Olivia & Queen began with a simple idea…what creative business should I be doing right now?
Having a creative business is always a balancing act between spending time creating what you think or know will sell vs exploring new things. When my sewing business was financially successful, I couldn't enjoy it because there was always more work to do. With me also having a full-time job, the prospect of spending the future without any time for creative exploration was not appealing at all. This was of the reasons for me getting burned out on sewing as a business.
This time, I want to be thoughtful, intentional, and realistic with myself. I love sewing...but I know I don't want to spend 8 hrs. a day sitting at a sewing machine. Being realistic relative to creating things is a hard thing because I love making things. Making hundreds of them - not so much. #LeSigh
Exploring Style & Design
Looking at the handmade landscape, I see a lot of same-ness in the goods being made and sold. They seem to all lean into an aesthetic that’s nothing like my creative voice. It made me wonder how those products would look if I applied my design aesthetic to them. This is very interesting and I’m attracted to finding this out.
Mindfulness & Health
Now is a great time to do this after seeing some research around how spending time sewing and other creative activities can help with weight loss which is a goal of mine.
Lower stress may support weight loss and metabolic health. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which is associated with increased appetite, fat storage (especially abdominal fat), and insulin resistance. Activities that reduce stress—like crafting—can help counter these effects.
Repurposing & Sustainability
Another goal is to make use of my collection of supplies: fabrics, paints, paper, beads, clay, trims, and many other things that are just sitting in storage bins. Like many creative people, I’ve purchased new things that I always planned to use but never got around to it. Now is the right time.
Come Along for the Journey!
