Rise up and take the Challenge. . . .are you ready?

"At the end of the day, all that matters in this brief vacation we take on earth is that we didn't shrink into a corner and waste the days we're given doing what we have to do rather than rising and taking on the challenge of becoming all we were created to be." - T.D. Jakes

Good Morning! Do you have your morning cup of coffee or tea?  Well, grab it and lets sit and talk for a while.

I have been trying to push myself beyond my limits for some time now.  I am an introvert but can be very outgoing when with a crowd.  I'm shy by nature but you wouldn't know it when meeting me or seeing me with friends and family.  Kinda like you can see a person smiling but never know that inside they are in torment, lonely, insecure or hurting.

The truth is we all need someone.  We all need to be needed and to feel loved and important.  You can put on a tough exterior but on the inside you know its true!  The same with following your dreams.  Your family, significant other or co-workers might laugh and think that you're following a pipe dream, but. . . you must follow your passion and you need help in doing so.  You need advice and encouragement from people who are pursuing the same goals, have traveled your path and who fully support and encourage you.  You need to surround yourself with like-minded people.

Tomorrow and every Tuesday, for the next few months, I will be introducing you to people who I have allowed in my life who have been that encouragement for me.  These people have risen up and taken the challenge of following their instinct and drawing on their God-given gifts and or passion.  They are talented, creative people in various fields (crochet, mentoring, fashion, baking, facepainting, philanthrophy, sign painting, etc...)  These people inspire me, encourage me and support me.  That is what everyone needs.  (Even if you think you don't!)

You've already met my friend (Ren) Renaissance Marie Austin (Raghouse International) and I hope you enjoyed her interview and checked out her website, etc.  Tomorrow you will be introduced to my Crochet Mentor.  I won't mention her name because I want you to come back and read her story.  Im sure you will be inspired.

Finish your coffee or tea (tea for me please!!), whisper a prayer and go out and conquer your dreams. RISE UP AND TAKE THE CHALLENGE!! You'll be glad you did!

