From teacher to full time creator!
As a military spouse, I have found myself with a lot of time separated from my husband due to deployments. To keep a healthy mindset, reduce stress and help pass the time, I have always turned to creating, DIY’S, crafting and decorating. When I am in my craft studio creating, I feel at ease, happy, fulfilled, accomplished, relaxed and inspired.
For the past 17 years, I had been teaching preschool from my in-home classroom. I have loved each little face that has come through my doorway, they all hold a special place in my heart. Over time though, I realized something was missing. I felt unfulfilled in my career endeavors and knew I needed a change. The pandemic proved to be a catalyst for this change. During this time, I had time to reflect, think about my long-term career goals and decide what really makes me happy. Instinctively, I knew I needed to take steps to switch from teaching to making and selling my creations. Doing this, would be the dream of a lifetime!
At this point, I already had my Etsy shop opened, but sales had not met my expectations. I set a goal to add more items to my shop. Day by day, and month by month, I started building up my shop. During this time, I added a sublimation printer and a laser engraver/cutter to my studio. Adding these two machines has allowed me to create with so many new types of substrates. I have worked and created with aluminum, hardboard, fabric, leather, leatherette, wood, stainless steel tumblers, ceramic, acrylic and paint. I have learned many new skills by working with both pieces of equipment and, as a result, I have been able to create so many more items and add them to my shop. My Etsy shop contains mostly personalized products. Some product designs are created by me, and some graphic designs are created by other artists which I can print on my products, with their permission. I love creating personalized items for my customers because it feels good to know the recipient of my creations will feel special when they receive a gift that has been made by hand and specifically for them.
Over several years of diligent work in building my Etsy business, I was finally to the point where I felt financially comfortable transitioning from teaching to selling my crafts full time. May of 2022 was officially my last month of teaching preschool. It was time to transform my little yellow classroom into a functional and creative, yet beautiful space. This room is in the walk-out basement area of my home. And, although it’s a basement, it has a large window which offers an abundance of natural sunlight.
Now, it was time for my hubby and I to get to work. We have tackled many DIY projects together over the years, and I knew we'd be able to tackle this. I compiled a list of "must haves" for this space. I needed to include a shipping station, an area for my heat presses, plenty of storage that is easily accessible, ample lighting, a large working area, functional areas for my laser engraving machine and sublimation printer. And, most important to me, was that the room needed to look beautiful with a peaceful aesthetic and neutral tones.
The renovation took us about 30 days to complete. During the renovation, we re-wired the room to accommodate my laser engraver, added a computer network, painted, built a 4’ x 8’ craft island that has tons of built-in storage, installed countertops, hung two crystal chandeliers, installed a wall mounted organizational system/shipping station, added a mini refrigerator and TV. We painted and installed cabinets, updated the foyer and added many décor elements to add to the peaceful aesthetic I was wishing for. This room is not only functional, but it’s beautiful too. During the summer months, I appreciate the window view from this room. It overlooks the flower garden on my patio that contains blooming roses and hydrangeas. It’s nice to take time out of my day to look out my window and admire nature’s beauty and goodness.
This new creative journey is truly my dream of a lifetime, and I am thankful for each day I spend doing what my soul intends. I love being able to inspire others by sharing my creations, DIY projects and decorating ideas through social media. I appreciate having flexibility throughout the workday to clear my mind by working in my rose and hydrangea garden. And, as I look around my studio, I remember, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
