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