Good Things Are Coming!
And they keep on coming! YAY!
Guys! Its all about mindset and energy. Focus on your work, your passion, your joys, and don’t let worry, doubt or the unknown stop you from doing anything your heart desires.
I took my work public about 7 or so years ago- Meaning I decided I’d stop treating it like a side hustle or hobby, and start pushing it out into the world. It was definitely a little unnerving at first- Not many of you know that I was recovering from PTSD and debilitating anxiety. Trauma and anxiety that I tried so hard to keep hidden and I fought long and hard to heal from.
I still recall my very first social media post on my art page and the hope that went behind that very first introduction and the joy at watching it grow.
I applied for the Riverside Arts Market, rushed out to buy a tent and tables. And staged it all in my back yard to figure out the set up and aesthetic. Exciting things friends!
My first social media sale came about a month or so after launching my page and it was a cute little watercolor avocado that sold to an Avocado Ranch in California. Rancho Guacamole. I’ll never forget waking up to a message from the owner inquiring to purchase and me spending over 3 hours searching how best to price it and overthinking. I ended up selling that sweet little painting for about $40 dollars and I keep a copy of it in my studio.
In early 2020 The Local in Neptune Beach was looking for an artist, and I spent a year there, having ZERO idea how to make it work, or how art sales in a restaurant really worked or how I should price or market it and while I did actually sell a lot of art there, I have no idea how! lol I didn’t know the questions to ask the manager or staff, and didn’t feel they really had those answers at the time. Nevertheless it was another step and a great opportunity!
My work has also been lovingly displayed the last few years in the very best pie shop in the entire world- Mixed Fillings owed by Chef Natasha Burton a supportive, vibrant, kind, beautiful loving human and friend.
Installed in various other locations and small businesses like Samson Physical Therapy at the beaches- (Dr. Delilah Beall) and around town, not really selling from these places, but loved and on display, space given to me by fellow women owned businesses who love me, my work and want to see me succeed.
You all know who you are, and I love you and appreciate you so very much!
Prior to ‘going public’ I did for years have a few things listed on sites like Etsy and Ebay when it was a thing… is it still a thing? lol. I also created commission pieces for friends and family and sold pieces in my driveway or garage sales.
When I finally decided to take my work out in front of people, I promised myself I’d do at least one thing every single day to support my art and small business. And I have kept that promise.
I was determined to push through the discomfort of social anxiety and imposter syndrome and just do it- I was also still working for a local catering and event company in Jacksonville, so I juggled art events and weddings for a good while.
Eventually, I resigned from the catering company- after 16 years and making over 6 figures. To be honest the last 4 years there were painful, stressful and toxic and when I finally resigned, it felt like I could breath fresh air for the first time in a very long time.
In the years leading up to full time art, markets were hit and miss. Sometimes I’d meet and connect to people and see many pieces sold and other times, I’d feel almost invisible. Impossible to count on an average and so many heartbreaking no sale days. In between markets and events, art sales on social media and commissioned artwork projects were pretty steady so I took the big leap and had faith.
I had NO IDEA what full time art would look like, nor any real idea of how I’d pay my bills and support my family. But I did know that no matter what, I was fully committed, willing to get hungry and work hard. This was my chance to believe in myself, my own work, practice self love and really go after my dreams relentlessly, tenaciously and full of delusion. I decided not to look for other employment or part time work to supplement my art income. I felt strongly that a part time job would delay my progress and create conflict.
It isn’t always easy, but the story behind it all is SO GOOD.
I met and became friends with so many wonderful vendors and guests and feel very grateful for the entire journey, all the ups, downs and sideways…. the moments and the memory’s.
In the last two and a half years I’ve also been invited to a few art galleries, and had few good experiences and a few not.
My work is currently on display at the Art Collective in Saint Augustine, now almost a year and it has been one of the best, most fulfilling and exciting times in my life. If you haven’t yet visited, be sure to add it to your list of things to do in your travels, it is a must see and you wont believe the incredible talent, over 27 local Saint Augustine and First Coast artists and owned, curated and managed by my wonderful friend and fellow artist Mare Martelli.
I retired from most markets this past December, having recognized that perhaps I had grown static, and maybe the problem wasn’t slow markets or my art…. but time for me to make big scary moves again and I wasn’t taking the hint. Redirection. Time to make BIG MOVES and be BRAVE.
Happy to report since letting go of markets, this year has been a much more successful year and its been so great to see all my hard work starting to really take shape and take off!
I’ve picked up teaching classes at The Art Room in Green Cove Springs, owned by my sweet and creative friend Heather Day and I also teach private parties.
And recently, one of my very favorite restaurants in all of Jacksonville- Biscotti’s, reached out to me to collaborate with them in their space. EEEEKKKKKK! Its all happening guys! How absolutely THRILLING! Can you imagine! YES I CAN!
Thoughts do become things, so make them good thoughts!
Between website sales, and social media, commissioned artwork, teaching, the gallery and annual events that I still participate in, I am one very busy, very happy, artist!
Lady Gaga said once “when people see your work and compliment it- instead of just saying thank you, we should respond -Thank you, I worked very hard on it, and I know its great” Our own confidence and love of our work is more important than anything else. You have to be your biggest fan!
So hang tight. Stay focused. Keep pushing and learning and trying and don’t give up!
On the other side of it all is such a great story, and the hardest parts, the climb, the grit and grime and sleepless nights, end up being the very best parts! The chapters that inspire and help others along the same path.
Cheers to faith, self love and just enough delulu to get the job done!
Finally, thank you all, especially my mama, for all of your love and support. I’m so thankful your here with me!
