Crafting a creative career --- is best with girlfriends!

Last night my beloved friend Lisa Galvin came to spend the night (on her way to a rubber stamping convention! Photo from her Carol Duvall taping.) Six years ago we met at a craft/hobby tradeshow. Now, at tradeshows, we often share a room and travel together. She is a wonderful friend, a trusted advisor and a talented designer. We, along with Katie Hacker (another great designer and author) have a mastermind group where each month we update each other on our goals and accomplishments, as well as share our challenges and advice.

In the past six years, Lisa, Katie and I have 'worn many, MANY hats.'
* Lisa began as a designer, started publishing designs in magazines and books, did a couple books (see below), took leadership positions in creative designer organizations and now reps craft products to stores in several states.
* Katie worked for a publisher in the craft industry, went freelance and did lots of books (a few of hers below) as well as magazines, published a creative newsletter, demos, is a regular on PBS (Beads, Baubles and Jewels) teaches and develops products. She specializes in beading. (She is busy - especially with sweet little Lily!)
* I went from a career in corporate marketing into the craft industry as a designer, TV demo'er (Carol Duvall/HGTV, DIY and Shop at Home; plus QVC, PBS, A.C. Moore), wrote for magazines/books, authored a book, published an industry newsletter, and did marketing and product development for dozens of companies in the craft industry. Like I said, we've worn MANY hats.

Why do I tell you all that? Well, we crafty women need to follow our passion. We can't help it! You can craft a creative career. Look at all the others who have done it before - that's proof! Follow your passion. Live and work blissfully. Go for it! And encourage other creative women along the way! Creative and supportive girlfriends are the best!

Lisa & Katie's Books: