About Unto Joy

Hi, I’m so glad you’re here! I’m McKell - the heart behind Unto Joy.

Unto Joy was born in 2016 when, during a season of immense grief in my life, a whisper of a word came to my mind: unto.

until // toward // beside // in the direction of

As the quiet possibility of unto, unto, unto sang through my mind, I began softening into the idea that though joy felt unfamiliar and out of reach, I could still move in its direction.

As I did so, I found that joy wasn’t far away after all. As much as I was seeking joy, she was already there seeking me - tapping me softly on the shoulder in quiet moments, unabashedly and without haste.

I found that even in my aching, the world was already filled with wonder and all I had to do was notice.

As I began walking hand in hand with grief and joy alike with a newfound understanding that they could, and do, coexist, Joy - no longer a destination - became both a practice and a friend. 

More than anything, I learned that joy was never somewhere in the distance, unseen and out of reach. She was dancing beside me all along. I believe that it is the vast spectrum of emotion that makes our human experience rich and meaningful, and honoring both grief and joy is at the heart of everything I create.

What began as an online space to share my thoughts, Unto Joy shifted into publishing a gratitude journal in 2018. It wasn’t until 2021 though, when I was diagnosed with cancer, that I found the courage to share the writing I held most close to my heart: poetry.

I published my first poetry collection, All You Ever Need to Be, in 2022 and am thrilled to be sharing the next chapter of Unto Joy: an offering of both custom poetry and prints to honor your unfolding.

Every season of life is worth honoring, and I can’t wait to honor yours.

With love,

McKell

founder of Unto Joy