A Creative Oasis™ class, a light bulb goes off, and Suzanne has a brand new creative career in the bag! (a groovy, handmade handbag, that is)

Suzanne Eisenhauer joined my “Welcome to Your Creative Oasis™” class last fall. She was searching for a creative career – a way to combine the wisdom gleaned by years of success in the corporate world with her desire for creative fulfillment. During the six weeks our group met, I watched as she absorbed the Kaizen–Muse® creativity coaching tools and techniques I introduced. I saw flashes of inspiration mixed with moments of frustration. (“When will I ever figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life?” Sound familiar?)

Welcome to Your Creative Oasis class in action

As you can imagine, I had one of those “oh-wow-I’d-do-a-back-flip-if-I-only-knew-how-and-wasn’t-terrified-of-the-idea” moments when I received an e-mail from Suzanne a few months after our final class with news of her fabulous new creative venture! SuzanneBag creates one-of-a-kind handbags using funky vintage fabrics and buttons with fun names inspired by pop culture of the 60’s and 70’s. One look at her brightly colored website and you know she’s having a blast pursuing her creative passion by creating these funky pop-culture purses!

I think my mom had a dress made out of this material in the 70's (that I coveted!)

Suzanne graciously agreed to an interview so you can hear her inspiring creative success story. If you’re asking yourself, “When will I ever figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life?” keep reading for tips and inspiration from someone who is living her creative dream.

What was your inspiration for creating SuzanneBag?

A friend in Hawaii has been making these wonderful colorful vintage fabric handbags for years. I always envied her job because it allowed her to be creative in the fabric choices and designs. The thought of doing something similar had never crossed my mind, even though she had told me I had a wonderful eye for vintage fabrics. 

After struggling for nearly a year trying to decide what I wanted to do “with the rest of my life,” my husband said, “You have an eye for beautiful things, have you ever considered making handbags?” Strangely enough, it was only then that the light bulb went off in my brain and I thought, “I can do this.”

How did it feel when you knew that this was the direction you wanted to take?

It was amazing how quickly I not only accepted, but embraced the idea.  My mind raced when I thought of the things I would need to put in place, the least of which being sewing refresher classes!  But the thought of shopping for vintage fabrics and creating something beautiful with my hands was heady stuff indeed.

What role would you say taking a Creative Oasis Coaching™ class played in creating your business?

Before taking your class, my view of creativity was very close-minded. I certainly knew what I did well creatively, but never encouraged or challenged myself to think outside the box. That’s what the Creative Oasis Coaching™ class did for me; it taught me that creativity could be found in countless places, even the ones I didn’t currently excel in.

Which tools or techniques that you learned through Creative Oasis Coaching™ have been most helpful to you?

I think the most powerful tool for me was journaling.  I say that because when you spill out your thoughts on a page, you never know what might come out.  Sometimes it’s surprising how much insight you have trapped inside just looking for the opportunity to make itself known.  Just as yoga teaches you to listen to your body, journaling teaches you to listen to your inner thoughts and feelings.

Mind-mapping was another great tool, to take a word or central theme, and start working outward to create a diagram of sorts.  When you’re completely honest with yourself, it’s amazing what ends up on paper.

I think I had a Granny dress made out of this material!

We talked about “small steps” during our class (Kaizen means small steps to continuous improvement.) What was the first small step you took towards creating your handbag business?

The first step I took was signing up for my first sewing class since junior high. The second step was shopping online for vintage fabrics to inspire and encourage me.

In what ways do you get to use your creativity in your business now?

I opted to create my own handbag patterns instead of merely copying others I saw on the Internet or at the store. I might take a general handbag design, but then I would tweak it until I incorporated all the things I might want in a bag.

Also, there’s nothing more creative than shopping for fabrics. The vintage ones are the most fun by far, but interior fabrics also have to be matched up.  There’s something deeply satisfying in seeing these two very different fabrics mesh seamlessly.

How do you find inspiration for your designs and names (which I love!) of your designs?

I have made a point of creating handbags that I would want to carry myself.  I incorporated elements from other handbags I may have had in the past and liked for a particular reason. 

Because I work with fabrics from the 60’s and 70’s, I chose female TV characters of that time period:  Gidget (from the movies and TV show), Marsha (from “The Brady Bunch”), Daphne (from “Scooby Doo”) and Samantha (from “Bewitched”).  Since most people have seen these shows either originally or in syndication, they are fun little pop culture references.

