About

I'm Tanya, and I was born in Durban, South Africa, where my family attended a large church and my parents were very much involved in ministry. Our home was a “lighthouse” of sorts, always open, and always ready to make a difference in the lives of others. From a young age, I was surrounded by a life of faith, service, and compassion.

Some of my earliest memories include visiting old people in nursing homes, helping families who were struggling with food and clothing, and joining my parents in street outreach where they prayed for people, welcomed them in, and walked alongside them as they worked toward getting clean and sober. My parents lived their faith in action, and they taught me that love and kindness aren’t just words, they’re choices we make every day.

As a child, I carried that same spark in my own simple way. I loved making paper flowers in crafted vases for the elderly including neighbors, writing letters or notes of encouragement to friends at school, and writing to pen pals around the world, finding joy in connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds. Over time, I saw how small gestures, whether a kind word, a note, or an act of service, could carry the power to bring hope and encouragement.

A Track Record of Kindness

Kindness has always been more than an idea for me; it’s been a way of life. While living in Sacramento, California, I founded and led a “Pay It Forward” group that grew to over 15,000 members. What began as a small idea blossomed into a movement of generosity, encouragement, and compassion.

Together, we collected food, clothing, and essentials for The Mustard Seed School, a place of safety and learning for homeless children in Sacramento. When wildfires devastated homes in Sutter Creek, CA, our group filled vans with donations and delivered them to families who had lost everything. In those difficult days, we sat with people living in tents on the side of the road, listening to their stories and sharing moments of comfort and connection.

Some of the most meaningful experiences came from taking my children along. They were just four and seven years old at the time, but their hearts were deeply moved as they witnessed what tangible love looks like. Many times, they asked to return to homeless shelters, especially on cold winter nights, to feed and encourage those in need. God used those experiences to stir their hearts in a powerful way, shaping their compassion and deepening their understanding of what it means to love others as Christ loves us.

Making a difference in people's lives was one of the greatest blessings of my life. That season confirmed what has always been on my heart: people need kindness, and God can use us to be the change people need.

Why Grace, Notes and Kindness?

After moving countless times throughout my life and meeting people from all walks of life, I’ve seen time and again how much the world needs encouragement. A handwritten card, a kind word, a hug, or even prayer can remind someone they are not alone.

That is why I created Grace, Notes and Kindness.

The Vision

This community is a space where people can ask for encouragement, share prayer needs, and lift one another up. It’s about showing up for each other in meaningful, practical ways, whether that’s through sending a note of hope, celebrating milestones, or simply reminding someone that they are loved.

Our Foundation

At the heart of this community is a simple but powerful truth: We believe God uses small acts of kindness to create big ripples of love.

My why is simple: Because kindness reflects God’s heart. Encouragement brings hope. When we love one another well, even in small ways, light shines in the darkest places.

Welcome to Grace, Notes and Kindness. I’m so glad you’re here.