Sharing the Wealth with Renaissance Marie Austin

A few years ago I introduced my sister to Etsy.  As she was scrolling through she noticed a knit designer that she fell in love with.  She shared it with me and I became almost obsessed.  Earlier this year I got the nerve to contact this designer and ask to meet with her.  To my joy she accepted. I met with her at a little cafe in Downtown L.A. and we talked for hours.  Time just seemed to slip away.  I was nervous at first and she relaxed me with her calm demeanor and generosity as she shared a wealth of information to help me in my quest to expand my brand and enhance the quality of my designs. Not only is she a talented knit and crochet designer, she teaches crochet, works at a Yarn Store in DTLA and is a jazz singer.  She is gifted and wise beyond her years.  I asked if she would allow me the opportunity to interview her for my blog and showcase a few items. . .  she obliged!!  Yay!! Introducing you to Renaissance Marie Austin of Raghouse International! 1.  Tell me about yourself and how we came to meet Greetings! I am Renaissance Marie Austin and I am an artist and creative. I am hugely passionate about music and fiber, the two things mostly consume my time and creative energy. I am a native of Los Angeles mostly growing up on the South side in the South LA, South Bay, Torrance area. My fondest childhood memories are going to the beach every Saturday and fishing with my father. Sometime we would go to Redondo Beach to fish or El Dorado Park. Tracy had been a friend of my Raghouse International facebook page for some time until she contacted me with the desire to meet and talk about crochet! I was so happy about her design aesthetic and talent that later I went back and let everyone know on facebook about her work. We met for three hour and had the most wonderful and inspiring conversation. We've been in contact ever since.  2.  What are your gifts and talents?  Where they taught or God given or both? My gifts and talents generally lay in art. I would say that singing is a God given talent and when it comes to crochet my grandmother taught me at the age of 8. I was definitely a natural, took it, and ran with it. I've used many of my discovered talents in the professional realm, such at makeup artistry, photography, graphic design, styling, fashion show production, and hair styling, to name a few.  3.  What is your brand and what was your inspiration for starting it? My brand is Raghouse International and I was inspired to actually start a business in 2000 when I was studying dance, music, and poetry at El Camino College in Torrance. I saw a vendor selling a crocheted head bonnet and from that point I had a light bulb moment. Before then, I did not have the realization that you could make something then sell it. I went home, picked up my crochet hooks again and I was in full swing. I don't believe I've stopped crocheting since, literally! lol.  4.  Where can your brand be seen?  Website, twitter, fb, youtube, etc... My brand can be seen at www.raghouseinternational.com, facebook.com/RaghouseInternational, Instagram: Raghouse_International, www.raghouseinternationalknitwear.bigcartel.com/ These are just a few places to find me online. I would be glad to have you! 5.  How can customers shop or place and order? Customers can shop on my Big Cartel website. I love that site. It is streamlined and beautiful. My two top sellers are located there as well as my live crochet demonstration event for galleries and boutiques. Customers can visit www.raghouseinternationalknitwear.bigcartel.com/ 6.  what advice do you have for someone striving to create a brand or find their gifts/purpose? First things first. You have to be passionate and in love with what you are doing. You need to make sure that you are not just looking at other artisans and copying what they are doing. If you are not sure what it is you are supposed to be doing, look within yourself and go back to your childhood and a very revelatory event that took place in your live. Write and journalize about the things that you love and see what comes out. Once you start to see what it is that you are passionate about go for it. Authenticity and the best thing. Research, research, research ahead of time so that you will know how things simply work, especially when it comes to the internet. It is forever upgrading itself. People try to figure out their demographic before hand, but I've found that your customers will do that for you. It is just a matter of keep track of where they live and their lifestyle. Look into branding with websites like vistaprint.com. Packaging is everything. Think about colors, patterns and design, and be sure to treat each customer with respect and give them a lot of attention. Businesses are about relationships, but just selling a product and forgetting about that person because the return customers are the best. Be as helpful as you can to them by being an "expert in your field. Study at much as you can about what it is you do. They will be very impressed that you know not only your craft well, but the history of your craft.  7.  Do you run your business full time or are you bi-vocational? run my business full time. Be prepared and know that entrepreneurship is around the clock, but it is important to designate your hours properly, like having breakfast at a certain time, lunch, then dinner. Allocate time to creating, then time to internet work. Proper rest is important to me as well so I now set my cut off time at 12 midnight. When I was a little younger and spunky, I would stay up until 2am or 3am and really push myself mentally and physically, but it is important to have that balance and get the proper sleep your body needs. I am working both music and design, so the rest is the make sure that my voice is in good condition as well.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjb1rm39SaAI  Renaissance C.M. Austin Raghouse International Studios Luxury Knitwear & Accessories 541 S. Spring Street Los Angeles, Ca 90013 I hope you enjoyed the interview and go to her website to check out her designs and videos.  You'll be glad you did!

My Life and Creativity were both inspired at Yarnosphere 2014!

Yarnosphere 2014

Ok Guys, this is a long one . . . .So grab your cup of coffee or tea and (hopefully) enjoy!

I planned to spend the entire day at #Yarnosphere 2014, which was held this year in Bixby Knolls (Long Beach), CA.  So..... I woke up.  I drank my morning cup of Green Tea (Orange Passionfruit Jasmine), had a little nourishment and proceeded to get dressed. I had a few goals and expectations.  One of the goals were met but the day didnt exactly go as I planned.  Here is the spill. . . .

As I arrived to the venue I saw an acquaintance who I attended the event with last year (which was the first year it was held).  We were supposed to meet up but she failed to contact me with times, locations, etc.  So. . . I'm a big girl and decided to go alone.  Well. . .  as I walked up to the line low and behold she was exactly in front of me with a friend.  I spoke, she looked a little uncomfortable so I didn't bother her any further.  As we entered the venue to pay and get our Goodie bags I made sure not to make any eye contact so that she wouldn't feel obligated to talk or offer for me to hang out with them.  I was a little offended but as I said, "I'm a big girl, I arrived alone and I can shop alone"

Me and Marcella (my Client)

I didn't plan to be alone all day because I invited a fellow crochet designer, Renaissance Austin, to meet up with me and I knew she was on her way.  I proceeded to look for yarn for a client who I was designing a dress for so I walked the entire venue first before making a selection.  I found what I thought was the yarn color she desired, I took a pic and sent it to her via text.  I waited, got no response and decided to purchase it.  That is where things fell apart. . . .  or so I thought!!

Once the purchase was made I went to the booth next door to have the skein(s) wound into balls.  I realized that I no longer had my charge card.  I searched my purse, the bag and my pockets.  No card!! So, I went back to the booth to inquire and they said they gave it to me.  Nada!!!  I looked around the booth.  Went to a few other booths.  Looked on the.  Went to a lounge and emptied my ENTIRE purse onto the table (it was junky lol!) and still did not locate it. I went to the front desk to inquire if it was returned to them and was told NO!  Frustrated, angry, disappointed and cashless . . . . I contacted Ren and left the convention to report my card lost/stolen.

