I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Windsor in 2001 and landed my first full-time permanent job as a Receptionist with a local manufacturing company. Not being aware of the full range of possibilities I could pursue in life (or not having the confidence to do so), I climbed the corporate ladder eventually assuming the position of Purchasing Supervisor. I often felt unhappy and stagnant, and during much soul searching, decided to paint a mural on one of the bare white walls in my apartment. "Kristopia" depicted an imaginary land I might flee to for a day if I could. "Ocean of Emotion" (an underwater land of fantasy) was created shortly thereafter. I came to learn that painting was therapeutic. It was an escape from phone calls and emails, fruitless relationships, disagreements with friends, and everything else I was unhappy with in life. I found the creative process to be very fulfilling and loved the finished product so much that I couldn't help but fantasize about people who were lucky enough to be creative for a living. I dreamt non-stop about how to make this happen. Not wanting to be a starving artist, I thought about other things I might enjoy that I could combine with this newfound interest.
I decided that one day I wanted to open a store where everything was handmade, unique, or one-of-a-kind. I have always been interested in fashion and admired women like Gwen Stefani who were able to confidently express their eccentric style. I loved the idea of making clothes that weren't mainstream and wearing a custom outfit that no one else owned. I decided that I wanted to learn how to sew and asked a good friend from work if she would assist me. She kindly agreed, and I cannot thank her enough. After two months of weekly lessons, I finally finished my first garment (a seafoam green, crushed velvet top with long bell-bottom sleeves). My friend was able to make the same top in one evening. I envied her speed and accuracy and strived to be as proficient as she was. She told me that the best thing to do was to buy a sewing machine - and like anything else - practice makes perfect. I remember spending hours on outfits that never turned out, but I didn't let it discourage me. Within a year, I wore a pantsuit I created to the company Christmas party and received many compliments. People were asking where I bought such a great piece, and later telling me that I should be creating things for a living. At this moment, I knew that one day I would. It just seemed so far out of reach.
Thoughts about my dream consumed me. I loathed the corporate life despite the fact that I did well in my position. I craved the ability to make my own decisions and to be able to put all of my energy into my creative outlets. I scoped out commercial properties and had visions of buying a building where I could set up a studio and reside upstairs all while setting my own hours, avoiding the morning commute, and fabricating my own success as opposed to making a Board of Directors rich. I knew it was unlikely that my ideas would fly in the industrialized city I currently lived in, so I looked at other areas. One (somewhat random) day I decided to take the plunge. I told my Plant Manager that I was no longer able to put forth the required effort. The day after leaving the company I put my house on the market. A few hours later, I was offered my asking price. I believe that the Universe has a way of setting things up for you if you are willing to do the work and this venture definitely felt "meant to be".
With just over a month until the closing date, I started seriously considering where I was going to move. I drove to Port Stanley for the day and immediately fell in love with the atmosphere, the people, all of the little shops and galleries, the beach … what was not to like? Moving from a 3-bedroom house to a 1-bedroom apartment was quite an adjustment, but it was a necessary sacrifice. That was 2 years ago (almost to the day at the time of writing this) and I haven't looked back. I now channel my energy into my products, apply everything I have learned about business to my own, and use my purchasing experience to find wonderful fabrics and other supplies at the lowest possible cost.
I have absolutely no regrets about pursuing my dream. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience that I would not reverse for anything. Your life is your own. You don't have to live the life you have if you don't like it. Everyone has the power to change his or her destiny. The world is full of opportunities waiting to be explored. If you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done. But don't expect your life to change if YOU won't.
I would like to give a special thanks to my closest friends (you know who you are) who have supported my ideas, motivated and encouraged me, and assisted me in getting to where I am now. To those who offered negative advice - I thank you as well - your nay saying attitude gave me all the more reason to persevere and prove you wrong.
