Episode Transcript
E1: "Your Creativity Matters: Listening to the Call"
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Today, I want to start with something very close to my heart—why your creativity matters, why there is a place for you at the creative table, and how stepping forward into your creative journey can bring joy not just to you but to others. Let’s begin by talking about listening to that still small voice within.
Maybe you’ve felt it before—that quiet nudge, a whisper reminding you that there’s more you’re meant to do with your creativity. It might tell you that your love of fabric, your eye for design, or your skill with fibers isn’t just a hobby—it’s a calling.
I can relate to this so well because for me it was a difference between what I designed for the industry versus what I love to do for my own business. It came as a willingness to do my custom designs at home after work, even though I spent the entire day designing products. That’s a true love of fabric. And when I was downsized out, I tried a couple of different paths, but fabric, art and creativity kept calling.
Make no mistake, being your own boss takes a level of discipline and self-made structure, but I LOVE the fact that I can choose the focus of my creativity now. And that’s something that I encourage you to look at deeply. Listen to that small voice inside – really listen! Start considering what it would feel like to make your own decisions, decide which products fit your business, and learn to say no to those that don’t.
That still small voice is easy to ignore in the busyness of life, but when you take the time to listen, it can lead you to remarkable places. I encourage you to pause and ask yourself: What is it saying? What lights me up? What have I always wanted to create or do?
Then lean into that—to not just hear the voice, but to act on it.
Your creativity isn’t just a personal luxury; it’s a gift that brings value to the world. When you create, whether it’s a beautifully draped gown, a vibrant piece of fiber art, or a thoughtfully designed textile pattern, no matter what it is - you’re contributing something unique and meaningful.
It’s easy to think, "There’s no place for me," or "What I do doesn’t matter," or “I don’t know that I could contribute anything new.” but that’s simply not true. The world needs diverse creative voices, and there’s absolutely a place for you at the creative table. Don’t let comparison hold you back; lean into your unique perspective and trust that your work has value.
So how do you lean in? Well, that’s a big question. It starts with giving yourself permission to believe that your creativity is important. From there, it’s about taking small, consistent steps. And that brings leads us to overcoming the fears that often hold us back.
It’s one of the biggest obstacles to stepping into your creative journey. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of failure. Fear of what others might think.
In our specific area it could be the fear of wasting expensive fabric, fear of "ruining" a design, fear of stepping into a business and not finding customers.
Here’s what I want to tell you about fear - it’s normal. It means you care. It means that you are at the edge of what you currently know. And that’s a good thing. But fear doesn’t have to paralyze you. The antidote to fear is action. I encourage you to take one small step forward, even if it’s imperfect. Especially if it’s imperfect. Knowing that it’s going to be imperfect releases the pressure. Each step builds confidence, and soon those fears won’t feel as big. Each step pushes the edge of what you know out further and hence the fear with it!
But let’s talk about something else I want to encourage you to do – and that is being a bit selfish! I know, it sounds strange but hear me out. Being "selfish" in your creativity isn’t just okay—it’s necessary.
You’ve heard the phrase, "Put your own oxygen mask on first"? That’s what I mean by being "selfish" with your creativity. When you pursue what lights you up, you’re fueling your ability to serve others in the best way possible.
Think about it. Would you want a doctor, lawyer, or financial advisor who doesn’t love what they do? Of course not. You want someone who is passionate and engaged because that passion directly impacts their ability to serve you. The same is true for your creative work.
When you’re doing what you love, your enthusiasm shines through. You naturally give your best to your customers, your community, and your craft. It’s not selfish; it’s the most unselfish thing you can do because it allows you to bring joy and beauty to the world in a way only you can. Design in the fabric you love. Hand stitch those little animals that bring so many people joy. Felt the wool that brings bags and blankets to life. Weave the yarns that warm the hearts of your family. Be selfish about making sure your creativity gets the time it deserves so you can be selfless in the joy you bring to the world.
I’m not saying you’ll never have to do things you don’t necessarily love. Having a creative business will require that you do a few things that aren’t in your creative zone of genius. The fact that you are building a practice or business around what you love makes even the least attractive tasks tolerable. But what you must do is believe how important it is to let your creativity shine through.
Don’t be afraid to lean into what lights you up. It’s not only good for you—it’s good for everyone around you.
As we wrap up today, I want to leave you with a challenge: listen to that still small voice. Ask yourself: What lights me up? What creative dream have I been holding back on? What creative dream have I not started because I’m afraid or don’t know exactly how to do it? And then, take one small step forward. Lean into it. The world needs your creativity, and there’s a seat waiting for you at the creative table.
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