One of the most rewarding things to me about being a designer/creator/brain-storming machine with some technical skills is this: Creativity is what you make of it. A couple years ago, I began a side business I call "Z as in Zebra". I create handmade books and designer cakes and although it's nice to make some extra money, that's not the main reason behind what I do. Whether I make a dime or not, whether someone loves my wares or not, whether my baked goods look more like biscuits or bricks, all that really matters to me is the process of creating. It's liberating.
So liberating, in fact, that I'm taking steps to improve my business and get my name out there more. I'm being more intentional about building a strong base now so that my dreams are easier to reach in the future. My #1 dream is to someday be a stay-at-home mom (perhaps even a homeschoolin' one!) who still finds joy in creating handmade things that bless other people.
By now, you're probably wanting me to put my money where my mouth is. :) So...to satisfy your curious minds, here are some snapshots of some of the work I've done.
If you want to see more (or if you want details on how you can get your very own custom journal or cake!), check out Z as in Zebra. Through the process of building my business, I've learned that my dreams may not necessarily make me rich, but chasing them does make me happy! And that makes it all worth it!
Do you enjoy making things? What do you create? Why do you love it?
ABBI
I do love to make things! Mostly I like to make baby slings and Christmas stockings, but I'm branching out into other areas too. I am actually designing a dress right now. We'll see how it goes. I like the satisfaction of knowing I did something and I love to give the things I make to others and see their faces. I made pajama pants for my kids for Christmas and they still love wearing them! I also like to cook, I'm not very good at baking, maybe because its too precise. I'm kinda eclectic and just like to throw things together. So yeah, I like to make stuff!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I'd love to see some of the stuff you've sewn! (SOOO not my forte!) Do you follow patterns or do you just jump in there with your eclectic taste and skills? :)
ReplyDeleteI love making things and I always have, even if I'm not so good at it.
ReplyDeleteAli has done the same thing with hair clips!
Oops, here's the link to the book:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Live-What-You-Love-Unusual/dp/B000VTPF64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238018830&sr=8-1
I think you would love this book. Meant to mention it the other nite when you were here, but forgot. They even talk about cake making in it. :) And um, well, you know my heart and your heart agree on all you've written here. Enough said, or I'll go on forever.
ReplyDeleteI make my own patterns. Sometimes I just kind of cut and put it together. It happens like it happens!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to you expanding. Praying to be a customer for a long time!!
ReplyDeleteWish I was close enough for your yummy backed goods!!