Inspiration comes in many forms…

On March 3rd, 2012, I attended the Amber Housley Inspired workshop in Nashville, TN. At first I was hesitant about attending the workshop. The description said that It was geared towards any creative business.  I thought perhaps it was too broad and I was looking for something to spark my creativity and help grow my business further. I was not sure if this workshop was going to be for me. I decided to sign up anyway. All attendees were introduced to a private Facebook group where we quickly shared business tips and travel advice. As the days grew closer I became more eager to learn what the workshop was about and as I read about the guest speakers, I soon realized that this was going to be an amazing experience.

March 3rd: I walked into the venue and was greeted by warm friendly faces. People that I had never met before but somehow seemed so familiar. Faces that I had only seen on a 1/2″x1/2″ square Facebook photo, yet somehow I felt like I had known them an eternity.  I immediately felt comfortable and at ease.

After a brief mingle, the workshop got underway. As the speakers stood up one by one, they shared stories of successes and failures. Perseverance and determination. They spoke candidly of where they had been, where they are now, and where they  plan to be. I felt a connection with each speaker’s story. I felt as if they were speaking about me. They were all so relatable. As each one spoke, a little spark in me began to ignite. Finally! the workshop I had been looking for. You see, In the creative field, no one can teach you right and wrong. No class or book can teach you what to do, but what you can learn, is how to overcome. Creative business are all centered in the same fundamental core. It’s really about following your dreams, setting goals, and facing fears. Suddenly I had realized that although all of our business where different, we all had the same fears, challenges and fair share of failures.

 

 

I am so grateful to have attended this workshop. It really was the little push I needed.

I am Grateful  to  Amber Housley for putting together such an amazing day. For sharing her stories of successes and failures. For sharing the tools that we all need to be successful.

I am Grateful to Kelly Boyd (Anne Kelle) for showing me that everyone, not just me, have fears. That fears are obstacles that stand in the way of goals.

I am Thankful to Sara Rose (Sara E. Rose Photography) for teaching me that mommy guilt is universal. We all suffer from it, but it should not hinder our personal growth.

I am Thankful to Jessica Bishop (The Budget Saavy Bride) for sharing her tips on professionalism and public relations.

I am Thankful for Courtney Dial (Pizzazzerie + author of Push Pops) for teaching us all that with a little effort and persistence we can achieve anything.

 

We all left the workshop with a bag full of goodies. So many pieces of creativity bundled into one pretty pink bag.

 

 

I can write for days and still this blog post would not properly describe this workshop. It is definitely one of those “you had to be there” moments. I urge anyone who is thinking of starting a creative business, or currently has a business and has lost their drive, to attend this amazingly inspiring workshop.

 

Desktop Organization and a Freebie

In an effort to continue to cross off items off my 2012 to do list, organization was next in line. First on the list: my desktop! I always try to keep my desktop organized, but after a few weeks, and several new folders later, I am back to chaos. So, I have found a quick solution. A desktop wallpaper organizer. I created with all the categories that will suit my business. I have a current projects area, tool box, I’m Inkpressed, Misc. and for file. The latter is for when I am a little to busy to categorize, but I will get to it…. I promise. Here are a few screen shots of the before and after:

As you can see, I have classified everything by category. I have also given every folder a color to correspond with its category. Nice, neat and super easy.

Would you like your own? Just click on the image below. Once the image opens up in a separate window, save it to your computer and use it as your desktop.

Happy Organizing!