ENTERPRISE + INITIATIVE Page 7 of 10

Featured in Where Women Create!

Where Women Create - cover

I have just got back from Boston (more on that soon!) where I was thrilled to walk into major bookstore Barnes & Noble and find the latest copy of Where Women Create, with a 10-page Do What You Love feature in it! It is always such a special moment when you see your writing and photography in a magazine, and especially when the publication is as beautiful as WWC. I have long loved this magazine, and am truly honoured to be included.

Featured in Where Women Create! WWC DWYL

In this article I shared my experience of spending six months in Japan, where I was surrounded by inspiration, and had luxurious time to think, but was without my studio all that time. I talk about how I came to realise that you can be creative anywhere, and sometimes it is worth leaving behind all the bits and pieces of a full studio to head out into the world and create wherever you are. It was quite an unusual article for a magazine which is filled with stunning photos of women’s physical studios and creative spaces all over the world, so I must send my grateful thanks to Jo Packham for including it, and recognising that a creative space can be different things to different people, and different for each of us at different moments in our lives. When I was in Japan my creative spaces ranged from temple gardens and paper factories to the riverbank and a bamboo forest.

You can download the first two pages of the article below, but I would encourage you to get the whole magazine if you can (from Stampington here), because it is filled with inspiring articles and delicious eye candy.

Download the first two pages here: BethNicholls_WWC0213

PS A four-page sneak peek of my new column (co-authored with Kelly Rae Roberts) from the new publication Where Women Create Business was included in the back of this issue of Where Women Create. What a treat and a lovely surprise!

Thought for the week (5)

Dreams

This is really really true. Are you taking steps to build your own dream or are you spending all your energy building someone else’s? This doesn’t mean you have to be an entrepreneur – it just means you have to know what your OWN dream is, and be sure you are spending your limited resources working towards that!

Where Women Create Business

Where Women Create Business - cover

Don’t you just wish there was a magazine which shared business insights from creative women, along with practical advice, real stories and inspiration… as well as being beautiful? Well now there is!

Where Women Create Editor-in-Chief Jo Packham and Stampington have just launched Where Women Create Business.  I am thrilled to have been invited to co-author a column with Kelly Rae Roberts (featuring gorgeous photos from Tracey Clark). The first issue is out now, and our first column is in it!

You can download the first two pages of our six-page article for free here: hellosoul_WWB0113

Where Women Create Business pg1 2

In this first of our four-part series we talk about the importance of understanding WHY you are doing what you do. As it says in the opening paragraph:

“Just as our individual lives become soulful when filled with purpose and passion, we believe businesses are also living, breathing things that thrive when infused with these powerful elements. We believe in abundance — that you can achieve your dream, and when you do you’ll inspire every inch of your life and all those touched by it. Nurturing a successful, soulful business — however large or small — can transform you into an influential leader and make you a force for positive change in the world. It can be one of the most exciting and rewarding things you will ever do; however, it can also be one of the toughest. It can be stressful, complicated, frustrating, and risky, especially if you take a traditional approach. We are proposing a whole new way of building a smart, soul-based business, which is the opposite of how most businesses are shaped.”

The magazine is available from Barnes & Noble, Costco and other major magazine sellers across the US, or via international subscription direct from Stampington. This first issue features all sorts of fascinating articles, insight and entrepreneurial inspiration – from Amy Butler talking about working with your husband, to Nancy Soriano guiding you through the book publishing maze. I think you are going to love it!

Teaching what I love: shared story by Eileen Nishi

Teaching what I love: shared story by Eileen Nishi DWYL BLOG SHAREDSTORIES 650X250PX LR

Today’s shared story comes from Eileen Nishi, a photographer based in the USA, who has made some bold choices to allow her to do what she loves. Eileen was one of the first people to share their story, back in March 2011 soon after we launched the series. You can read her original post here. She is back to tell us how her story has unfolded since then. This story is a testament to what can happen when you truly commit to something you are passionate about.

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Why taking a sabbatical can be good for business

Beth outside temple - Japan

‘Working’ in the grounds of Honpoji Temple, Kyoto [image: Takeshi Kohari] 

I have recently got back from a six month ‘sabbatical’ in Japan. When I headed out there I was determined to get a change of pace in my work and home life. There were many business-related reasons to go, but in order to make it happen I had to put the brakes on some projects, let go of others, take on freelance support and really take a step back from the craziness that had gone before. But the results have been surprising.

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How I strategise these days

How I strategise these days sky3

Next to the river,

on a bench,

staring up at the sky,

eagles wheeling overhead,

gentle breeze blowing

and the lazy sound of a saxophone drifting past.

This is where I hold my strategy meetings these days.

Who says you need to be in an office?

It’s not where you are that counts, it’s what you are thinking…

Finalist in Digital Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2012!

Digital Entrepreneur Awards finalist logo

Wow, I don’t know what to say! I have been shortlisted as a Finalist for the Digital Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2012 in the Education Entrepreneur category! Previous winners include maverick greetings card site FunkyPigeon.com and British retail giant Sainsbury’s.

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Handmade fair at Kamigamo Shrine

Handmade fair at Kamigamo Shrine kam5

Ceramics by Sanchagamo

It’s like the best Etsy treasury ever, live, in the grounds of a beautiful shrine!” That’s how Hannah described the handmade fair at Kamigamo Jinjya.

