Doing Something Different!

Since announcing that I will be closing my studio, I have had a chance to sit back and re-evaluate the last year and see what I was doing and what was actually happening. While it hasn't been pretty, it has given me a change to catch my second wind. And, someone approached me about turning this into an artist's co-op, I have received numerous emails that artists would like to be involved in the first meeting to see if it would be a good fit for them. I am also examining doing business a little differently, maybe if it doesn't turn into a co-op how I could keep this place up and going. Perhaps splitting the entire gallery and studio with a couple of partners and making into a working studio. So many options but one thing is for sure, I want to keep this place, I want to continue to teach, I want to sell my art - I just have to do something different in a different way. I must learn from this and move forward. And, through all of this, I have found my entrepreneurial spirit again and I am willing to go the distance. I am asking for help though. I found a financial coach and we are just beginning but I am again excited. I know I can turn things around! Economy, Sheconomy, bah. Finding joy through all this has been my wonderful lesson.

Building Character!

Yes! I have joined the ranks of those that have had to close down their businesses this year due to the economic downturn. I am sad to say that THE LOFT Art Studios and Gallery will be closing at the end of this month. I had such high hopes, envisioning artwork from our Arizona Artists flying out the door making people happy, teaching my jewelry making classes, getting other artists to teach their field of expertise, offering space to other artists as they work on their masterpieces. Ahh well, it was not meant to be. It's upsetting, sad, and scary all at the same time.
Now, after ten years, I will have to find an avenue of making regular paychecks, a J-O-B! (It used to be a curse word but now, it just might save my life!) Yikes, a job! Will I really be able to work? Is it going to kill my creative enthusiasm? It really has been a long time. Will I be able to get a job that pays me money enough to live on? Oh, dear, such fear!
So, for the next month or so, I must not even go into that "fear", I must just remain positive in the face of these uncertain times. (I'll just get into my "Zena, Warrior-Princess Mode".) I must find a job, find opportunities for me to show my jewelry, clear out my business space, let everyone know, and work, work, work. I'll have to enlist friends and family to help me get through this but you know, I do have friends, I do have family, and I will get through this.

I know that right now, this is a "character-building" exercise. This episode or phase n my life right now will pass. That, I do know for sure. What I do with it now and what I learn now will determine how well it turns out for me. Soooo, No Fear! Just do it! Stay positive and most importantly be happy, I have alot to be grateful for, and move forward.

I will keep you posted on my newly embarked journey! It should be a wild ride for sure!

By the way, stop in for a visit. Visit my website, www.theloftartstudios.com. We are taking 20% off all original artwork!