The day I became an "artist artist"...2019

So I never considered myself a skilled artist. I suppose defining an artist is subjective and that works in my favor. I remember working in my newly set up craft room in my apartment, wondering how I would create all these designs I have how would I market them and sell them and so on. I had so many ideas, so many questions and I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. So I just continued to write down my ideas and goals. Prayed a lot and hoped everything would come together.

Did I mention I did a lot of praying! I really didn’t know what else to do, but pray. I was so nervous about actually showcasing my work and I actually cared about the opinions of others when it came to my interest and passions. I HAD TO LET THAT GO!! It takes a lot of courage to openly reveal to others your talents and the things you are most passionate about (well for me anyway).

I do not have any professional artistry background or years of extensive training in a particular craft, I just like to use my hands and I am passionate about creating from “scratch”.

As I stated in my “Moments In Time” blog post I had a lot to learn about perseverance and my personal drive and I had to figure out what I wanted to gain from my new hobbies. Practicing and learning new skills was never to just gain extra income, I have always had a deep reverence for figuring out what makes me happy and brings me inner joy. So fast forward to July 11, 2019 I had my first Art Show and I was so proud of myself for making it that far and really pushing past my fears and anxieties.

I only had 30 pieces of jewelry that night and I was so worried that I didn’t have enough product and I ended up selling all 30 pieces!! (I still feel in awe about that). My table cloth was a repurposed wall tapestry from home, my backdrop was wrapping paper from Dollar Tree and our seats were 2 ottomans we brought from home to double not only as seats but as storage for the rest of my supplies for that night. Always use what you have and get creative with supplies you have at home. I remember setting up my booth in my living room the day before so that I could see how I wanted to set up when I got there. I was so excited for that opportunity.

I remember I had the smallest table/booth there that night, but man did I have a great time and lots of people visited my table and were so kind and interested in my jewelry and even some of my handmade planners. I didn’t have everything I wanted to present, but I showed what I had and I was proud of my journey and the people that supported me. My friends and family really showed out by purchasing tickets from me early and although I didn’t sell all my tickets to pay for my booth rent, I decided to go anyway and used my own money to pay for the remaining balance for my spot in the show. The show was called The R.A.W Artist Showcase and it is held all over the country. My first RAW Artist show was held right here in Raleigh, NC, my home.

This journey is not easy and many people will not understand your vision or your goals and reasons for doing what you do, but just stay true to yourself and trust your process. Don’t compare your path with anything or anyone else and believe what you are doing because if you don’t it will be difficult to convince others of your vision. I hope that you are pushing through your setbacks and failures and continuing to strive for you dreams.

Remember to First Love Yourself, Honeigh!