Sunday Slowdown: what inspires us
Today I finished three samples. After months in the studio I finally have three garments I can photograph and share. It seems like I've been working on these three pieces for forever -- moodboarding, designing, patternmaking, muslin-sewing, etc. and I've probably overdone the photos of the same exact London of Liberty print I'm using on our instagram, but it's been awesome and frustrating at the same time.I'm learning and relearning and practicing patience. I love creating and the time in the studio has really helped keep me sane and renew my sense of self. After moving from San Francisco to DC earlier this year, it took me a while to get set up and rebuild my confidence (I had a strange last year, which included leaving a job I loved, having a failed kickstarter and realizing I needed more structure in my life--which is why I now have a day job).
Luckily, upon moving to DC I met some awesome people. One of these people has recently moved away and while I miss her already, I'm so excited to have such amazing friends that are literally all over the world doing what they love.
This friend introduced me to Creative Mornings. CM is a monthly lecture series that happens in cities worldwide. It happens in SF, but I didn't know about it then. I have gone to the event in DC whenever I can and I absolutely love it. Everything about it is inspiring and really keeps me going. It's hard to keep your convictions and faith in what you are working on, especially when you have set backs and the odds of succeeding are so slim. Creative Mornings reminds me that anything is possible and that what I do really matters, even if I'm still figuring out the details.
Maggie O'Neill of Swatchroom spoke at last month's Creative Mornings DC. The theme was color. Maggie's talk brought me to tears. It reminded me that it's okay to be outside of the box, it's okay to not always know exactly what you are doing, and it's okay to get really excited about things that other people may not get excited about (like colors, textures, prints). Her path was windy and could not have been charted, but her passion, dedication to following her passion and openness are what led her to her work today. She spoke candidly about the difficulties of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. She inspired us all to do what we love and help others find their own creativity. We are the connecters, the dreamers, the doers, and this city needs that. All places need that. I can't think of a better role model for any woman (or any man) that wants to be a creative business person. Check the creative mornings site for the talk - the video isn't up yet but it should be soon!
And so, while it's hard working 9-5 and cramming my art, business and social life into the evenings and weekends, I know it's totally worth it and someday I'll be able to look back and chart all the stars. So keep following your light and have an amazing week! I'm getting myself a drink!