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7/27/2018

2 Comments

 

A Bog Inspired By Key Note Speaker Brittany of BHOOKED, OML 2018
Part 2 of 3

 Welcome to the second part, of my three part series detailing my experience from OML 2018 in Chicago, IL.  This week is all about the first keynote speaker from the event, Brittany of “Bhooked”. If her words didn’t inspire you to get up, get moving and make thing happen for your business, I don’t know what would!

 “If we don’t know where we are going, we will never get there” Brittany reminded us all in her direct, and oh so inspiring speech.  I was so appreciative how straight to the point this talk was and that she gave practical advice that we could put into practice, both in our lives and in our business!  She does the same in her podcasts as well, which I’ve recently fallen in love with and are the perfect thing to crochet to and contemplate your business.

 I know if it take Brittany’s advice and “Make my Dream a Priority” while following these awesome steps she gave us I can only succeed.  Her moment in front of the crowd basically gave me permission to dream big. Realizing I can design patterns if I put my mind to it, I could Dye yarn- I CAN START WRITING ON MY BLOG MORE!  I now feel like I have a greater sense of direction and a belief I can do so because of her words.

  This is Brittany's advice for making your dreams a reality and our combined thoughts on each subject(taking what she said and combining it with my reflections).  This is a grat step by step process to guide you along making your dreams a reality, and every small business could benefit from this advice.
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Click On Brittany's Photo to visit her podcast, I've had a great time listening and I'm so excited to discover more!

1. Brainstorm Session (Create/Commit/Refine)
 The very first step she talked about hit me like a ton of bricks.  Why have I been limiting myself of been stuck in the mindset where I’m not worthy of dreaming?  Having this breakthrough opened the floodgates of creativity and options for the future of my business.  
 Take time to dream, commit to those ideas and refine them.  She is giving this advice for your year of business going forward, and I intend to have the “Big Session” for this after my big selling season is complete this winter.  But I do have immediate things to be working on where this checklist will work for too!

2.  Build Your Support System
 This one made me turn inward a bit.  I’m a person who tries to do everything on my own.  I basically raised myself and don’t naturally, or even really know how to ask others for help.
 It’s made me realize how wonderful my partner is, and that I need to trust and open up to those around me.  Like dreaming, I don’t know what will happen until I try. P.s. shout out to my grandma for being my new proofreader, she’s always my biggest supporter and my bff!


3.  Identify Problem: Create a Solution
 My biggest problem in the past with dreaming big has been in the details.  I have “x”, or “y” idea and then convince myself I don’t have the money, resources, talent, intelect etc.  But you just need to take the first step. And that’s a big one for me- take the emotions or “what if’s” out of the situation, identify the major ways you can make this dream a reality and accomplish those steps.  Take action! Identify whats standing in your way and what you need to do to make this goal a reality. It’s possible for me, and it’s possible for you.

4.  Create a checklist
 Brittany suggested 5-10 things per category(or goal) when creating a checklist.  Break down the action, outline, bullet point and work though the details. Lists usually expand but if you outline those big ones you have a go to and it might change but you are working on it!  This is one of the things I will be combing through with a fine tooth.
 Where do I brainstorm?  Where do I write down final ideas?  I always have so many. I do love a good sticky note system on the wall so I can visually see things so I’ll have some work to do in the studio.  I also love the physicality of writing and I’ve discovered the enjoyment of writing my blogs out by hand, then when I type them it’s like a proofread.

5.  Reserve time for items on your list  (Schedule and commit)
 Funny thing is, I got a planner at the beginning of the year to do just this- schedule in the time and make it happen.  I definitely wasn’t as organized as all of Brittany’s advice is and again, I got really caught up in details and discouraged if things moved, or took longer than expected.   Perseverance is another thing I’ll be working on, this is my dream, it’s worth it and sometime you just need to push through to get those results. As long as I work my hardest and refuse to become complacent everything will be ok!

6.  Give yourself a deadline
 Seams simple right?  But probably the easiest thing to put on the back burner.  When you give tasks a deadline, you are taking them seriously, locking into that commitment as opposed to treating your business you are so passionate about like a hobby (which most of us still create as a hobby too, am I right?).
 Do deadlines change?  Sure. it’s fine to re-adjust but don’t sell yourself short.  Go for the big things, make them happen and one day you will look back in amazement as to what you’ve accomplished.



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Two books Recommended by Brittany, and one I'm reading 'Handmade to Sell" looking forward to reading all the things!
(each can be found on Amazon)

Additional Thoughts
 What I love most about Brittany’s message is how practical and straightforward it was, while challenging me emotionally and personally, which is basically what I’ve reflected on here.  As you now know, I tend to get stuck on the emotional side of my business and because these instructions are so direct, I feel like they will really help me push through a lot of what I struggle with and just focus on the work and tasks ahead.  She reminded me I can make my dreams a reality and that I am doing an amazing job.
 This speech made me evaluate what I’m doing well, where I can grow and made me realize I’m looking forward to the parts of myself that I still have yet to discover.  I know my busy(and most exciting) season of selling and making is ahead of me and while I need to stick to my initial plan I’m still dreaming and keeping my options open.  But now I know where I need to be headed and when I can start planning out those big ideas in my head. There's so much more ahead of us friends, both in life and in our passions.  I’m hoping we all have the bravery to do the best we can to make all of our dreams a reality.
-Jenna
Disclaimer
 I actually wanted to share with everyone what my next plans are in detail, but you are a trooper by hanging in there this long!  I will write about this after my OML series, so I can marinate on these ideas and hopefully express them more eloquently as I keep writing.