Well, my client called to say she didnt like the color and Ren called to say that they were announcing my name because my card was returned as "lost".  Too late!! It had already been reported to the bank!!  Too late. . .  I already purchased the Yarn!! Urggghhhh!!!  That's me. . .  rushing to make decisions, panicking and thinking the worst.  I thought I had waited a good enough time but I didn't want my card to be found and used.  I guess I need to use a little patience and trust.  I've been a little low on both lately.

Long Story short, I went back to the convention with my client "Marcella" in tow to exchange the yarn.  She found a different color and several other colors for future order!!! yay!!! And, also purchased a few skeins for me to make something for myself.  I also met up with Ren and we three sat talking for a while exchanging life stories and making fast friends.

Me and "Ren" Rennaissance Austin

These women are so optimistic and find light and joy in the darkest of situations.  They live each day as it comes, have learned to downsize their life to the point where they have just enough possessions to survive and readjust (if needed).  Their stories brought a smile to my face where I was earlier distraught and discouraged and let me know that even when you think no one cares or is watching you are mistaken.

The moral of this story??? . . . . I started the day expecting it to go one way but it make a slight turn. . . . went off course for a few hours, but ultimately ending much better than I could have imagined.  I will be introducing my friend Ren to you in the coming blog posts.  If your life is (in the words of the FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR) "tossed turned upside down", I'm sure you will be INSPIRED to look at things from a fresh perspective, reassess your situation, straighten you back bone, and take another stab at it.  I did on that Hot, Frustrating Saturday at Yarnosphere 2014. And I'm so glad I did!

Its Just Material Things!

"So do not worry, ... For the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father know you have need of them". Matthew 6:31-32

The past year has be rough (to put it kindly)...  Lots of changes.  I don't like changes.  But, there is a saying that "Change is Good!" and/or "Without change you can not grow".  While that may be all well and true... I STILL DO NOT LIKE IT!!! lol!

So... I had a conversation with someone yesterday complaining about things that have happened, are happening, and what I think of them.  The reply was (of course) spiritual.  You know, the usual... "Count it all Joy!", "Fret Not!", etc... And then, the grandmother of them all... "Someone is looking at your shoes and would love to be wearing them!"  Uggghhh... I was sooo annoyed.  When we hung up I said, "Won't be speaking with you for a while". SMH, LOL!

Sometimes when we vent we want to know that someone cares.  I do realize that sharing the gospel is caring.  God is Love and He is concerned about our welfare.  There are times, though, that we just need a hug and to hear that they hear us, understand what we are feeling (even though they may not agree) and THEY LOVE US!  We need to hear them say the words.

What was also told to me was that I shouldn't worry about the things I have lost.  Especially material things.  They are just that... material things.  And I must admit, I have been worried.... Through the course of our lives we lose things and people... accidentally, stolen, death, tragedy or otherwise.  When we lose things we have memories of them and as time progresses they are replaced and most times with better and/or great memorieshttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/453456256204444968/.  Again, I didn't want to hear it at the time and was very annoyed.

As I recapped the conversation later, I realized that everything spoken to me was the truth.  And, Why should I worry over what I have no control of.  If I lose it, it's gone.  I cant get it back.  But, I have breath, life and the gift of a new day to start over.  I was also told I was very gifted and talented and there is my blessing.  A gift of crochet that was given especially to me by God.  God Use It!

So... I want to say, "Thank You for the words of comfort and encouragement" and "Thank You God for another day and the Gift you have given me".  I am off and running with my yarn and crochet needles (which calm me when I'm anxious, worried, lonely) to create something beautiful from nothing.  When the dust settled I realized that you were correct...and the scriptures are true... Dont Worry!   Its just material things.

July 4th Celebration!

 July 4th is an exciting holiday. Why? Several reasons. . . . It kicks off Summer, the day is filled with family and friends, delicious and familiar food and it usually ends with an exciting display of colorful fireworks. Who wouldnt love that?

How did I spend my day? The first part of the day was spent lounging on the couch crocheting, watching girly movies and dozing on and off. The latter part of the day was spent with my children and grandchildren. They are my everything!!

