20 years ago, I wouldn’t have believed I’d be doing what I’m doing now.
Life doesn’t always head in the direction you think it will – and that was certainly the case with me.
Never in a million years did I believe I’d become a Textile Artist, Teacher, Judge, Blogger, and Podcaster and be running my own business – so where did it all come from?
All I can say is that there must have been some innate need within me requiring self-expression and freedom and when I found those two things, I finally found myself.
I found the person I was and had long forgotten existed.
Somewhere along the line of work, children, and home, I lost myself – and creating and making embroidered textile art set me back on a path that gave me confidence, strength, and identity.
But it took courage and that’s one thing I have in spades.
I’m not scared of making mistakes because that’s how I learn.
I’m not scared about being rejected because that simply makes me more tenacious.
And I’m not scared about being thought of as different because that’s what sets me apart.
I just do what I do.
What I am and always try to be is professional, kind, and supportive – and that encompasses the industry I work in, the people I work with, the approaches that are made to me, as well as the way I present myself and my work.
And these values are non-negotiable.
Becoming a business and being seen as a professional artist certainly helped me take what I do seriously.
And then everything simply grew exponentially.
It took long hours of work, and as I said, I’m tenacious.
Plus I learned to surround myself with positive people – those who lift rather than those who take – and that makes a huge difference.
I’ve learned that I actually do love to write.
I’ve learned that I actually do love to research – combine the two and you have the beginnings of your very own blog and podcast.
So, the message I’m trying to convey here is to believe in yourself – it’s not always easy but it is doable.
Put yourself ‘out there’ wherever that may be.
Go out on a limb and try something different – no matter how different that is.
Just back yourself and become self-reliant.
And belief in self not only improves our own efficacy but helps others believe in us also.
Just believe.
All views and opinions expressed are my own, except where acknowledged information is included from other sources.