Vintage Hawaiian fabrics are one of her specialities

Do you run all aspects of your business or do you have an assistant?

Heavens, no!  I don’t know what I would do without my dear husband.  Since he is a web developer, he put together my amazing website suzannebag.com. He set up my Facebook fan page (facebook.com/suzannebag), Twitter account (twitter.com/suzannebag), Flickr account (flickr.com/photos/suzannebag) and the ability to monitor traffic to Etsy (suzannebag.etsy.com).

What advice would you offer anyone who doesn't know quite what they want to do with their life, but believe they want to do something creatively satisfying?

Don’t give up hope!  It took a long time for me to decide what it was I could or should do. Invest in some classes, get a feel for what you enjoy and do well.  And remember, you don’t have to leave a lucrative job to do something creatively satisfying with your life. Many people are able to express their creativity outside their careers.

Do you have any tips for DIY entrepreneurs?

I know it sounds simplistic, but do what you love. Start slowly and leave your expectations at the door.  Unless you know exactly what you want to do and how to do it, there’s going to be a learning curve. Allow yourself plenty of time to perfect your art. Realize, that success doesn’t come over-night, people have to know you or know about what you’re doing. Very importantly, watch your costs.  If you overpay for supplies, you’ll never make your money back, no matter how much time and energy you expend. And finally, if at all possible, set up a designated workspace.

How does it feel to be running a creatively fulfilling business?

It’s still hard work! There’s no getting around the work part, no matter what you do.  However, there is something to be said about working on my own schedule, in my own house, on my own terms.  It’s wonderful to take time off when you need it or to spend an entire morning just researching a potential new design and not worrying that you aren’t “being productive.”  There is a lot of satisfaction in creating something that other people love and want.  And the beauty of it all is that I can continue to create new and different things to keep the creative process fresh for me.  There are always new bags to design, unique fabrics or buttons to get your hands on.  I get a little thrill each time I cut into a fabric that I’ve never made a bag from before.  Oh, the endless possibilities!

Finally, I want to share a wonderful quote that truly inspired me while attending Creative Oasis Coaching™:

“Live your questions now, and perhaps even without knowing it, you will live along some distant day into your answers.” 

                                  – Rainer Maria Rilke

Thanks so much to Suzanne for sharing her inspiring story! Seeing people follow their creative dreams and enjoy the amazing personal satisfaction that brings is one of my all time favorite things in the world. It makes me feel like I’m doing a series of back-flips in my mind even though there’s not a hope in Hades of me ever doing one in real life!

Until next time, all the best from my Creative Oasis to yours,

Jill

Jill Allison Bryan

Founder Creative Oasis Coaching ™

Certified Kaizen-Muse® Creativity Coach

Singer/Songwriter

What Wonderful Summer Surprises Await You? Free teleclass – Wednesday, June 9th – 11am central

“I just realized that I want to write a story. Wow! That's a total surprise!” – the unexpected and delighted response of a woman who attended my “Create The Summer of Your Dreams” presentation that I gave in Dallas last Friday night.

Discover what unexpected delights await you this summer by joining me for the enlightening and fun interactive presentation I’m offering as a free teleclass this Wednesday, June 9^th at 11am central. (Sign up & request call-in information for the “Create The Summer of Your Dreams” teleclass here.)

Once we explore options for activities and experiences that will fill our summer with creative satisfaction and joy, I’ll share a few easy and fun ways to open the time and space in your life to get to actually them.

For those who are interested, I’ll offer a follow-up 6 week teleclass series to keep your momentum going. The one-hour calls will provide support, inspiration, and gentle accountability while helping you make the most of your perfect summer plan.  Choose the morning or evening* class at 11am & 7pm (Central), Wednesdays (June 16 - July 21)  Only $75 for the entire 6 session series. 

I look forward to helping you dive into your best summer yet. (Click here to let me know where I should e-mail the free teleclass phone number and call-in information.)

All the best from my creative oasis to yours,

Jill

Jill Allison Bryan

Certified Creativity Coach

Founder of Creative Oasis Coaching

Singer/Songwriter

Believer in Infinite Possibility

Free teleclass - Wednesday, June 9th 11am central

presents

"Create the Summer of Your Dreams"

A Free Teleclass with Jill Allison Bryan

Wednesday, June 9th at 11am central

Summer is upon us. What do you want yours to look like? Have you given it any thought? So often we dive right into the season with little or no plan only to look up and find that - yikes! - it’s already July 4th and we haven’t even peeled a single peach or read a good book yet!