My daughter did a little facepainting (which is pictured below) and my KatieBug stayed in my arms. She is my sweetheart and, of course, I spoil her.  So, I didnt mind.  We have a little dysfunction... what family doesnt? But, I would love to think that our love trumps disagreements and hurts and any time I spend with my children is better than any time without them. Therefore, my day ended great!

I dont really care for fireworks, they are loud and I dont like the smell. But, I love my family. They set off fireworks in my heart!  Always remember. . . .

"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within" - Maya Angelou

  

Hello everyone!  MY BIRTHDAY WEEKEND DALE BEGINS TOMORROW! Receive 30% off ANY purchase between Friday, 3/13 - Tuesday 3/18 at Midnight.  Go to www.lovepetals.etsy.com  and enter coupon code:  MYETSYLOVER30 at checkout.  Enjoy!!

Advice to Help You Research and Practice your Way to a Successful Business!

"Quite simply crochet feeds the human need for balance in our lives.  Making something with our hands reflects something basic about ourselves.  We want to work hard without losing touch with our creative selves, we want to earn money without losing our souls; and we want to be a part of a larger picture of human progression while still maintaining our individuality" - Vickie Howell

In my quest to grow and develop my business and brand I have begun to research different areas of crocheting and the business side that goes along with it.  My eyes have really been opened because initially I just thought of it as a hobby.  If you think of it that way, then it will be as you think and believe.  But, when you begin to treat it as a business, then it will change and your mind, drive and actions shift.

Most mornings I wake up and listen to a motivational talk for the first 10 minutes of my day and or read my daily devotional.  This is done to get my mind ready to start my day and motivate me to think positively and to be in tune with God.  If Im running late then I read my devotional when I have a morning break.  Most important is that I take moments  in the day to read the word, pray and meditate to open myself to positive thoughts and actions.

A few months ago there was a series on "The secrets of Success".  One thing that was mentioned that really impacted me was that you must STUDY and become a student of what you are trying to do or pursue .  . . .(research, learn the facts).  It was also suggested that you watch someone you admire in the field that you desire to work in.  You should research the person or thing, learn the facts.  What avenues did he/she take to get where they are, are there any groups you can join to learn, google it, read up on it, practice it.  Don't be afraid to step out of your box.  Be diligent and NEVER give up.

I have recently begun my journey into the crochet world and started researching, studying, practicing and most importantly. . . . praying for direction.  I have found some helpful books that I would like to share with you in hopes that (if you arent aware of them) will help you develop also.  Most of these books can be purchased in the bookstore and/or ordered or downloaded onto your Kindle or Nook from Amazon.com.

Before you do anything, my first suggestion is daily PRAYER!!  Then, read the SUGGESTED BOOKS (not in order of importance)
1.  The Holy Bible
2.  The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
3.  Pricing Crochet Fairly for Maximum Profit by Sedruola Maruska
4.  Hooking for Cash by Sara Duggan
5.  Crochet for Profit by Sara Holmes
6.  Selling on Etsy (Turning your Hobby into a Profitable Business) by Megan Hutchman
7.  Pinterest Savvy by Melissa Taylor
8.  Blogging Made Simple by Michael H. Fleischner

There is a wealth of information in libraries and book stores on the shelves that will help you grow and get your creativity flowing.  Don't just look at the pictures and patterns, read the articles.  Sometimes there are jewels of information hidden inside if you don't take the time to read, learn, inform yourself.

There is also a lot of more information out there on the internet and on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Blog Sites .  Dont be afraid to ask questions, network, research, and try new things.  Also, don't be afraid to share what you know.  The saying is. . .  'the more you give, the more you receive".  Look into conventions and classes.  You will learn something new and meet someone new that will possibly impact your life in a positive way.

Social Media, (Facebook, Twitter, Blog Sites) hold a wealth of knowledge and, at times, connect you with others that are willing to share their knowledge and information.  Search on those sites to find communities or groups that you can join or follow that are in the field you are currently or endeavoring to become proficient in.  Dont be afraid to ask questions and/or give advice or share information.  Make yourself known .  Also, dont be afraid to share what you know.  The gift that you have has been given to YOU!  No one can take it away.  Everyone has their specialty and audience.  Your advice is just to help them on their journey.  By doing so you open yourself up to learn and grow!

This is something I am trying to do myself but I believe it will be beneficial to my life and business.  If you have any ideas, suggestions, books you have read that will be an inspiration or help, please feel free to share them.  You will be blessed as you become a blessing to others.  Each one, Help one.  Have a blessed day!