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Notes from Shari
So many holidays are now over, as are spring breaks. We celebrated Easter Sunday with my husband’s family and enjoyed the wonderful 70 degree weather! Finally – Spring seems to have arrived here in Chicago.
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Teaching Schedule
May 6 Book Page Wreaths and Fabric Painting with Fruit & Veggies at The Studio, part of the Mt. Prospect Park District http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0294/7817/files/MPPD_interest_in_pinterest_single_class_1.pdf?534
Check http://www.twistedfiberstudio.com/pages/classes for the complete schedule! You can register at the respective park district or library website! Please come and join me for some fun.
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Resources
When someone asks me what I would recommend, I automatically think of different tools I use to create: brushes, paint, my sewing machine, scissors, cutting boards, stencil cutters, paper. One that is often left off the list, but is always my go-to resource) is my local library. I am constantly perusing different art and craft books there to find inspiration, learn a technique, or both. Yes, sometimes they are late being returned as I’m in the middle of making something from the book. But if it is that mind grabbing, I’ll buy my own copy. It should seem obvious to us all, but is often taken for granted. Without the library, we’d miss so many opportunities to learn, network, fantasize, dream, and be entertained. Support your local library!
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This week’s Feature
A new mentor of mine shared her story of transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. Neither of us chose to leave our respective corporate jobs --we were asked to do so. Her story mirrored mine in many key ways, giving me the realization that I’m not alone (rationally I knew that, of course). While my initial feelings were fear and anger, I also felt joy and relief. It took me several months and lots of help to identify why. I hadn’t been honoring my passions or taking care of myself. I had been passionate about my job for many years, but the stress from many things in that environment had eroded the joy and negatively affected my health. During the last year and a half while working full time, Twisted Fiber Studio developed into existence. It was where I did honor my passions by teaching arts and crafts classes nights and weekends. If I had listened to my soul, I would have made the change earlier. I view it as a kick in the pants from a higher power.
The process to decide to turn Twisted Fiber Studio into a full time business came quickly after my corporate life ended. But how to formalize it and do it? I brought enthusiasm and positivity to the process, knowing it was the right decision. What I didn’t have was knowledge of where to begin. So I hit the online classes, webinars, the library, friends, career counseling, the Small Business Administration, and Internet research. At times I tell you I felt like I was back in school full time. I was! Overwhelming? Interesting? Inspiring? Doubts that I was on the right path? Yes to all! But exploring those feelings, developing my plan and working with my coaches, I knew going forward was the only path.
Along the way I have learned that entrepreneurship is a big fancy word that means so much more than “starting a business”. To me it is the art form to construct my life’s passion into an economic benefit that can sustain the material needs of our lives. Simply stated: When I enjoy my work and have fun, my joy and happiness makes this business successful, giving me financial security. This process has forced me out of my comfort zone regularly but it’s made me realize I can do anything I put my mind to. Anything. That doesn’t mean anxiety doesn’t take over sometimes, and I ask myself “what was I thinking?” But with an incredible amount of support from my husband, family and friends, it seems so much easier! The single best bit of advice I have received in this process is to “trust myself.” So I do and when self doubt appears, I review my plan or check-in with one of my coaches, reassuring me that I am on the right path to honor my passions and live life fully.
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