Whether you crave lazy days in the sun, a balance of work and leisure or ideas to jump-start a creative project or two – I’ll share some easy, yet effective ways to help you design your ideal summer and then make it happen. Join me Wednesday, June 9th at 11am central time to learn a few simple techniques from my Creative Oasis Coaching that can help you create the summer of your dreams while feeling truly relaxed and fulfilled. 

Whether it's visiting your local farmer's market, making homemade lemonade, dusting off your bicycle or finally unwrapping the sketch pad you bought last summer - together we can turn your summer into one filled with moments of joy and memories of a lifetime.

Join me for this special free one hour teleclass and if you like you can keep your momentum going with a paid 6-week follow-up series. These one hour sessions will provide support, inspiration and gentle group accountability while helping you make the most of your perfect summer plan. Only $75 for the entire 6 week series. For registration & information contact Jill at creativeoasiscoach@me.com.

All the best from my creative oasis to yours, Jill

Giving Credit Where It’s Long Overdue – To You!

One of my favorite creative coaching tools is the “credit check-in.” By simply listing all of the things that you did get around to during the week you often realize you accomplished much more than you thought you had. We tend to dwell on all that we haven’t yet crossed off our never-ending, crazy-long, take-care-of-everyone-else-on-the-planet first to-do lists. You know – everything that needs to be done, didn’t get done and a few things we can’t imagine how there will ever be enough time in the world to get done. This just serves to frustrate and overwhelm us. Frustration + Overwhelm = Bad Feelings. Credit Check-in + Self-satisfaction = Good Feelings.

Today I had a “physician – heal thyself!” moment. About a bazillion things that I need and want to do (that’s barely an exaggeration!) raced through my mind. Things to promote my new CD, “Dancing In Limbo”… things to better serve my Creative Oasis Coaching clients … things to do for my family … things to do for my friends …things to do for the planet (when I get on a roll – watch out!) … lots and lots and lots of things!

Just about the moment I felt overwhelm wrapping around me like a boa constrictor and I couldn’t take a deep enough breath, I received a wonderful e-mail from a past client. She wrote to thank me for some of the tools that we’d used together during our coaching sessions and to let me know they were still essential to helping her make the time and space in her busy life for her creative passions (which includes writing a fabulous blog that you can check out here). “Oh yeah,” I remembered, “These fantastic tools are available even to me 24/7, but sometimes we just need a little reminder.”

So I took a break from obsessing about everything that needs to be done and did a credit check-in for myself. I made a list of everything I’ve accomplished in the past week. (even laundry and making lunches – everything that took even a few minutes of my precious time) Then I read it over and let it really sink in. I’m not shy, so I’ll tell you – I’ve been kicking booty this past week! Yes – there is still much to be done – but NEWS FLASH – there always will be. And if there weren’t life would be boring and stagnant and no fun, in my book anyway. I felt so much better realizing all that I had already successfully accomplished. I was able to take a deep breath and feel a blessed release from that awful overwhelm that had been creeping in. (insidious bastard that overwhelm!) I share this in the hope that it will serve as a reminder to you to take a minute to give yourself the credit your due. I promise it will feel great and you deserve it!

All the best from my creative oasis to yours,

Jill

p.s. - I'm thrilled to be the featured coach in this month's MUSE FLASH by Jill Badonsky. Pop over and check out her monthly musing here. It's always inspiring and fun!

Following My Heart into Infinite Possibility

What is Infinite Possibility? It's a theory that in each and every moment there exist an infinite number of possible choices and outcomes in life. It's also a song on my upcoming solo CD, "Dancing in Limbo." And, it's the name of the event I'm hosting here in Dallas on Saturday, March the 27th to celebrate the release of said CD in collaboration with 13 talented female artists who have each created and donated an original piece of artwork inspired by the songs on my CD. These beautiful pieces will be sold in a silent auction and I will perform the songs live at the celebration thus creating the event "Infinite Possibility – A Night of Music, Art & Women Helping Women" with all profits benefiting Women for Women International.

In the short video below, I share my journey into Infinite Possibility and invite you to join me.

