Denesha Smith - Magical Ink LLC

🔔 Temporary Closure Announcement – Recovery in Progress

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share a quick update — due to recent surgery, DSMI is currently on a short break while I focus on healing and getting back to full strength. 💛

Coloring book orders are still on track and will ship out as scheduled, so there’s no need to worry if you’ve recently placed an order.

Thank you so much for your support, patience, and understanding during this time. I’m incredibly grateful to this amazing community.

✨ We’ll officially reopen on Monday, August 18, 2025, with fresh energy and exciting new creations.

Until then, take care -and keep creating magic!

- Denesha, Magical Ink LLC

Happy July! I'm proud to share that my article, “Lessons from the Admiral,” is officially published in the June issue of Proceedings, the magazine of the U.S. Naval Institute.

As the founder of Magical Ink LLC, a veteran-owned creative studio, this moment means so much. My piece blends leadership insights with real-world lessons—written from both a military and human perspective.

📖 This is more than just a publication—it's a reflection of our mission to elevate powerful voices and share meaningful stories.

🖋️ Explore the article in Proceedings (June 2025 issue) and stay tuned—more thoughtful, empowering content is coming your way!

This past Thursday, I retired from the United States Navy.

13 years of service. I was never one for words (😏😂), but here goes.

This journey has been long, challenging, beautiful, and deeply personal. I’ve grown, I’ve changed, I’ve healed. I’ve lost people I love. And I’ve discovered strength I didn’t know I had.

I’m proud of everything I’ve overcome to get here. And now, I get to begin again—with freedom, with purpose, and with a heart wide open for what’s next. I’m excited for this new chapter, because this time…I get to decide who I want to become moving forward.

To God—thank you for never letting go of me. For being with me during my darkest, most challenging times. And for the good times too.

To my family—thank you for standing by me.

To my Navy family, my friends, my mentors—thank you for being my family, inspiration, and support.

To my brothers and sisters in arms: I leave you the watch. I’ll be cheering you on from the other side of the uniform. If you ever need anything—or just want to say hi—please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you to everyone who believed in me—even when I didn’t believe in myself.

-YN1 Denesha Smith, Retired