Kindness and unknown dreams

Well here it is... my newest endeavor... I'm so happy to announce that my cards are now in not one but two boutiques. I gotta start with some photos...

 

It really is amazing how this all came together. This experience has really taught me that when you open your heart to accepting that opportunities will present themselves.

Here is the play by play on how this happened...

Earlier this spring I was considering taking an e course... I read about it at least 6 or 7 times. Then on one of my trips to LA with Steph she told me she was taking the course. Later that day I found myself right in the middle of the most amazing ecourse by Kelly Rae Roberts.  Flying Lessons was the most amazing resource... Not only did kelly share all her secrets with us on how to create a successful creative biz she was hands down the best cheerleader EVER! Kelly not only has built herself an empire of a creative biz, she is so authentic and up front, in your face about being in this business with integrity and honesty. Each day I felt like I could take on the world. During the course it was hard work to just keep up all the reading and interacting with the amazing creative souls that were on this journey at the same time. I finished up the course and set to work on a plan for my creative biz and where I wanted it to go.

Towards the end of the course I received an email from cindy the nicest gal from Pennsylvania. She was opening a new store after being in business at her previous location for 20 years or so. She got my name from one of my card customers (Gina - who is her sister in law). I haven't seen Gina in at least 3 years but I think of her so often. Cindy was amazing... She wanted to carry my cards... she said i've seen your work send me anything... So I did just that.

Then a few weeks later I was teaching my monthy card class and commented on one of my customers necklaces... Julie burst out in conversation about how this was her new line of jewelry. In all the years that I had known Julie I didn't know she made jewelry, or pillows, or shirts or that she was this go getter business woman. She encouraged me to call a local boutique here in our town. She told the store buyer about me... she met me for a breakfast meeting and she shared her story and gave advice so freely. Julie reminded me that there is room for everyone to do what they love. That there is no need to hoard knowledge and keep your connections secret. She shared so freely and I am so thankful...

After about a week I had finished my doubt talk and mustered up the nerve to call Abi. Abi is the buyer for Willow Manor. I have shopped at Willow Manor for over 11 years. It is my go to boutique for the perfect birthday gift or baby keepsake. Abi is a master at merchandising, her store is second to none of seen. She was so helpful and upon seeing just rough sketches she ordered a whole line of cards. I was so thankful to her and she shared that one of her biggest pleasures was using her experiences to help others just starting out! I even confided in Abi one of my far fetched dreams, that i'll be working on next year. She again poured out advice and excitment for my idea

Giving giving giving... This journey was teaching me so many lessons and helping me store away that doubt that I was feeling about myself, my art, my creative business and my creativeness in general.

So for the next week or so I worked on sketching out some art that I would embellish with 3d elements to make these cards. I wanted them all to be my original art. Soon after I had drawn, cut, pasted 16 designs I worked on sentiments for each card. Then I hit the wall big time... because I lacked the skills needed for the next step....

That's where Rachael comes in. My friend Rachael is a graphic designer. She can do the computer drawing and converting that I can not do. And guess what Rachael was just getting started with her tactile crafting. So we bartered... in exchange for converting my art I would give her card kits and help her get started putting them together. While we worked together on the converting the designs and putting together card kits Rachael shared with me her creative dreams and I tried to encourage her the way that others had been encouraging me. I hope that Rachael opens up her designs to the public soon and when she does... I'll be sharing her links here.

A week ago I delivered my cards to Willow Manor and the next day I stopped in to see them all on display. I stood there pretty much thrilled with what I had accomplished and full of thanks for each and every person that helped me.

 
I'm excited for this new adventure, to see what legs it takes. I still can't believe that this has all come about... a dream I never knew I even had. 

 "In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us." Flora Edwards

I hope that all the kindness that i've been shown comes back and touches these people ten fold.

Have an amazing weekend!

Comments

[Rachael Bright]

Hi Deena! Your graphic artist co-worker Rachael here! Yehaaa! I'm SO excited for you! the card rounder looks so awesome there in the store. You did it! I'm so glad you asked me to help out w/ the graphics... so serendipitous! I really needed your encouragement & you needed me, too. How perfect was that?! I can't thank you enough for your encouragement. Just can't. You're so inspiring to me.

Looking forward to a beautiful future....
xoxoxo!

[Linda Cloer]

OMG!!!! These are wonderful! I have always wanted to do something like that but I don't know how to get it started. Your display is that something you had to purchase or was it already at the store?

Congrats!!!!

[Mary Ann]

Congratulations!!! You should be so proud of yourself!!

[Diane]

Congratulations! Your blog post was truly inspiring; thanks for sharing it with all of your readers! You definitely have the right attitude of gratitude to find success. :)

[Cori Turner]

Well - 1st: HOW WONDERFUL!!!!!!! And 2nd: I AM DRIVING UP/DOWN/OVER TO WILLOW MANOR TODAY TO BUY SOME!!! I love that little store! How awesome!!!!! :)

[Aunt Cindy]

Congratulations Deena....so proud of you! You definitely got the creative genes in the family.

[jen]

Congrats ... what an exciting adventure!

[cathy somdahl]

What an amazing journey- good for you girl!!! So, proud to see your beautiful creations all over the card racks, just wait this is only the beginning, I have faith that this business venture will take off from here, hang on for a wild ride!!!!!

[tchrtiff]

Deena, I'm so very excited for you! Congratulations on your new endeavor. I can't believe I haven't heard of this store. I will have to make a trip very soon to check out the store and your cards for sale. Wishing you all the best in this adventure.

[Amanda]

Awesomeness!! Congratulations!! What an inspiring story. I've just started sewing for local market days. I am hopeful it will turn into a little business for me. This truly inspires me. Thanks for sharing. I've been eyeballing Kelly Rae's class, BIG TIME. All in time... all in time. Thanks again for sharing.

[Cheryl]

Beautiful!!! Congrats on your new venture. So amazing to see all your cards on that rack.

[Linda Fulghum]

Congratulations on your accomplishment! It is a thrill to see your own cards for sale. Just wait until you overhear someone in the store admiring your cards. That is special too. Good luck to you!

[Jeannie]

Deena, did you seriously make each and every one of these? That must have taken forever!! Wow, this is soo awesome, I am so proud to be a fan, now I am an even bigger FAN!! GO GET EM' DEENA!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[Mary Myers]

I can't imagine the sense of excitement and accomplishment you must be feeling right now!! How awesome is that?? Congratulations on the realization of your dream--so happy for you!! Your cards are so lovely and I know that they will just fly off the rack!! :)

[krista]

Deena, that is SO awesome. They are beautiful. Ah, I miss Willow Manor. That store was great. Very excited for you!!!

[stephanie]

yiiippppeeeeee...going there today to get the real look!!!!
They look beautiful and right at home at Willow!
so excited, proud and happy for you..I LOVE you!!!!

[Suzanne]

I have heard of Kelly's online class. Sound like it was the perfect fit to help you achieve your dreams!!!
I am over the moon excited for you, and just so happy for you. Your cards are a work of art, and simply beautiful!!!!
Congrats my friend, on achieving your dream. I love, love Willow Manor, and now know where I can buy your work of art!
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SusanC]

WONDERFUL! I am so excited for you and so proud! I've got goosebumps!