A New Beginning: My Exciting Creative Venture
It never ceases to amaze me the beauty and growth struggle can bring. How new beginnings are often disguised as a painful endings. I have always felt that pain and grief have made me a better, more kind, courageous human being. Please don’t get me wrong, I would never wish hardship on anyone, including myself but when you are forced to go through something difficult there can be something worthwhile on the other side, a sliver lining if you will.
I remember laying in bed right one morning, it was about 3 weeks after my dad passed away. My alarm went off and I kept hitting the snooze button. I laid there thinking “what am I going to write about and share on the blog this week?” I had nothing. “What about the mudroom?” I thought, “I can certainly share that.” Once more, nothing. I had nothing creative or interesting to share or say for that matter. Oh man, did I ever want to but it just wasn’t there. It was at that moment I knew I couldn’t force the grieving process. I had to just take it one day at a time and give myself an opportunity to feel my way through the pain. I shared this part with you in THIS post.
Through the process of healing and time I began to feel like me again. I listened to a lot of podcasts, read books, took walks, long runs, found peace through meditation, stayed off social media, was present with my family and saw my life with grace and gratitude again. I got to know a new version of myself. One who cared about learning and growing from this pain. I began to find the beauty in creating once more. But this time it was just for me. Not to get published in a magazine, to prove that I could do it or was worthy enough. It was solely for me. Think about the last time you created with purity, clarity and purpose. Maybe it wasn’t too long ago and if that is the case, you are AMAZING and way ahead of the game in my opinion!
Are you ready for the next chapter and some exciting news?! Well…through taking this time away I realized what I really wanted. That is to one day have my own brick and mortar shop, where there is human connection, sharing of ideas and a sense of community. I am beginning this new venture with textiles, since that would be a staple in “the shop.” I am starting my own fabric company!! My first 2 loves in design were color and textiles and having 5 years experience in textiles this all makes perfect sense. I have been working with a textile designer to turn my drawings into fabrics!! I can’t tell you how excited I am about this. We have been working none stop. The process has been exciting and at times worrisome. At the end of the day, this is such a natural fit and I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner. Oh, I know why. That little voice in my head said it would be too hard and that I couldn’t do it. This is the one thing I will tell you. If you want to do something and you think it’s too difficult or that you don’t posses the tools to get from a to z, then find someone who can. There is no shame in asking for help, ever!
My hand drawn designs will be printed on linen and turned into pillows. You all KNOW how much I love pillows!! Don’t we all?! I will be adding a shop to my site in a few months and refreshing it’s flow. I am re-branding as well. I am working with Emily Wells on this, can’t wait to show you what she comes up with.
There are lots of great things in store, I hope you will stay with me on this journey.
Have a happy day friends!
PS-thank you for your continued support, it has meant the world to me.
Congrats!!
Thank you Tina!
Lot’s of luck in this new venture. I am sure you will do well because not only is it your passion but it is what you are good at and what makes you happiest. Like they say if you find a job that you enjoy and that you are passionate about, you are most fortunate because you will never have to” labor” again, you will Just have FUN! Let the “party” begin !!!
So true Mrs. P!!! Thank you for your vote of confidence! I surely hope so!!!
So happy for you Jen!!!
Thank you Traci!!! Jen
So awesome! New beginnings can be awfully intimidating, but you’ll never know what you’re capable of unless you try! Wishing you the best!
So True Carli!!
This is AMAZING news, Jen! I can’t wait to see your designs, and buy some PILLOWS!!!! Just ask Kevin, I am constantly buying them 😉 I will be waiting for your launch. 🎉
Haha! The life of a pillow horder:)! Right there with you! Thanks Jenn, I am SO blessed to have you in my life!! Jen
Congradulations! I know how hard loss can be and how slow the grieving process is.
Thank you Adair:)
That is amazing, congratulations! Cheers to new adventures!
Thank you Colleen!
Aw! That is terrific. Sounds like you have an angel up in heaven watching over you.
He is still with you. Go forth and thrive!
Thank you! I would like to think so:)! Jen
What wonderful news! I can’t wait to see your designs, everything you do is fabulous! So excited for you!
Thank you Cindi!!!
I bake a lot for my hubby for the people he works with at our ER. Today a Doctor called and wanted to know if I wanted to start a pop up.bakery. He wants to help me do it. I was scared. Now I read your story and I have the strength to try this. Thanks
Gail, that is incredible!!! It makes all the difference to surround yourself with people who support your dreams, sounds like you have a good one there! Please leave me a comment and let me know how it is going. Jen
What an exciting new chapter! I can’t wait to see your pillows! Isn’t it fun to see new doors open and then to have the courage to walk thru?! I can’t wait to see where this leads! 🙂
Thank you Melissa!! It really is! Congrats on your book, so happy for you!!! Jen
Congratulations on this new journey and God bless you and your family always. I look forward to reading more about your new venture! As you know, I knew your wonderful dad – so I can well understand your loss of your loving father who was a true gentleman. From challenges in life – we all have an opportunity for growth – so you will now focus on your new journey – with your dad as your angel in heaven who will always be looking out for you and help guide you!
Thank you so much Olivia!!
HUGE congratulations!!! I am so excited for you, Jen. You’re going to rock this new venture, I can feel it!
Awe, thanks Jessica!!!