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As you can see I really filled up the page from Brittany's words, love having these to look back on!

2 Comments

Being Fearlessly You

7/22/2018

2 Comments

 

A Blog Inspired by Key Note Speaker: Jessica Cary of The Hook Nook, OML 2018
Part 1 of 3

  This is a three part series inspired by my experience at OML 2018 (Our Maker Life).  A maker movement, and annual meet up of makers, primarily fiber artists. My inspiration came from the people around me.  It was a beautiful and overwhelming experience all in one. I am so grateful to everyone that made this event and attended and I can’t wait for 2019!  
 Being a thicc, tattooed, neon haired girl that’s slightly older than those in my community continually sat in the back of my  mind saying, “You are different” therefore, “You do not belong”. I’ve gone through seasons of conforming my work where I feel like a copycat and seasons of being discouraged (sadly mostly this year, which I’ll get into in the third part of this series) seasons of being disconnected and not feeling like my work is my own, all while hiding who i am(what I look like, how I feel) from the world and not thinking I’m enough.
 Then I step into OML 2018 at the Low Res Studio in Chicago and my life is transformed, I’m so emotional and grateful that I could hardly breathe my way thought it, let alone have a bunch of conversations with people.  SHOUT OUT TO THOSE FRIENDS I DID MAKE THOUGH, I LOVE YOU ALL DEARLY WHETHER WE TALKED IN PERSON OR CONNECTED AFTER THE EVENT!
 So, in a nutshell I am here to share and to pass on Jessica’s from the Hook Nook’s message that if you feel or have felt the way I do, the world is so much brighter on the other side of darkness friends and when she spoke about this, I think the entire room was in tears.
 Why have I let demons, abusers and naysayers from my past define my current truth?  WHat I realized is, this is in my own hands and it’s so precious. I try to take care of myself and my life (i.e. cats and boyfriend) the best way I can and run my business with so much passion, I’m constantly thinking of it (working on breaks people).  I put myself through school, have a published thesis from my master’s degree, so I’m not “dumb” like I may believe- I am capable, I am creative, I am worthy.
 I don’t have the easiest past, and actually the day before OML was my four year anniversary of my brother’s suicide.  I thought of backing out of this event time after time thinking I wouldn’t fit in, but thankfully I had the courage to go and was exactly what I needed to bring happy memories into this time of year.  For that alone I am extremely thankful. (Shout out to Darian and Shannon for letting me stay at your air b&b, I'll get to you gals in the third installment of this series!)
 Thank you to every single person that organized, sponsored, spoke, volunteered, and attended this event- you are a true inspiration.  In the first part of this reflective series I want to thank Jessica from the bottom of my heart for reminding me “I am who I am meant to be”.  That, that is special and no one else is like me. My work doesn’t need to be different, it’ll evolve(saying that to myself over and over because I just got the chills).  My weight or looks that I’ve struggled with for my life doesn’t need to change out of insecurity and I don’t need to find other ways of employment, I am great just doing me and need to enjoy and celebrate that fact.
 My life challenges don’t define me, but how I persevere and show others how they can do the same, does.  Realizing you have a space in this world is game changing. I do take up beautiful space and I’m not a burden like I’ve grown up thinking.  This isn’t where my story ends, but where it begins and I’m taking huge leaps to not live in that headspace any longer. Like Jessica said it’s about “Knowing there’s more and it’s up to me(you) to make it happen” is a powerful thought.  When you grow up in a less than ideal home you believe you aren’t worthy, but we all are!
 In the next post I will talk about some of my desires, plans and steps I’ll take to make my dreams become a reality.  Truthfully I really don’t have these things figured out, but i will continue to THINK BIG!!! And so should too you cutie (insert emoji kiss here).
--------------------(Insert page break here, 2nd addition to thoughts)--------------------
(I tend to have overwhelming anxiety and couldn’t bring my meds to Florida.  The rebound from this instance was so quick though, it gave me true belief in my path for myself and my business.  I apologize if this seems disjointed from the first section but I felt the need to share my entire “truth”).
 The first part of my blog entry was a breakthrough phase, the encouragement that deeply touched me and this is the other side of the coin.  When reality sets in and real life begins again. I often feel like this existence of extremes, please leave me a comment if you ever feel the same!
 This often happens after a positive span of time in life, it’s like the demons creep in and tell me it was all a fairy tale, that I dreamed it up.  Honestly I can’t remember the last time I was this inspired and happy and today(exactly a week later) I feel like everything came crumbling down around me.  Am I really sharing this? Is what I’m doing really matters? Are people going to even engage now that the excitement of the event is over?
So, I’m trying to tell myself truths, and this is what I have so far…
-I’ve gotten through so much in life, so I know I can try my hardest to replace these breakdowns with positive thoughts and energy. -My abusive and lonesome childhood doesn’t define me. -My past eating disorders or current weight don’t define me. -The lost of so many loved ones, including my father and brother doesn’t define me.  But this is one I’m determined to make something out of by honoring them. -Nay sayers or critiques don’t define me, including those that diminish my path. -These emotional overloads are ok, and one day these will be a strength of mine (and aren’t I already turning it around by sharing?!) -I have great support which will only continue to grow.
 It’s time to wipe all of those and more false beliefs out of my system, stop believing in these dark ideals that sneak up on me, and penetrate my brain trying to convince me they are real.  I am facing my past, and how it affects my future. I may not have it all figured out but I am giving an effort.
 This is where expressing myself really comes in, and it’s one of the main things I’ve been reflecting on the last week or so.  Whether it is through my appearance with crazy hair and tattoos, or performing, or dreaming big with my fiber business. I feel like I can now explore all of these sides of myself that make me the healthiest and most balanced version of myself.
 At my core I’m such a serious, sensitive and emotional creature(my tarot cards always say I’m enlightened) and the truth is I’m not really comfortable around people until I realize there is no threat and I can loosen up.  I’m hard on myself for how I acted at OML and that’s another story, but one thing I know is I don’t want to live with regrets so I’ve turned that into an opportunity next year(because there is no question about me going) and to be grateful for the inspiration and experiences I had.  It’s hard when you feel like you didn’t take full advantage of the opportunity but to those that were shy like me- there's next year babes!
 As I finish up this ending rant, I am reminded that my journey is my own and for that it is special.  I also climbed myself out of the darkness fairly quickly after this breakdown and that says a lot for me.   I am special and I am worthy-AND SO ARE YOU!

