I’m not sure what the weather is like wherever you’re reading this, but where I am, spring has definitely sprung. Like every Spring, I feel myself slowly turning towards the sun, thawing out from the harshness of winter. Maybe it’s the weather, or the metaphorical symbolism of new beginnings, but I’ve found myself feeling increasingly grateful going into the new season.
This week, I’ve been thinking about my current business and how far both I and my studio team have come. It wasn’t too long ago that I was still trying to get coloring pages into coffee shops, and now there’s a whole team developed to support this. It leaves a feeling that we're building something with a really strong foundation. I mean, it’s only March, and we’re already strategizing what to put the brakes on due to a busy year!
There was a time where the studio being an active and dynamic place was just dreaming. From starting Play with Pigments in Alaska, then re-locating all over the world with Patrick, I’ve often had to be strategic with how I marketed my work since we didn’t plant roots for very long. I still loved that we traveled so much, but traveling also doesn’t allow for me to build the way I have. In hindsight, I know this period of my life made me more adaptable, and pushed me creatively in how I got my work to be accessible. But I’m so grateful to build something more stable now. I have studio assistants, team members, and activities to look forward to.
I’m feeling very proud this week. Also a little nervous. But in a good way! Like I’m excited for what’s to come. Small things have been keeping me going throughout this process to remind me I’m on the right track. A sticker purchased here and there, a Short n’ Sweet piece bought, an espresso cup, the list goes on. I’m hoping the upward mobility continues throughout the year, and we only get stronger. The coldness of winter has been thawed by the spring, and so have I. I believe that we’ll be blooming soon, if we haven’t already.
Yours truly,
Makara