101010 Project part 1 is now finished

I really hope you were inspired by all these questions about running a creative business from us, 10 different women with different media of choice, experience and backgrounds.

It's so amazing to notice how we all see success differently for example.
Speaking of it, you can find all the ten answers to the question that was on my blog (Success in business is...) right here.
I advise you to go on the blog to see all the other questions (about collaboration, about struggle, about hope... and so much more !), just here.

Robin will be running two other sessions with other Flying Lessons alumni (and she has some really cool stuff in her sleeves about this project). Can't wait to learn from them, the next round will begin soon in a month: June 15 !
You can already meet the participants and find out the new questions.

If you missed some of the soulful goodness that has been shared, make sure and head over to the blog the holds ALL THE DETAILS on the project: CLICK HERE

101010 Project: me

It comes to an end, but not quite yet

I really hope you enjoyed what you've read for these 10 days and that you discovered new artists you now enjoy.

Here is my answer to the question I was assigned:

Success in business is defined as….

Success in business, for me, is defined as being able to be recognized as being an artist both by my pairs AND by myself.

Success in business is having happy customers that come back to order something else and talk positively about you and what you do.

I have signed up for Christy Tomlinson's new online class called Your Living Canvas, starting in a few weeks. And I know that one week will be dedicated to Balance. I can't wait for that !

101010 Project: Jan Avellana

Jan Avellana

Etsy shop: http://www.hazelnutcottage.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.hazelnutcottage.typepad.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/hazelnutcottage
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hazelnutcottage

Jan Avellana is a mixed-media artist with a passion for art making, books, deep conversations, and seaside adventures with her three favorite men (ages 5, 8 and 42). Jan spent the better part of her adult life trying very hard to be a grown-up with a traditional job. The birth of her two sons released her to follow her heart and reclaim the artist she has always been. In 2007, Jan created a line of silver hand stamped jewelry under the Hazelnut Cottage brand. Today, she revels in mixed-media messes, making heartfelt connections with others through art and words.

In print, you can find jan in “The Pulse of Mixed Media”, “Inside the Creative Studio”, “Artful Blogging, Winter 2011” and “ClothPaperScissors Studios”. In life, you can find her immersed in the studio or at the beach (with paint in her hair).

Success in business is defined as….
Hmmm…I’d say, that I define “success in business” as reaching your financial goals in a way that comfortably sustains the business, while engaging in meaningful work that is aligned with your personal values and goals. “Success in business” also means growing your business at a rate that allows you to maintain your sanity and avoids burnout. As indie artists, so many times we wear all of the hats and play all of the important business roles from accountant, to marketing specialist to artist, so having a successful business also means having enough down time to just be a normal human-being instead of having to work around the clock to get it all done.

Please, go there to find the other blogs and read the other questions/answers

101010 Project: Sonya McCllough

Sonya McCllough

http://www.sonyamacdesigns.com
https://www.facebook.com/sonyamacdesigns
https://twitter.com/#!/sonyamacdesigns
http://www.youtube.com/user/sonyamacdesigns

Years in Business = 12

Brief Bio:
I’m this crazy JESUS loving creative … with 2 children living smack in the middle of Tennessee. The seeds of my creativity were watered with knitting needles, yarn and nine kittens on a rock covered patio in the mid sixties. Today, we hold the fort down with a few less kittens (3) … and thankfully my creative edge remains in tact. I’m often inspired by some odd ball stuff & compelled to create by the sweet whispers of the HOLY Spirit. An idea generator am I. Creative collaboration is a sweet spot with me and many have locked creative hands with me to work on projects like The Bond & Respond Quilt project of 2010, Inspired Studios Magazine & The Creative Biz Marathon. My service to HIM in the body of the church currently is that of Women’s Ministry Coordinator, Southeast Baptist Church Murfreesboro TN.

Success in business is defined as ….
Success in business to me is defined as my life (offline & online) & my business both reflect a single objective. Which is to inspire others with words & images.

Please, go there on the other blogs to find the other questions/answers

101010 Project: Jean Simrose

Jean Simrose

Blog: www.jeansimrose.typepad.com
Etsy shop: www.jeansimrose.etsy.com

Brief Bio:
I was born and raised in Canada in a very creative family. We were encouraged to work with our hands and pursue creative hobbies. My sisters and I were taught to sew, knit and crochet at a young age. I liked to design clothes and jewelry to go with them.

My careers were varied and diverse. I was a hairdresser. I worked as an administrative assistant for an oil company while my two sons were growing up. After they moved out on their own I went back to university and became a social worker. I worked with people with disabilities and mental illnesses for many years. Art and crafts became therapy and a way to connect with my clients. I facilitated support groups and encouraged my clients’ creativity and skills as well as developing my own.

In 2005 I remarried and moved to the Seattle area. I took a Silversmithing course offered at a local college. I made jewelry as gifts for family and friends and as I learned new techniques my inventory increased. I started my blog and an on-line Etsy shop in 2009. Since then I have enjoyed participating in art and craft fairs in the U.S. and Canada. I love connecting with new people and expanding my knowledge of this very diverse craft.

I hope people enjoy my jewelry as much as I enjoy making it.

Success in business is defined as….
Success in business for me is being financially secure while I’m doing something I love. I need to feel like I’m appreciated and that I inspire others. Art and crafts have always been a way for me to connect with people. When I worked as a mental health social worker I facilitated a support group for my clients to teach them ways to relax. I taught them different art projects; I watched them express themselves creatively and become passionate about something. It gave me a sense of accomplishment in my work. Unfortunately working in the mental health field is very stressful in other ways and causes a lot of social workers to “burn out”. Before I did that I decided to pursue other avenues to get what I needed to feel successful. I want to be sought after for my jewelry, to be respected in the industry and be inspired and feel fulfilled by my work. I also need to feel as though I am contributing in some small way and teaching other helps me to do that. I have a long way to go to accomplish my goals but I’m enjoying the journey!

Please, go there to find the other blogs and read the other questions/answers