Thank you again to ALL of those involved in OML, until the next post friends:)

 

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Crocheting by the Pool
This photo took so much courage for me to post, I love it so much and I'm proud I was brave to put just who I am out there to the world!
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From Jessica's Latest blog...
I think most, if not all where feeling the emotions during her talk!  I was so choked up and to look around the room and see everyone drying their eyes was beautiful.
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From Jessica's Blog...
I was so nervous to meet these huge makers and they made it so much fun! Even though I wasn't able to fully open up I will treasure this photo forever!
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From Jessica's Blog...
So inspiring to be, and do you!  I am so guilty of thinking I can't have anything I make or don't have time.  We all have time to treat ourselves and feel special so don't forget that!
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The Photo I posted from Chicago!
This felt crazy to post but it was the creative idea I had and I'm so crazy I took the chance.  This really feels like me and inspired so much photography I explored during my Florida vacation!
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My Notes From Jessica's Talk
Before I started choking up and could actually write
(yeah you know the notes are pink color coded to match her hair!)

For Reference, Jessica's blog is:

http://www.thehooknooklife.com/blog

2 Comments

Great Giveaway!  Temporary Shop Closing and                                        Summer Plans

7/3/2018

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 I’ve loved featuring other maker’s, it’s one of my most favorite things I’ve done with my business thus far.

​ It was a great way to end the beginning of summer before my shop goes on vacation for the most of the summer.


 I want to take the time to thanks all the makers that participated!  What a beautiful package we made together. Hopefully everyone made some friends along the way and I know we made for one happy winner!

 We have a bit of business and personal traveling going on this month and have been looking forward to it for some time.  From my best friends 4th of July celebration on the lake, Chicago for “Our Maker Life” meetup, and Florida for a few weeks, it’s going to be a great month!  I’m also in full production mode for the convention in August so I won’t be posting as much on social media, though I’m not sure how I can not post at all. Either way it will be a relaxing and productive month.
​

 The third week in August will be the kick off of the fall season so we are nose to the grindstone but still trying to enjoy these new and fun experiences.  We have some huge goals for this holiday season and cannot wait to see where our creative work takes us. 
​

 We will still be online and will be sharing all of our new creations(there's so much in this head of mine!).  So yes, still posting but not on as rigorous of as a schedule. Here’s to a great rest of the summer and feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions about my work :)
​

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My response from the giveaway:)
Thank you for my friends Laura and Samantha for helping with this shoot!
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New cozies design for the tattoo convention, I'm so proud of these and can't wait to share them in public!
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From the "Our Maker Life" Blog, can't wait to meet so many amazing makers in less than 2 weeks!
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I may not be posting as much, but I will be over here scaring the crap out of myself and taking risks I'm terrified of!
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    Check Out Our Hook Nook Blog Feature Here!

    click me cutie
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    Hey Cuties!
      I've always wanted to share my writing with others, so documenting my creative thoughts, process and life journey seamed like the perfect way to do so.
      Thank you for looking, it gives me much joy to connect with each of you. 
     -Jenna

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