in. After six days of transformation, Jolene stepped back into a space that looked completely different… but somehow felt entirely like her. The room that once held so much weight — unfinished walls, makeshift furniture, a place of survival — had been transformed into something soft, calm, and deeply personal. A space that finally gave something back to her.

Watching her take it all in, seeing the emotion, the disbelief, the quiet moments where it all starts to sink in… it’s something I will never get used to.

Because it’s never just about the room. It’s about what it represents. A reminder that she is seen. That she is supported. That even in the hardest seasons, she is not alone.

This space is now hers — a place to rest, to breathe, to begin and end her days with a sense of peace. A small but meaningful way to hold her up as she continues to carry so much for her children.

And for me, it’s a reminder of why this project exists in the first place. What can happen when a community comes together. When people choose to give. When we take the time to truly see one another.

Year after year, this project continues to show that even in the middle of hardship, there is still so much good. And this year… we got to give a little bit of that back to Jolene.

Looking Ahead

If this story moved you, I hope you’ll consider being part of next year’s project.

Whether that’s nominating a deserving mother, becoming a sponsor, donating products or services, or volunteering your time — every role matters, and every contribution helps bring something truly meaningful to life.

And if you know a mother who quietly carries so much… keep her in mind.

Next year, it could be her.

Contact Sharleen at hello@wheremylovgrows.ca for more information on how you can be a part of next year’s project.