This month I turned 33, learned how to hem a pair of pants and started my own art business, michhayo. It's been a productive March. After more than 10 years in the "traditional" work place, I have set out on my own. I'm not sure if it has completely sunk in, but the initial adrenaline rush of this new adventure has been both exhilarating and liberating.
I am a creative. A declarative statement I have been avoiding most of my adult life. For some reason, that title was coated with a laisez-fair, unambitious, millennial patina for me. I rebelled against my natural tendencies, turned off my daydreams and plowed through a marketing and communications career that provided the traditional lineup of stability and normalcy. Unfortunately, all of that pushing and fighting made me unproductive, confused, unfocused and ultimately without the job I worked so many years to achieve.
As I've painted, sketched and meditated this first month, I have quickly realized that all of the negative creative connotations were roadblocks. Creatives are "starving artists" or "naturally gifted", right? To be a successful creative you have to give up more than you gain, right? I believed I would be a more respected professional should I pursue a career in the traditional arenas. Even if I wasn't the best, I would do what I was supposed to do: earn a steady income, rock chic office attire, hone my leadership style, show up to important meetings (and several unimportant ones) and add titles of growing responsibility to my LinkedIn profile.
I was living the 9-5 dream . . . a small space that I was molding my mind and body into so I could prove my success to the adult world. I did a great job. I learned some solid skills and developed a respected network. Yet, after a decade of learning, growing, trying, I was left standing without the job and title.
While, at first, it was a bitter pill to swallow, it was the push I needed to finally realize my potential, shed my artistic fears and start my own business.
I am a creative.
I don't yet know where this "art"venture is headed, but I'm excited about everything to come. Thank you for you the support, encouragement, and for following along.
Cheers,
Michelle
“Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.”