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Treasured words

pattern

Digitally manipulated ‘Painterly’ by Ange Yake

Recently Rachael Taylor and I wrapped up Module 3 of The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design, and celebrated with our first cohort of graduates! We are so proud of them all – as they go out into the world of professional design, we have already celebrated licensing deals, features in books, launches of new studios, exhibitions at top trade shows and top prizes in national design competitions. We cannot wait to see what is next for them!

Perhaps even more importantly, we have seen the impact it has had on people’s lives. Here are some of the testimonials our class have shared:

“Life changing and inspiring. This course should be included in the 5 year plan of anyone who is interested in a career in Surface Pattern Design!”

“This course teaches you what is really important to become a surface pattern designer. It provides the overview you don’t have as a beginner, full of incredible insider tips and fun exercises, that keep you going. If you only manage to do a third of its content, it’ll change your life!”

“It’s a course that gave me all the information and inspiration I need to make my dreams come true. Now it only depends on me!”

“Amazing! Life-changing and addictive.”

“If you’ve always wondered how to get your art and designs on home goods, wallpaper, clothing, etc, this is the course that helps you achieve this dream.”

“Yesterday I said to friend: “This was the best thing I have done in years”.”

“It is intense and very exciting, inspiring and stimulating.”

“You poured yourselves into this. Every thought and consideration was made. The course was full of personality and passion and I can’t believe how much Rachael shared. It was beautifully designed, communicated really well, and really well managed. I really couldn’t have made the life change that I have (given up my job! yikes) to follow my heart. This course has given me knowledge and confidence to get going. “

Treasured words Wendy+Kendall+Frutti+collection

Cute patterned motifs in ‘Frutti Collection’ by Wendy Kendall

“This course has blown my mind! I feel like I can take ownership of my own destiny. No one has ever said to me that I have a right to do this before! I have had some negative influences so I think that the positive energy that Rachael radiates and the way that the course is structured is the best part. I don’t have the words but above all this course is a bargain!! Nothing is missing…it’s perfect. It’s challenging enough to make you think and deal with stuff you would rather put aside (eg legal, finance, being pro-active, networking) and inspirational to get you creatively motivated. “

“The Art and Business of Surface Pattern design course has changed my life. It has provided me the opportunity to go after a long time dream. I have always been surrounded by design in my professional career but never formally trained. Now, I feel this course has provided me the necessary skills and opportunities to make my dream a reality. Rachel and Beth, thank you so much for creating an amazing course.”

“This course helped me gain confidence, as an artist and a person I am very shy and have had many moments of doubting myself in the past. Sharing my work with other creative, kind and encouraging people helped me realize that I do have what it takes as long as I assert myself. If you are shy like myself I say take this course ! It has helped me so much, Rachael and Beth you really have created something very special. I am fully committed to working towards my dream and thanks to this course I am one step closer. “

“It’s full of vital information and a very strong support group. It’s a vital course to help give new surface pattern designers and ones that want to set up business the confidence to just go for it.”

Treasured words Dee McConville
Bold ‘Art Deco’ from Dee McConville

“Inspiring, full of detail and dedication, total value for money.”

“This is an INtense, INdepth, INspiring and FUN course about surface pattern design! Get IN! Not only is the coursework great but there are many opportunities to take advantage of that could open doors for you.”

“It has provided me with a structure to beginning my life as a freelance designer and going back to the basics of creating. It is so important to do all 3 modules if you can, because it gives you a real sense of community and support along with great advice and resources, links and things that I would never had found on my own. It’s a special journey designing your own way…but even more special to share!”

“Not only business facts, but an amazing insight into the industry, encouragement to seek out which path is right for you and the support you need to actually make it happen.

“Life changing! Content-rich, insightful and inspiring. Not just a course but a place to make friends.

Treasured words Rachael Bright

Layered ‘Blooming Day’ from Rachael Bright

“I just can’t thank you both enough for making this wonderful course happen. I wish there were another 3 modules. I would sign up now! It has been the best decision I ever made, completely invaluable to the start my business.”

“I honestly don’t think I could have made so much progress in a year had it not been for this course and the framework it provided me to get back into doing what I love. There are so many good things about it; it is so accessible – there is no snobbery; everyone is encouraged and nurtured no matter what stage they are at. There is so much invaluable information and insight, so many tips, realistic briefs and amazing live briefs and other opportunities.”

“I know several people who are unable to study surface pattern design at degree level because of financial and practical reasons. This course would definitely be an alternative route for them.”

“Being a self taught printer and homeware designer, the modules have given me the technical background and creative permission to believe in my potential and my future in this field. Thank you so much Rachael and Beth for showing us how to do what we love for life!”

“WAAAAAHHH. It’s over! I think the fact that you helped get our names out in the real world is an amazing aspect that I never anticipated. “

“This course should be added to every art degree syllabus!

“This course is the best thing that happened to me for years!!! I love the incredibly supportive, positive and motivating creative atmosphere! This is so rare. Thanks so much for your hard work behind the scenes and for sharing your knowledge with us. I’m on a mission to make this world more happy and beautiful now! “

“Thank you for being so thoughtful in every aspect. As I’m Brazilian, I found the audio transcripts really helpful! Thank you, you’re helping me to change my life for the better!

“I can only say how grateful I am for all the educational material, the links, the insights, the energy and the love I felt through the whole course. “

“LOVED IT!! The course has empowered me to start my own business and makes me excited about what the future holds. “

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If you want to join us for the next module (Module 2 Creating your professional identity) you’d better be quick! Find out more and register here.