Too many choices can be overwhelming. When you step into a tie-dye session at More Joy, you’re met with 150 different colors—each holding its magic and whispering a distinct possibility. It can feel like staring at a vast, endless sea of potential, unsure where to start. But the beauty of creativity is that there’s no wrong way to begin.
I recently had a dash dye session with someone I met while driving with Uber. Before we even stepped into the studio, Rigel Henry and I had already set off on an unexpected journey together. Rigel owns Elevated Landscaping and Concrete LLC, specializing in concrete work—blending materials, shaping foundations, and creating something strong and lasting. He taught me that Portland cement is the backbone of concrete, binding sand and rock together through heat and pressure.
That process—taking raw materials, adding an activator, and watching something transform into a permanent structure—felt familiar. It reminded me how we activate pigment with soda ash to make tie-dye permanent. Both processes require patience and trust. And in both, what you create reflects a part of you.
Choosing Your Colors, Choosing Your Path
When Rigel and his kids, Vera (12) and James (8), arrived at their dye session, Rigel admitted something right away:
“I was intimidated by 150 colors. It felt like finding the ones we wanted would be hard.”
But the moment we pulled out the color swatches, everything clicked. Instead of seeing endless options, they saw their story in the colors. They chose what felt familiar, joyful, and like them.
They picked colors that reminded them of the beach—how the ocean layers into the shore.
🌊 Turquoise, Bahama Blue, Jade Green, Forest Green, with accents of Peony and Ivory (a soft peach color).
Vera, the first to take the plunge, started with Ivory and Bahama Blue. She carefully set the tone, dipping into creativity like she was testing the water before diving in. Her dad, Rigel, watched patiently, absorbing it all. Then, something shifted—he picked up the fabric and forged his way forward, squeezing wet Turquoise and Ivory through the textile, letting the color flow and move naturally.
James, ever the eager creator, wanted to go all in, dumping color liberally, while Vera guided him with careful instruction—“Don’t use too much dye there!” she reminded him. It was beautiful to see how they balanced each other—one deliberate, one free-spirited, both learning, both making their mark.
Your DNA, Your History, Your Preferences—Your Art
There’s no wrong way to do tie-dye. Like there’s no wrong way to express who you are.
We each bring something unique to the table—our history, DNA, preferences, and experiences—and all of that shows up in the patterns we create.
Vera started with careful color placement.
Rigel took a hands-on, intuitive approach.
James followed his bold instincts.
Ultimately, their pieces reflected each other—a mix of deliberate and spontaneous, structured and free, a story told in color.
Forge Your Path in Color
Creativity is about choice—not the overwhelming kind, but the kind that lets you step into what feels right. Your color story is waiting to be told.
Book a custom dye session and bring your family, life experience, favorite t-shirt, and curiosity. Let’s upcycle something together and make something that looks like you.
