There are days when everything I’ve ever done looks boring in my own eyes. I have sketchbooks full of collections that have yet to be developed, ideas for products that need the perfect manufacturing partner, marketing concepts that just need some good old “elbow grease” to implement.  Yet, with all this “raw material” in front of my eyes, I’ve been feeling like I really want “new”. You know what I mean? FRESH stuff, FRESH opportunities, FRESH VISION! 

I realized that sometimes it takes FRESH EYES to help us see where or how we can move forward. I know a lot of successful people and decided to get out of my comfort zone and ask for help. Trust me, this did not come easy. 

After my consultation with a well known Designer/Writer, I feel excited and ready to go with some new challenges, new goals and a whole new outlook on what’s next. I think we sometimes get caught up in what we think the world wants from us and ignore the need to be authentic by letting people see us as a person, rather than a brand. When you put yourself out there, you risk being critisized or judged, which does happen. It takes COURAGE to state your views and opinions openly, to show your vulnerability. Yes, I’m a brand. But I’m also a person, a sensitive, caring person who loves creating products for people to enjoy. I told a friend/fan of mine yesterday that the real “success” for me is not about being on T.V.  or being called a celebrity, it’s when people tell me how much they love my designs, how it enriched their life, how they found using my products to be easy and enjoyable. That’s what it’s all about my friends. That warm, fuzzy feeling of connecting with people through my art.

This morning, I was inspired  by another designer’s blog, one who is launching a new business in a whole new direction from what she was doing. She’s reinventing her business and is embracing her authentic self. With the industry changing so rapidly, a lot of my Designer and Artist friends are approaching each day with eyes wide open, looking for FRESH opportunities. It’s a challenging time, but as the saying goes, when one door closes, a new one opens. I love that saying. My (made up) quote for the day is “by embracing changes, you are living your life”. 

Here’s a free download for you to use however you wish, except for commercial or nasty purposes! ; )   Just right click and copy, or drag it off onto your desktop. (Mac)

I’m going to silkscreen this onto a tee shirt this afternoon, using my new YUDO!!! I think this would make a great poster if you print it out, decorate it how you wish and hang it where you can see it every day. 

Afternoon add on: Speaking of FRESH - check out this photostream of my favorite chef teaching a kids cooking class at the Four Seasons Atlanta!

cheers!

Brenda

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