Dreams can become reality

Authenticity: genuine, truth, faithfulness

I seek to live my life with authenticity. This means to be the best version of who I am and to appreciate the best version of those around me for who they are.

When I was in college, I couldn't decide which passion to follow (or maybe I couldn't decide who I was). I have always been an artist. I love the creative process, I love making beautiful things, and I appreciate watching how others create things for the sake of creating. But I'm also a businessperson by nature. Creating a process of bringing something to a customer and turning that supply and demand into a win for both parties always thrills me. So I majored in both Fine Arts and Business Administration. Every semester, I split the load between both fields, and this created harmony and balance for me that was both stimulating and satisfying. This life felt genuine and whole.

After college I went to work for the family business, Specialty Tool & Machine. We are a custom manufacturer of machined and fabricated goods. I've had the privilege of working there with my dad, one of my greatest influences and valuable teachers. I've had the opportunity to play a lot of roles and learn the day to day mechanics of how to run a business. After working in accounting, implementing an ERP, serving project management and special projects, and acting on the board of directors, now I head up Business Development (sales). What an opportunity for experience, growth and prosperity!

But this career left a big hole in my life.... ART.
I've missed the congruity that comes with living with my foot in both the structured, logical world of business, and the free flowing, rule-breaking world of the creative arts. When I was younger, I envisioned an establishment I would have one day, where I would be surrounded by beautiful, handcrafted items, where I could connect with other creative souls, and where I could bring beauty to the lives of others. I fantasized about creating a structure that was solid and profitable, but connected me to the artistry of creating for the sense of expression and aesthetics.

As the years rolled past, this vision was neglected, and I was caught up in the business and pressures of making a living and a life. But the hole was eating away at me and a time came when I realized that it must be filled. I remembered my vision with a new enthusiasm, drive and passion. I committed to myself last year that it was time to make my dream a reality.

And then I struggled.
I was filled with anxiety. How could I do this? I have a successful career, and an important role for my family's and co-workers' stability and prosperity. I have commitments and obligations to fulfill. I couldn't leave this to become an art gallery owner. Yet, I knew that would make me so happy! I had no idea how to reconcile this conflict.

I believe that the universe will provide for you. What you seek, you will attract. Your AUTHENTICITY is THE MOST DIRECT ROUTE.

Last fall, at my 10 year high school reunion, I had a chance to reconnect with many friends that I hadn't seen in a decade. As I mingled and chit-chatted, I conversed with a quiet girl that I had always found beautiful, sweet and interesting. Mary Le had recently quit her job at a bank to focus on her jewelry line, Misobel Creations, and was wondering what her next step in life would be. Our meeting suffused my consciousness for a few months before I realized that she could be a perfect partner to make my dream come true. So after 10 years of silence, we met and I laid out my ambitions and a proposal for her to join me. This would allow me to stay at the family business and launch my new venture. To my exhilaration, she accepted! In fact, just the day before, her husband had woke her to share a dream he had of her working in a boutique in Louisville.

We spent the next months planning, planning and planning. The final business plan is over 100 pages! Slowly, the dream became something real. Step by step, it has fallen into place. Finally, as we applied for financing and scouted locations, the storefront that had long been my inspiration suddenly became available for lease. Even though it was about a month ahead of schedule, we knew we had to take it.

So here we are, making a dream come true, opening a gallery-boutique at a break-neck speed.
I've never worked so hard! 15+ hour days, 7 days a week to keep up with my full time job at Specialty Tool and get this business off the ground. But I've never felt happier, more excited, and as balanced as I do now to be creating this reality. It helps that I have a bountiful network of loving friends and family to encourage, support and assist. As well as an amazing business partner to share the experience! Thank you for sharing the story of my happiness. I'll use this blog to share all about the experience of living out a dream, and the peace and delight that comes with creating a reality of authenticity.