Finding Her ‘Yes’: Wendy Wildt’s Journey from Numbers to Buckets of Hope
Published: September 25, 2025
Author: Liz Dowell
When Wendy Wildt first walked across Greenville University’s campus as a student, she had little idea that decades later she would be holding a brightly illustrated children’s book with her college nickname on the cover. She pursued an accounting degree at GU because it was a practical field, and her parents agreed to pay for college if she chose that path. But deep down, she admits, her passion was never numbers.
“I understood accounting,” she said. “It has been a lifelong journey for me to find and pursue the dreams in my heart and allow poetry and art into my daily world.”
That dream found its form in Buckets: The Magic Inside Every Bucket, a children’s book born from a decade of recurring dreams. Many times when Wildt awoke, she scribbled poetry and sketched images of colorful buckets. Over time, those fragments became a story about letting go of fear and making space for love.
A SEASON OF SOUL REFRESH
For years, the manuscript remained tucked away in journals and drawers. Meanwhile, Wildt was building her career in Dallas as an account director for a global consulting firm. Yet, even as she worked, the pull to complete Buckets never left her.
In 2022, Wildt took a leap of faith by attending the Next Level Experience conference in Dallas. That step opened the door to a year of growth through Tony Robbins workshops, coaching, and spiritual mentoring. Those experiences she describes as a true “soul refresh.”
“My life changed when I chose to dig deep into what I love, welcome the symmetry of life, and apply the lessons I learned through Tony Robbins,” Wildt said. “It was time to say ‘yes.’”
That decision became the catalyst for bringing her long-held dream to life. She revisited her book idea, shared it with trusted friends, and prayed over the vision. Along the way, she connected with a children’s author, hired a personal coach, and transformed Buckets from scattered notes into a published reality.
A GODSEND IN MCKINNEY
Finding an illustrator was her biggest hurdle. Wildt prayed for guidance, and one afternoon in downtown McKinney, Texas, she literally ran into the answer. An artist she admired introduced her to Jewel Bree, who became the creative partner she had been Seeking.“Jewel was a total godsend,” Wildt said. “She brought the book to life with illustrations that honored the spirit of what I had written.”
Together, they spent the next year transforming journal scribbles into a finished book filled with bright colors and rhyming poetry. In 2023, Buckets was published, complete with a free companion lesson plan for teachers and families.
FROM GREENVILLE TO GLOBAL IMPACT
Wildt credits Greenville University not only with her degree but also with the community that continued to shape her as an alumna. She volunteered alongside President Suzanne Davis, served on the Briner School of Business board, and connected with alum leaders planning events in Dallas.
“Greenville stressed finding your people and who you’re running with, who’s influencing you,” Wildt reflected. “That’s been true for me even as a graduate. Being around people with vision and passion kept me moving toward my own passion.”
Wildt also offers a message of encouragement to today’s students:
“Quiet your heart and mind. Discover the passion God has placed within you and pursue it with faithfulness. Dreams don’t happen overnight—Buckets was a 10-year journey. But when you find your ‘yes’ with the Lord and surround yourself with people who support you, you will get there. Take time to pray, seek God in the quiet moments, and watch your dreams come to life.”
MORE MAGIC TO COME
Wildt isn’t stopping with one book. She has contributed to anthologies including Unshakable and Midlife Reimagined, and she is developing workshops, coloring books, and other resources connected to Buckets.
Yet, the heart of her story remains simple: a Greenville alumna who chose faithfulness, surrounded herself with prayerful friendships, and discovered the magic in sharing her gift. I cannot overemphasize that this book would not have come to life without community. Find people to run with who love you, believe in you, support your “crazy” dreams, and will PRAY alongside you.
“My hope is that this book will encourage and inspire others on their own journeys,” Wildt said. “Even if it touches just one life, I know I’ve been faithful to the call to write and to share the message placed on my heart.”
