No matter how many years I put myself and my art out there it still feels awkward to stand in front of it at an event. I love it, I feel proud, and then I also feel completely vulnerable in a way that the online world has {mostly} sheltered me from. At this point I'm probably so used to sharing and selling online, that I almost have to relearn how to be in person with my art.
I'm sure I have said it before {most likely after my last Renegade}, I much prefer when a customer can just purchase what they love, on their own time, and I know about it once they've made that decision. Truthfully I think I prefer to be a customer in the same way.
Most of the creatives I know, we just don't like 'selling' our art. I mean we LOVE selling it, just not selling it, you know the difference? While this event was more of a celebration than a show, I still felt especially vulnerable.
And this is why for this night in particular, I am so, so {that's a double so} thankful to my creatives who came! We know. We just know what's it like to put yourself out there. And we show up for one another, not just in words but in person. Most people don't get this, because they simply don't want to or aren't willing to put themselves out there. It takes bravery. It always does, even if you've done it before. Sometimes I think we forget this because so many of us are making it look easy, but everyone I know feels butterflies in their stomach every time they share new work or ask someone to come to their event. No complaints here, just awareness and observation. I chose this life as a creative entrepreneur and I love it, even down to the butterflies.
This doesn't mean that I don't absolutely understand that life is crazy, busy for most, especially at this time of year and that we can't all make it to everyone's events all the time {because we are also more global and not living in the same area}...but if you can, do. It's means so much when people show up in support of one another. Somehow I think I got this in a new way this weekend. It reminded me that I want to support others more, because when you do it's big. Every little bit matters.
I was joking that the thing with writing a book is that by the time you have the event to celebrate, you have no more friends to invite. Because most likely it's been all consuming leaving you without much capacity to socialize let alone be a great friend {or blog...ahem} But everyone understands. We know that life has moments, personally and professionally where you just have to go inward for a while. So to everyone who came on Saturday thank you!!!! It meant a lot that you were there.
And by the way that dress I'm wearing, it's my fabric and I sewed it myself and I will tell you again the next time I see you {that's for you Anne xo}
by the way - you should also know! I'm having a final holiday shopping sale at the shop today only until 11:59 pm PST. 15% off with the coupon HOLIDAYTIME
