So now for all the Stationery Academy goodness.
The event was in August, but I signed up back in February or
March. It seemed so far away at the
time, but the anticipation I felt leading up to the event was worth it. I
couldn’t wait to meet others in the industry whom I follow on Twitter and
Instagram (my new fave social media outlet), read their blogs, etc… I was a little intimidated, I must admit, but
my excitement helped me plow through those feelings to make way for great
things and great friendships to happen.
[sunning at by the Infinity Pool at Hotel Palomar Dallas]
After a little R&R I went up to my room only to be greeted with the cutest swag ever.
The event began with a light-hearted cocktail hour on Thursday evening followed by bags of more fun goodies! Great night, right? Well, that light atmosphere gradually progressed into a deep group conversation about our fears, our craziest dreams and our ‘purpose’. Although these topics were serious and not particularly ‘party conversation’ it was the reason I was there: to dig deep, to learn and to grow.
The next two days were filled with so many thoughts, tips
and lessons…my pretty Poppin pen (yes, more swag) couldn’t write fast enough. My head was constantly abuzz –
brainstorming and trying to wring out
the last little bit of energy I had left at the end of each session to finish
my homework (yes, tough, detailed homework!).
The workshop is organized by two amazing women: Whitney English and Natalie Chang. I cannot
even begin to tell you the wealth of knowledge and inspiration these two hold. (NOTE:
Just a little secret between you and me…not only are their brains
full…their hearts are too!) We began by
hearing their personal journeys, lessons they learned and how and why they want
to share their experiences.
[Natalie, Me, Whitney - I am a better person having met these two!]
It didn’t stop there, that was just Friday morning!
We also learned from more experts (i.e. more inspiration, information and...personality!):
Jennifer Faught of Something Detailed shared her experience at National Stationery Show and information about the wholesale industry.
Emily McCarthy gave an eye-opening presentation about defining our ‘Signature Style’. This is something I feel I struggle with, but now definitely have better insight and guidelines.
Rachel Shingleton of Pencil Shavings Studio shared her knowledge and gave wonderful, useful suggestions on blogging, running an online shop and kicking up the visual experience through better photography.
Sprinkled into this concentrated, but 100% beneficial
schedule was a little downtime and delicious dinners…with more swag.
One evening I managed to break away from the ‘paper party’
to check in on my family. My husband asked
if I ‘was having fun’. I thought for a
moment and responded that, yes, I was having fun, but it was a different kind
of fun. When you are learning about
something you love and something you are truly passionate about, all while being
surrounded by amazing people…how can you NOT have a great time? But it was more than that. I was also gaining valuable (or more like invaluable and priceless) knowledge and
confidence... even if I was exhausted and overwhelmed all at the same
time.
I arrived in Dallas as an intimidated woman running her
business solo and constantly shooting from the hip while hoping for the
best. I returned to Chicago from
Stationery Academy a confident woman who now has a vision, a plan, new goals
and rules not only for my business, but also for my 'self'. Even more than that, I am no longer flying
solo, I am a part of an amazing network of supportive women who are all in ‘the
same shoes’…each of us similar in so many ways, while still being so different
at the same time.
I gained more from this little weekend away than I could have hoped and the amazing thing is, the learning hasn’t stopped since I left. I have had phone calls, emails, Facebook messages supporting others with knowledge I have learned from my personal experiences… and I continue to receive the same from them in return. How can you ask for more than that?
The next session of
Stationery Academy is in February 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee – in case you
can’t tell…I HIGHLY recommend it! You
can learn more here. I would also be happy to answer any
questions you might have as well! Email me at [email protected]
Just wanna see more pictures of the swag? You can check out my instagram page or search #statacad to see all attendees’ photos as well.