Giving Back Smiles: How My Story Became My Mission
(Photo of our daughter when she was 2 weeks old)
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Because every smile tells a story — and every story deserves to be seen.
There are moments in life that shape you — not just emotionally, but physically. I was born with a cleft lip — a visible difference that shaped my earliest experiences of expression, confidence, and how I saw myself in the world.
Years later, I held my daughter in my arms and saw the same story written on her face. That moment brought everything full circle — not just as someone who had walked that path, but now as a mother guiding another soul through it.
Our journey has been one of healing, surrender, and rediscovering beauty in the places the world often overlooks.
Through every surgery, scar, and tender moment, I’ve come to see the body not as broken — but as sacred. A vessel for the soul. A messenger of our truth. This understanding has become the foundation of how I live, create, and give.
My art is an offering — of calm, healing, and reconnection. Each piece is created with the hope that it helps others slow down, breathe, and come home to themselves — and to feel the deep peace of being enough, exactly as they are.
And through my work, I give back.
A portion of every artwork sold is donated to Operation Smile Australia — helping children born with cleft lips and palates receive life-changing surgery, care, and support.
Because giving back smiles…
is giving back dignity.
is giving back a voice.
is giving back light.
With Love,
Sureen
MORE ABOUT THE SMILE FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA:
Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition, and in many parts of the world, surgery to repair this condition is not available. Only 7% of children with un-repaired cleft conditions survive to the age of 20. But in just 45 minutes, a life-changing surgery can transform a child's future.
Operation Smile Australia works tirelessly to provide free, safe surgeries to children in need, relying on the generosity of people like you.
Thanks to your support, I’m able to contribute to this incredible cause!
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👉 Learn more about Operation Smile Australia
👉 Shop artworks that give back
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P.S. Creating awareness for cleft conditions — and supporting children in need of life-changing surgery — is something deeply personal to me. This isn’t a marketing strategy. It’s not about using my story to sell art.
It’s about giving back what I’ve been given. It’s about honouring my journey, my daughter’s, and the many children who still need access to care.
Donating smiles through my art is my way of contributing to a more compassionate world — one quiet, intentional act at a time.