Creative Jumpstart 2021

Creative Jumpstart 2021
Join me for the 10th Anniversary of CJS2021

Monday, July 23

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder...

I've been quiet, and for those of you that check in with me often I am sorry. I've had things on my heart and mind that needed deciding. Hard decisions with lots of things that needed to be weighed -- discussed - waffled -- brought out -- put away and mulled over. And I am back, with an open heart and ready for all the possibilities.

I finally made a tough decision that I have been agonizing over for quite some time. What made it so tough is I love what I do and the people I do it for -- and waffling because I have nothing to fall back on. What if this that or the other thing happens. What if no one likes me. Just ask my friends about the self-doubt and insecurities I've had over this -- it's been hard.

I've never been good at making decisions  -- but this one was especially hard for me. The only decision that is easy for me is the one I make to change my hairstyle, ha ha. Not only am I a very loyal person, I am (for the most part) a rule follower and put my heart into everything I do and creating pretty things makes me happy. I get to create and get paid for it. Not only has it been the perfect situation -- it's made me happy when other things in my life have been tough.
I know, I'm keeping you on the edge of your seat ;-) so here goes. You may --  but mostly people don't -- know that for the last 9 years I have been an exclusive designer for EK Success Brands. My first assignment for them was for Winter CHA 2004 where I created 10 or maybe it was 12 scrapbook pages in a really short time.. Which I did and was totally over the moon about them -- and when I saw pictures of them in their booth I was even more excited. The first time I demo'd at CHA I ended up coming home with a book contract to write a book about Sewing on Paper and had met some really talented and wonderful people at the company and at the show. I've traveled a fair bit for them each year, written articles and blog posts -- and created awesome projects that you can see in AC Moore, JoAnn Fabric, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, on HSN and probably more -- yes it has been exciting.

I've seen many people come and go at the company -- and while you may think I am crazy to give up my day job with nothing to fall back on -- know that I've got lots of faith that good things are happening. I am a great designer, a devoted employee and hard worker. It feels right. Like really really TOTALLY right. Like I'm not gonna loose sleep over moving on -- well, I might.  I am a tad nervous about resigning and going out into the wild blue yonder -- I am excited beyond measure for what is coming next, I don't know what that is yet. But I'm open. To ALL the possibilities.

Being an Exclusive Designer for EK Success has been an awesome ride - and it has primed me for everything else in this industry that is wonderful and possible. I have learned how to write great instructions, take awesome product photos, create projects, make how-to videos and presentations, demo a product I have never seen 10 minutes after seeing it  --  and have created countless projects over the years. I wish I had kept track of all the scrapbook pages, home decor items and other things I have created. Wow, lots. tons. Yeah, no I'm not crazy -- but you might think I am for saying farewell.

So, please join me in a HUGE round of applause as I THANK you EK SUCCESS Brands -- for everything you have done to help me become a better designer. I will miss you all and hope to run into you here and there in my travels! 

3 comments:

  1. Wishing you all the best Catherine in your new venture
    x catherine

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  2. So So very proud of you Cat and I'm blessed beyond measure to say that I know you. Good luck with all the wonderful dreams, journeys and discoveries ahead!!!! I know I've got a couple things I would love to buy of yours. I'm starting a CAT WALL!!!

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  3. Wherever the wind blows I have no doubt at all that it will land you where you are meant to be. I feel honoured to have met you last week at CHA and I so admire your talent. The very best of luck and well wishes on the next step on your journey xx

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