If Maria Shriver can do it so can I. We as women have a lot to say, and we need to get it out. The power of our voice should be heard and acknowledged. It has taken me a lifetime to be able to do this, and I am so grateful to be able to speak my mind now and have support. My community that inspires me and makes me work harder everyday is primarily women and women-owned companies. We just have the best ideas!
When I first started KTH Kitchen, I threw myself out there and wrote about things I believed in, some very personal. Sharing is how we all learn. It does us no good to sit and hoard our ideas and thoughts. Communication is how we grow, not just in relationships but in our careers. If we communicate our ideas to one another sometimes great things can happen. I have learned to trust my instincts and my style and go with the flow. You never know where it may take you.
For instance, I set out to be a food photographer, not really knowing anything about it but super excited to learn. I took pictures in my own artsy style and one day someone asked me to be a stylist. Without hesitation I said yes, then went home and panicked. As it turns out it was one of the best days of creating and working with other talents. I met some wonderful people I still work with today, and it inspired me to add stylist to my resume.
Years ago, I worked as a fine art photographer, and I had very much a tunnel vision of my career, and I refused to stray from the path I thought I should be on. Turning down opportunities because they didn’t fit the model of what I thought an artist timeline should look like. While I had success, I felt like I could have had so many other moments along the way that would have fulfilled me. In this new career path I am on now I am leaving myself open to what may come. Just this week I was asked to do a cooking demo. Me? Ok, I am up for it. I came up with a plan to include some styling tips, so I can keep it relevant to what I am doing. The bottom line is don’t turn down an opportunity just because it doesn’t fit the mold. Life is about experiences and challenges and becoming a whole person because of them.
While the times we are living in can be challenging for women, there are still so many doors that are opening, and we have much more respect than before. As we move forward, we must stay strong to our commitments to conquer whatever our hearts desire. One of the things that makes me so happy is seeing women in careers they truly love. If we are spending our days being creative, sharing and thoughtful than we are succeeding. Success isn’t always about money. It is about living a life that makes you happy and fulfilled. Stay true to your passions, and the rest will follow.