I didn’t choose the minivan life—the minivan life chose me. And while I might love a good sliding door and ample cup holders, don’t let the minivan fool you. There’s a lot more going on behind the tinted windows than school drop-offs and grocery hauls.
This blog started over a decade ago, born out of a road rage incident and the undeniable realization that people underestimate minivan moms—especially when DMX is blasting through the speakers. Somewhere between errands and existential crises, the thought hit me: Don’t let the minivan fool you, I’m not the one.
And here we are.
I’m Jae Arel, a mother of three incredible kids, a woman who probably reads too much (and still not enough), and the CEO of Black Door Creative, a digital marketing company serving Rhode Island and beyond. Yes, I run marketing campaigns, design websites, and write copy that actually connects with people. But I also spend my days navigating homeschool schedules, managing a business, and occasionally reminding people to put their phones down at red lights.
My Cosmic Blueprint (Because Yes, Astrology Matters)
- Leo Sun: Bold, passionate, a little dramatic—just enough to keep life interesting.
- Libra Rising: Diplomatic, balanced (on good days), and probably overthinking whether everyone’s comfortable at this metaphorical dinner party.
- Gemini Moon: Forever curious, always thinking, and occasionally waking up at 3 a.m. with an idea I must write down.
- Virgo Mercury: Overanalyzing conversations? Crafting the perfect email subject line? That’s me.
- Scorpio Mars: Deep loyalty, fiery determination, and yes—just a hint of vengeance when someone wrongs me.
Astrology isn’t just something I dabble in—it’s a lens I view the world through. It helps me understand myself, my work, and why some days I feel like a roaring lion and others like a caffeinated hummingbird.
The Story Behind the Blog
When I first started blogging, it was all about motherhood—messy, chaotic, beautiful, and exhausting. But after years of pouring my soul into words, I realized I didn’t want to be only known as a mom blogger. I love my kids fiercely, but my identity stretches far beyond diaper changes and snack schedules.
At one point, I tried leaning entirely into the esoteric—tarot cards, energy work, astrology—but that wasn’t all of me either. When I opened my storefront in 2022, it felt like all these parts of me—mother, healer, writer, entrepreneur—were finally finding space to coexist. But life had other plans. My mom passed away the same month, and everything changed.
Grief reshaped me, and in many ways, it rebuilt me. It made me more intentional about the things I create, the words I share, and the spaces I hold for others.
What I’m About Today
I’m a storyteller at heart—whether it’s through blog posts, marketing campaigns, or tarot readings. I believe in the power of words to heal, connect, and sometimes just make someone feel a little less alone.
I’m also a business owner, running Black Door Creative alongside my husband. We build websites, design digital strategies, and make businesses shine online—all with a focus on storytelling and connection.
But most importantly, I’m a woman who’s still figuring it out. Still balancing work, motherhood, marriage, and the relentless pursuit of enough.
I love books I can get lost in, playlists that feel like therapy, and conversations where someone says, “Wow, I’ve never thought of it that way before.”
