A neonatal intensive care unit nurse at Yale Children’s Hospital used the free time she had during the pandemic to create a side business that she says has “exploded in popularity.”

Wendy Headley tells News 12 she works long shifts three days a week and used her free time to create outdoor picnic tablescapes for events such as birthday, anniversaries, proposals and more.

The business is called Mahogany Lifestyles.

“We were all of a sudden had a standstill,” Headley says. “We couldn’t see our friends. We couldn’t see our family. And it made me sit down and think, ‘what makes me happy?’ And what makes me happy is being able to celebrate with family and friends.”

What Headley didn't expect was for her side business to become so successful so quickly.

"I am absolutely elated. My husband actually said that this is going to take off. 'What are you going to do when this happens?' And I chuckled, you know, not really understanding what he meant by that."

Headley, who was born in Haiti, grew up with very little. Now she's considering her options while balancing two separate careers.

"By definition, we grew up poor," she said. "Good education and working hard will ultimately make your dreams come true."