In the beginning, I was searching for a creative way to celebrate the release of my CD - something outside the box and preferably not inside a smoky bar. I had no experience creating an event of this magnitude, fundraiser or otherwise. I was simply so inspired by the idea of combining music and art and finally having the opportunity to collaborate with some of my many talented artist friends and raising awareness and money for Women for Women International while I was at it - that I employed the "ready-fire-aim" strategy. I more or less just followed my heart and went for it. Luckily, I've had help and support from many, many wonderful people along the way including generous sponsors, raffle prize donators (now worth more than $1,000!) and, of course, the 13 gifted artists.

My good friend, Kim Hammond, was the ideal artist to pair with my song "Infinite Possibility." She and I share a long history of serendipitous moments, as well as psychic connections and experiences. I think she does an excellent job of describing her take on Infinite Possibility in her short video below.

If you're interested in attending and/or supporting "Infinite Possibility – A Night of Music, Art & Women Helping Women" please visit the website link above. It's been truly gratifying to hear from people in other countries and states who are sending in donations and buying tickets to lend their support though they won't be able to join us for the actual event. Their reaching out has proven to me that the ripple effect is real and the possibilities are indeed infinite for us to do good in the world. What a joy!

“Limbo” Offers A Solid Place For This Artist To Begin

While one might think of limbo as an indeterminate state of oblivion, “Dancing in Limbo” actually provided artist Martica Griffin with a tangible jumping off point for her painting of the same name. “I always like having a basis to begin a new piece,” says Martica. “It makes things so much easier.” This time the basis to begin happened to be the title song of my soon-to-be-released solo CD, “Dancing in Limbo.”

Martica created and donated her painting “Dancing in Limbo” for my upcoming CD release/silent art auction fundraiser. “Infinite Possibility – A Night of Music, Art & Women Helping Women” takes place in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, March 27, 2010 and will benefit Women for Women International. Please check out the all-new event website (www.infinitepossibilityevents.com) to learn more about the cause, meet the participating artists, see their amazing artwork, hear some of my music and learn how you too can be a part of Infinite Possibility.

The video below shows Martica in action as she shares a bit about her personal creative philosophy. (In the weeks leading up to Infinite Possibility I will introduce all 13 artists and share their videos here and on the event website.)

(To view full screen through YouTube click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2uGHrf5lGU)

Although “Dancing in Limbo” was the first time Martica painted a piece inspired solely by a specific song, she often uses themes as a starting point for her artwork. At present, she’s working on a new series titled “Charms of the 50 States” in which she draws inspiration from charm bracelets and offers her non-representational take on well known state symbols and icons.

Martica is now concentrating on “Southern Charms,” 10 paintings that will cover the South and still leave 40 states worth of inspiration to spare. She’s excited to announce that she will be the featured artist at Tinney Contemporary this April where “Southern Charms” debuts Saturday, April 3rd.

Martica and I became friends years ago when my first copywriting job out of college took me to an advertising agency in Nashville where she was an art director. She now owns and operates a long-standing Nashville advertising agency, ASAP (Alternative Strategic Advertising & Promotions.) As a friend, and as a creativity coach, it’s been a joy for me to watch Martica’s journey back to her love of painting over the last ten years or so. After watching her short film, and seeing her fabulous artwork, I think you’ll agree that this is a woman who has definitely created her own Mid-Life Oasis™.

All the best from my creative oasis to yours,

Jill Allison Bryan

Singer/Songwriter/Creativity Coach/Believer in Infinite Possibilities

Musical Movement Musings

My, my, my…music and movement are on my mind this morning! (alliteration too, apparently) Last night I experienced an amazing evening of music by the über-talented Elvis Costello and his latest band of merry men – The Sugarcanes. (Nashville legends Jerry Douglas and Jim Lauderdale and more!) Playing songs from their new CD, Secret, Profane & Sugarcane, as well as some Costello classics with new arrangements perfectly suited to the bluegrass sound of his band.

We were literally sitting right beneath Elvis, and it felt like the band was playing in our living room. They’re all stellar musicians and the sound was uplifting, and yet…something was missing. What was it? My husband, Doug, and I discussed this on our drive home and concluded the missing element…there was no drummer on this tour. There was a stand up bass player and the music had rhythm, but there was nothing driving the beat the way a drummer does. No drummer equaled no dancing.  You wanted to tap your foot and clap along in time, but getting up out of your seat and dancing was just not in the picture. Not the norm for an Elvis show. As a Dallas Observer review said, “…the songs lacked a bit of propulsion.”

