we did it

With Mallory and I launching our recent project, Chevvy & Ron’s this week – I found it suiting to start this blurb with an inspirational quote, by none other than the fabulous Walt Disney. The past couple of weeks have been quite a whirlwind of fun and excitement. A week ago today, we officially opened our Etsy shop and made our big announcement on Facebook. We are both thrilled at the positive encouragement we’ve received, along with the many orders that have already been placed! It’s a new exciting journey, one we’ve both dreamed about for years. With our first week drawing to an end, I figured it’d be a great time to tell you what’s motivated me to branch out and follow my dreams.

Growing up, I loved to color and paint – pens, crayons, colored pencils, water paint, chalk, and markers were some of my favorites, basically anything with color. Fortunately, my parents constantly encouraged my creativity and let me express it through my art and clothes. Over the years, I held many miscellaneous jobs that utilized my creativity – including face painting dressed as a scarecrow (that’s a story for another day & oh was I a sight!), pre-k craft teacher, and kids camps. Therefore, when deciding I’d focus my college studies on PR, I knew I’d eventually desire a job that inspired and utilized my creative talents.

Since I was younger (too young to remember the exact time), I began painting for family and friends. Mostly custom orders here and there. Sometimes I painted with purpose, sometimes I painted for sheer pleasure. For me, painting was a hobby – not a career or business option. However, dreams being dreams – I dreamed of one day utilizing my talent for other’s enjoyment. (I might not can sing or dance, but I’ve got a serious relationship with my paint brushes.)

I’d be lying if I didn’t confess that Mallory and I had many, many conversations about joining together for a business option, but it just never happened. Lots of “one days” and excuses filled our conversations. We lived too far away from each other. We didn’t have time. The timing wasn’t right. Who (if anyone) would purchase our products? It’d be easy to say we lacked courage, but that was really just a bump in the road. There were lots of reservations. We’re both pretty fearless. However, fear may have been an inhibitor.

After years of casual “we should do it” conversations, we finally did it. With support from our husbands, encouragement from my family and hers, motivation from friends, and lots of dedication, brainstorming, and hard work – we did it! Two weeks ago, we decided to take a leap of faith. A faith that in one week has provided many blessings.

In one week, we’ve spread the word. We received several custom orders, reached 200+ fans on Facebook, and painted like Picasso, van Gogh, da Vinci, and Michelango – okay, more like amateurs but we’re working! And, we’re doing what we both enjoy! Hopefully, we’ll stay busy with orders and our business will continue to grow. We both feel so blessed by the immediate and oh-so-positive feedback we’ve already received. With courage (and the Lord’s blessing), we are making our dreams come true.

So from me to you, thank you for all of your support and encouragement through this blog, Facebook, Twitter, and now Etsy! I read your comments and savor your compliments; it’s you that keeps me motivated. Now, if you’d like to purchase a custom creation from Chevvy & Ron’s (by me & Mallory) or you’d just like to look around – go ahead and click here! We’d love to create something personal just for you.

I’m ending this blurb the way I began, with a quote – this one by C.S. Lewis.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

With all of this “dream big” mojo, I hope you feel inspired to follow your dreams. Do you have big dreams? What’s holding you back from shooting for the stars? Whatever it may be, I challenge you to let go. Embrace courage and pursue your dreams. Oh and don’t forget to share them with me!