Feel The Love

A Bog Inspired By Community
OML 2018
Part 3 of 3

Can't get enough of that OML Swag!

  My final installment of this three part series is about community, which in my opinion is the best way to recap my experience from OML 2018 because if you were there, you know that’s what it truly was all about!  I honestly don’t know where to begin and cannot articulate or sum up my feelings about our beautiful maker community and how the event changed me as a maker and a person.
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 I’ve mentioned it before but I was completely taken aback by the buzz of our community when I went to the event.  I’m not sure if it’s from being burned by so many friends, or confidence issues (more likely a combination of both) but I was leary and had no idea this event would be filled with so much joy and support.  I hope my perspective touches you as a maker. To grow, to reach out, connect, love and share. We are all in this together and couldn’t do it alone!

 The foundation of my journey began with the wonderful Shannon of @channoncreates_ and Darian of @knittingbydarian sharing an air b&b the night before.  I talked to them via insta but had no idea what to expect when meeting them, and when Darian came down to greet me, I knew I’d found a kindred spirit to my own.  Darian is such a hard worker, she’s funny as hell, empathetic and just has such great vibes. Shannon is a 5” force to be reckoned with! She is fearless and so talented, I can’t wait to see where each of their journeys take them and I’ so grateful to have made new friendships through this experience.

 My gratitude toward them cannot be fully expressed, me being so nervous.  To be real I have idolized certain people in our community on social media. I idolized, wondered why I wasn’t getting any recognition and was feeling like a failure.  My comparison was eating my alive and I was doing it all to myself. I walked in to the event with these feelings and left a different person.
 

Roomies!!
@Shannoncreates_ @Knittingbydarian @A_Cute_Design

 I saved messages and memories from this event that I will always treasure.  My momentos keep me in this time where my mind transformed, my heart opened and so did my possibilities.  I like to think this jelousy I just spoke of turned to joy. So please know, this community is here for you.  If you are a maker, fiber artist- whatever it may be, there is a world of love and support just waiting for you to open up to.
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 So yes, back to the event, I was super nervous. I avoided the camera, and then in all the beautiful photos Katelyn Todd Photography took, I was only in the group shot.  But that’s ok, I have these memories and I know where and How I can grow. Sitting at this conference I realized how afraid I was and how much I was holding back. Today, I realized I was doing this in all aspects of my life and it brought me to tears.  This experience lead to so much opportunity and openness in my life. This is all part of my story now. Because of this event I am pushing through my fears and making my biggest goals a reality. So yes I was moved by this event when I was there, but also it’s motivated me afterward and I’m loving where my business is going.

Our Group Shot, taken by the talented Katelyn Todd Photography

 I have a new segment I’m growing with Darian called “Manic Makers” where we talk all things crazy business related, I’ve been growing my blog, started custom tags(and the amazing #hatnothate campaign) have new etsy listings and more charity projects in the works which is something I am very passionate about.  I have the confidence to pursue the markets I hold in high regard and have some big dreams that I’m working real hard on making a reality.

 I’ve seen the growth in my business, but more importantly I’ve connected to some amazing friends in the last few months.  I feel like I’m building relationships with “my people” and figuring out who I am and what I want my brand to really be. Maybe these are things most people have figured out long ago, but I’m grateful for my journey.  I’m grateful for you, who is reading this. I’m overwhelmed and treasure you all dearly.

 I am very dedicated to my business and I don’t think that will change, but more importantly I've learned I need to allow myself dream!  Allow myself to go there (like Jessica mentioned) and to make it reality (like Brittany showed us). I’ve now gained the confidence to quit my part time job that takes away from my business and give myself permission to figure out what my real dreams are, what I’d like to build with my creative mind.  This community lifted me up and showed my whatever troubled past I’ve had I can conquer. I can make the creative living I desire and an income made of self expression to be proud of.
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 I recognize there’s something still untapped or under realized in my work.  I’ve hired a photographer to help lift some editing burden and have a marketing expert helping me figure these things out!  I’ve also realized community drives me. Each of my friends, all of these new conversations and collaborations really fuel my heart and soul.  I’d like to thank each one of you for being my friend and I can’t see where this wild ride ends up.

New ventures I'm holding Myself to in order to grow my business

Using more luxury yarn:
​Malibrigo!

Diving more into patterns:
Tested for @shannoncreates, @woodsandwoolpatternnext and @the.hook.nook goals for the spring

  Because of OML I can be me!  I am different, I have something new and exciting to offer.  I am worthy and capable, and so are you!
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  Thank you again to everyone below that make Our Maker Life what it is.  I am your biggest advocate, I cant thank you enough and am pumped for next summer!
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Founders
@northknits
@knitbrooks
@country.pine.designs
@la.reserve.design
@loopsandthreads

Key Note Speakers
@bhooked
@the.hook.nook

Sponsors
-We are knitters
-Love Crafts
-Koigu
-Sugar Bush Yarns
-Knitcrate
-Lion Brand Yarn
-Joann