Isn’t it cool how certain music can really propel you? This summer, my daughter, Riley Anna, and I began compiling a list of songs that absolutely make you dance every time you hear them. (You know - like the happy, Snoopy dance!) The idea began when we watched “Madagascar 2” – and the silly, yet infectious, song “Move It, Move It” had us both dancing around the room as if we had the proverbial ants you know where.  “Wouldn’t it be great to have an entire compilation of these kind of songs?” I thought.  “Songs guaranteed to lift your spirits and get you dancing and smiling when you need a little pick-me-up.”  Songs deliver Instant Oasis Moments – five to ten minute bite-size bonbons of joy! Which songs have the power to levitate you from your chair and get you moving – even on the worst of days? What song always makes you dance? (whether you want to or not!) I’d love to hear your favorites and check them out.

Here’s my short, but growing, list of songs that absolutely make you dance every time you hear them:

Move It Move It by will.i.am

It’s Your Thing – James Brown

Pump It Up – Elvis Costello

Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) - C&C Music Factory

Love Shack – B52s

You Drop the Bomb on Me – The Gap Band

A,B,C – The Jackson 5

Most any Putayamo Worldbeat CD

I don’t listen to music as often as I’d like during the day, because my brain will not allow me to read and write and talk on the phone with my coaching clients while listening. I have to sing along, even if only in my head. But, music can be a great motivator in other ways. For example, I “get to” listen to an entire CD as a special treat while I do something like clear my desk or spend time organizing and filing. In fact, I was able to reorganize my mailing list this morning while listening to music and the time flew by!

Listening to good music almost always inspires me to start making some music of my own. So, I’m off to the keyboards right now! Why not treat yourself to an Instant Oasis Moment right now and listen to a song that absolutely makes you dance every time you hear it!

 

I Detoxed with Gwyneth Paltrow (and a few thousand of her closest friends…)

Ahhhh… the rewards of stepping out of your comfort zone.  Recently, my sister-in-law turned me onto a week-long detox diet that she found on GOOP.  For those of you who don’t know squat about GOOP (I didn’t either until two weeks ago) it’s Gwyneth Paltrow’s newsletter, filled with fun facts about Gwen’s glamorous life and helpful hints to boot.  (Apparently she’s so nice and down-to-earth with her advice that we can’t hate - her even though she’s a runway thin, beautiful movie actress married to a rock star!)

I’d been curious about trying a cleanse of some sort, but wasn’t prepared (and doubt that I ever will be) to exist on water with cayenne pepper, maple syrup and lemon juice for two weeks.  Most cleanses I’d heard about sounded so difficult…so stringent…so unappealing.  What sold me on GOOP’s particular plan were the beautiful photos of fresh green soups and salads, brightly colored juices and creamy smoothies.  Now, maybe that I could live with for a week, I thought.  Even though I’d have to cut out all processed foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and grains for a week? Gulp. Still outside the comfort zone, but, perhaps doable?

Luckily, I had the support of my awesomely wonderful sister-in-law, Shannon.  (I have forgiven my brother a mountain of past transgressions for bringing her into our family.)  We talked each day and sent encouraging e-mails.  We shared tips. (try freezing half the rice milk for your smoothie to make it creamy like something from TCBY) And within a few days, we both had the realization that this was not, in fact, going to kill us.  There was even a good chance it might make us stronger. (not to mention a bit lighter)

Here’s the reward – I stepped outside my comfort zone (a week with coffee or wine…really?) and ended up feeling better than I’ve felt in months.  And, I can honestly say that after the week was over, I’ve had no desire to dive right back into my pre-GOOP ways.  It has been a nice fresh start for me.

I’m not suggesting that you all run out and do this detox – but I would encourage you to take a step (even a small one) outside of your comfort zone.  Think of something you’ve been toying around with doing, but just haven’t been able to muster the oomph you need to try it.

Do you pass a yoga studio and think, “Gee, I’d like to try that, but I’m afraid I can’t bend that way anymore?”  Have you always harbored a secret fantasy to belt out a tune at an open-mic night but can’t seem to find a wheelbarrow to carry a tune in?  Would you love to take a drawing class, but haven’t drawn more than a conclusion in years? Maybe you just wish you could say “No” for once to the person who keeps calling and asking you for favors that she never returns (you know who you are – shame on you.) 

I think this is fitting quote to leave you with:  “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you always got.” – Mark Twain.  Why not get something new? 

 All the best from my oasis to yours,

Jill