I recently finished reading the book “In the Company of Women” by Grace Bonney, an inspirational book filled with advice from over 100 women in the creative world. The book features women from different walks of life, from chefs and writers to illustrators, actors, interior designers, musicians, artists and many more. I was thoroughly impressed by the level of inclusivity demonstrated in this book, as I saw women who I could personally identify with throughout each page no matter what the profession. As Grace states in the book “My goal with In the Company of Women is to provide motivating and relatable examples of all kinds of women running their own businesses, so that any woman, anywhere, can open to a page and see herself reflected.” In my opinion, Grace far exceeded that goal when curating this book.
Since I saw myself reflected in so many of these women, it inspired me to take a moment and personalize some of the questions they were asked. As a creative still in the process of learning and discovering my voice, I felt it would be rewarding for me to share my insight. I hope to one day be in the company of some of these inspiring women and for others to use my personal experience as motivation to pursue their own creative endeavors.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I distinctly remember wanting to do something related to art growing up. When I was 10 or 11 I wrote that I wanted to be a graphic designer, photographer, or artist. Since rediscovering those writings, I’ve made it a lifelong goal to revive that creative spirit that lives inside.
I admire their ability to overcome doubt and fear and push through it.
At what point in your life did you first learn about your field of work? What called you to it?
I don’t remember when I first learned about Web design and Graphic design but I do remember the first time I was introduced to Lettering. For our final projects in my typography class, we were assigned to draw our own typeface. I remember being very intimidated and unsure about the assignment because of my underdeveloped drawing skills. I got an A on the assignment in the end but put that experience to the side. Fast forward to 2016, I needed a way to go back to doing the things I loved creatively. I already had a longing to draw from a very early age and had developed a great appreciation for graphic design during my time in college. Lettering became a way for me to add more personality to my work and that is what I’ve been striving to improve since then.
What does success mean to you?
Success means making a living by doing what I love every single day! That is my overall goal in everything that I do. I want to be my own boss someday and be a part of a growing number of self-reliant people in the world. I want to wake up every day contributing to something bigger than myself while keeping a roof over my head and living life in a simple manner.
In moment of self-doubt or adversity, how do you build yourself back up?
Write in my journal and purge my thoughts on paper. I pray, meditate, and also reach out to friends as they are my support system.
What quotation inspires and motivates you to be yourself and do what you love?
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Arthur Ashe
What does the world need more of? Less of?
More compassion and humanity. Less corporate greed.
Which of your traits are you most proud of?
My empathy towards others.
Name a fear or professional challenge that keeps you up at night?
I fear that I won’t succeed in my creative endeavors and all my hard work won’t yield the results I hope it will. I know I am still early in the game but I still can’t help but fear an outcome that hasn’t even happened.
What would you tell yourself ten to twenty years ago that you wish you knew then?
Stop comparing yourself to others and invest your time and energy in building yourself up. Other people’s talents and strengths are not a reflection of what you are capable of doing.
Name a woman (or women), past or present, whom you admire or look up to.
There are a number of women I admire for example Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Elizabeth Gilbert to name a few. To me, these women are examples of people who persevered in times of hardship and did not give up! I admire women who exhibit those types of traits.