Tim and I have been talking about the blog lately and I have come to realize that I’ve been holding out on you guys. My initial goal of this blog was for it to be a place I could showcase my work and hopefully turn my passion (designing) into a full time job. That was less than 2 years ago and I am now making a living creating beautiful, unique spaces. Praise Jesus!!!
There was a time before the blog when I struggled with how to start a design business on my own with no degree in design, no store front, and no real contacts in the business. I knew if I could just get a few clients I would prove my talent and hopefully things would take off from there.
Our home gave me the perfect place to start building a portfolio but with very little money coming in and most of our savings going towards the renovation of our “fixer-upper” I had to get creative. . . and make a LOT of returns!! Yes, I would go and buy items from stores, set the room up just how I wanted, take a few photos, and then return it all. EXHAUSTING? Yes. DEPRESSING? Yes. WORTH IT? Definitely.
Below- One of my first paid projects- which was basically painting and placing things the homeowner already had.
Looking back I would have chose a different wall color because it blends in with the ceiling. OOPS! I’ve learned so much since then!
Anyway, back to my point. Growing up playing sports, especially in college and professional basketball, I have ALWAYS been taught not to show my weaknesses. Failure is not something you showcase and really, you try to minimize it at all costs. So, naturally that has been the stance I have taken with the blog. You rarely hear about the trials in my life- but more about my triumphs. I’ve recently realized 2 problems with this method of thinking.
1. It probably doesn’t make me very relatable and it’s hard to like people you don’t relate to.
2. A story with ups and downs is way more inspiring. Although I wish there were things I didn’t have to “overcome” I think the failures in life help you to appreciate the successes and figure out what is really important to you.
Although I am steadily working towards my ultimate goal, I continue to experience failure and rejection. I try to remember that sometimes God closes doors because that is not the path he wants us to take and not necessarily because I am “not good enough” which is how I feel. I also try to remember that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” I spent 10 years working on basketball before the pay-off of getting a college scholarship and 14 years of HARD work had to happen before achieving my dream of being a professional basketball player. In the end, I have to know that what I’m working towards is worth it- it is what I love. I hope to inspire you with my designs but I also hope to inspire you with my story- a story of persistence no matter the obstacles, a passion to be the best, a standard to love what I do, and a genuine attempt at enjoying the journey. 🙂
All this to say- I will be sharing more about me and my life on this blog in the future so I hope your up for it! 🙂 I thought I would end this post with a big ol’ list of inspiring songs I like to listen to when I need some encouragement or a reminder to keep on keepin’ on.
ENJOY!!!! Yes, I like country and I LOVE DOLLY PARTON!!!!
Fast forward the first minute or so on this one.
I’ve liked you and related to you from the get go, but I’m so glad to hear you’ll be sharing more of your life with us. I love hearing what makes people tick and getting a little behind the scenes look at their life. Thanks for sharing Kara!
Rachel
xoxo
Hi Kara, I read your blog daily but have never commented. I’ve always looked forward to seeing what you’ve had your hands at each day. This post, however, resonated with me because I’m excited to read about your journey more than just seeing the final result. The journey is what makes a person, and as a reader being able to share it with you and learn from you, that is also inspiring.