Cheers to fourteen years…

Another year. It seems to come before I even recognize it. That date on the calendar celebrates another year and yet it happens while I am busy wearing all the hats and doing all the things that one needs to do while being a solopreneur,  it seems to happen almost without notice. 

Reflecting, I am proud that this business is fourteen years old. I have been in the art (business) world for a long time. I have learned and dabbled, but this one was different,  this one seemed to have all the right stuff. From the very beginning, I dedicated this business to honoring all of who I am. Artist, writer, socially conscious human, cheerleader, facilitator, and well, you get the idea. I wanted to make a difference here. I wanted to share my work and share the work of others too. I am proud that I have highlighted the work of literally hundreds of artists. I am honored to have facilitated countless workshops and other events that have had an impact. I am delighted that I have been able to pay it forward in a variety of ways, through workshops for those being treated for breast cancer in honor of my mom, collecting items for women and children in need, creating blessing bags for the homeless, quarterly donations to several worthy charities, and more.

None of these accomplishments discuss all the things I have learned along the way or how I have grown as a human, as a businesswoman, and even as an artist. The changes that have occurred have been significant as well. I started as a traveling art exhibit. (think Tupperware parties for art), my goal was to find a brick-and-mortar within five years, (I found one within two)- spent the next eight years at the Hungerford in the city of Rochester, New York before moving to the Piano Works Mall in East Rochester, New York.  (oh and I opened a greeting card company too!) #Greetings4Good

While it may be unpopular to discuss the hard times it is important to share all the things. By virtue that I am still in business at fourteen years is perhaps evidence enough to prove I have navigated the difficulties.  I have never pretended to be an expert, only driven and dedicated. I am very guilty of overcommitting, of trying to do it all, of thinking I CAN do it all. I have struggled with most things most artists in business struggle with. Let’s not even discuss global pandemics, health issues, big events in my family- including loss and incredible celebrations. 

What I celebrate today is fourteen years of courage to follow my heart.  I have certainly experienced incredible joy, fatigue, victory, stress, and (SO MUCH) more. Taking a moment to recognize this I will continue on. I’ll do my very best to share the love and beauty of this life.

Let’s see what the next year brings!

Thanks for staying close, for supporting me, and for your own grand cheerleading skills!

Sending so much love!

Susan