GUEST INTERVIEW: WOMENFOLK DIG DEEP PARTICIPANT DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR & ART DIRECTOR ALICE CINNAMOND

In 2020/2021 during the pandemic we ran the Dig Deep program. Dig Deep was a creative enterprise support program which focused on supporting creative women to build successful and sustainable creative businesses. Businesses that fitted with their own personal values, goals and aspirations. The program brought together 25 local creative women from different backgrounds in a supportive and nurturing environment over a 9 month period. We thought it would be nice now 3 years later to check in with the program participants and see where they are now.

First up we have the wonderful Alice Cinnamond who actually works full time as a creative and also runs her own creative freelance business.

---

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your creative work?

I’m a Belfast based girl that can usually be found designing with a black coffee in hand. Or you can find me at a gig when I swap the coffee for a pint of the black stuff. I’ve had some big life moments in the last year, so my usual working schedule has seen some adjustments.

When I was participating in the Dig Deep program, I wanted to change up my work situation. I aspired for something different. I think a lot of us did during the lockdown. Dig Deep challenged us to think about our values and where we wanted to see ourselves. That’s when I found a new position as a Creative at Smarts agency. I’ve been happily working there for the last 3 years.

Day to day working as a Creative I specialise in a few different areas – art direction, graphic design and illustration. Every day I use these skills interchangeably. As a Creative no days are ever the same, projects are always evolving. My favourite days are getting away from the desk to art direct a photoshoot and getting hands on. I work with a brilliant team of people; it really does take a village.

After 9-5 work hours I enjoy getting stuck into a freelance project. Sometimes I get to work on fun rebrands for local businesses like Ormeau Brewing Co. It can’t get any more local than a brewery a few streets over from home. For the last several years I’ve had a great relationship working on music event branding and single covers for the Oh Yeah Music Centre – Belfast’s local music hub.

You have a full-time job, but also do your own freelance creative work and have done for sometime. How do you fit it all in? Any tips for other creatives who want to work for themselves on top of their full-time jobs?

Drink lots of coffee! But in all honesty, my life for the last several years has been non-stop, jumping from project to project. I probably don’t get as much sleep as I’d like, but I think it’s worth it in the end. To reach your goal you’ll have to sacrifice something for it. I find my work-life very rewarding so if you have that itch to start a project you should do it! The more effort you put into life the more you get out of it.

Trying to find time for rest and relaxation has been a new priority that I’ve never had before. In November 2023 I had a stroke. It really puts everything into perspective. I literally wasn’t allowed to work in any capacity for 4 months. The only thing that would aid my recovery was rest, sleep, and randomly reading – which all means sitting still. This was a total curve ball for me. I had to learn how to rest, which I found quite difficult. It’s still something I’m working on.

Normally I’m a very energetic person with a big appetite for life. I’ve always believed life is too short and that I need to do everything right away. Why not have it all? As my health and energy levels have changed over the last few months, my beliefs on this have shifted. Patience is a very difficult virtue to master.

Have you ever been tempted to give up the day job and work for yourself full-time? Or do you still enjoy the balance of having a job and working for yourself?

I’ve had a lot of time to think while in recovery for 4 months at home. When I’m daydreaming, I think a private studio to sit and illustrate in all day would be wonderful. In reality I love working as an art director in a busy studio. I think I’d really miss that creative outlet of my work life. I really like being around people!

After lockdown I think we all know how dull a day can be in isolation no matter how introverted we think we are at times. My imaginary illustration studio would probably get boring sitting on my tod.

You used to do a lot of design work for the local music industry, is that still the case?

I’m always chipping away on local music projects. With 2024 being my year of rest and relaxation I am taking on select projects, but I couldn’t say no to the Oh Yeah Music Centre’s annual music awards, the Northern Ireland Music Prize. It’s one of my highlights of the year, it’s a bit like the Christmas do for local music. It’s a great night out in the Ulster Hall and anyone can grab a ticket.

Over the past few years, I’ve worked closely with the Derry punk-rock band, The Wood Burning Savages. They have a much anticipated upcoming project; the design will be by yours truly. Keep an eye out for that one!

Scratch My Progress for the Oh Yeah Centre

How did you get into this kind of design work? Any advice for other designers interested in working in this sector?

I naturally became friends with local bands over the years. I kept bumping into the same people at gigs and music festivals and we clicked. So much so that Beauty Sleep and The Wood Burning Savages made up half of my groomsmen and bridal party when I tied the knot last summer.

As far as working with the Oh Yeah Music Centre, they saw my work on Instagram and approached me. My advice for finding this kind of work would be to keep turning up at gigs, put your phone down when you’re out, talk to people, post on your socials, and maybe slide into the DMs of your favourite band. The worst thing they can do is ghost you. If they like your work, go from there. You might make lifelong friends.

My all nighters have been worth it as I’ve got to experiment with my style, see my work in the wild, and travel to SXSW in Austin, Texas with The Wood Burning Savages and Beauty Sleep. When I applied to my current job at Smarts it was a music heavy, design portfolio so you never know how the dots will connect. In hindsight it all makes sense.

I saw on Instagram that you recently did the branding for Ormeau Brewing Co, which looks fantastic. Can you tell us a little bit about this project? How did it come about and where did you get your inspiration?

Ormeau Brewing Co. found me through word of mouth, and they contacted me as they wanted a rebrand.

I met Andy the owner and brewer and I tried his selection of beers, and I was blown away with the quality. I honeymooned in Belgium (for the beer) so I can say I’ve had my far share of hops. I knew from sampling the beer that day that I needed to work on the project. I wanted the local business to do well, and I also know as a designer it has to look good too! I was eager to help.

Andy wanted the visuals to be clean and clear so that it would stand out on a busy shelf. We went down a more minimalist route, stripping everything back. Some off-licences feel a bit like an Aladdin’s cave and by using this approach and colour coding the beers, it makes it super easy to spot. Everything about the design is considered and is down to functionality. It must look attractive too of course.

Andy’s business has gone from strength to strength. You can buy his cans from the Vineyard off-licence or grab a pint in the Northern Lights, the Errigle, or the Sunflower bar.

Ormeau Brewing Co. Homesick Beer Design

In November last year you had a stroke, which for someone so young and physically active (I know you were previously running marathons as well as working full-time and doing your own creative work) must have been an unbelievably hard experience. Has this changed how you live and work? Your goals or aspirations?

I’ve had a lot of time to reflect, and there’s no doubt that I’m incredibly lucky. Some people have said I’m incredibly unlucky. But the fact that I am relatively unscathed after a major brain injury, I see it as luck. It could have been a lot worse or been a nastier diagnosis.

Two weeks before I had a stroke, I ran the Dublin Marathon and it was the healthiest and fittest I’d ever been. Two weeks later it was taken away from me.

It took 5 days to diagnose me with a stroke, I thought I was going blind. My eyes were working fine but my brain had broken. The stroke damaged my ability to visually process which is kind of important in my line of work…and the stroke also made me extremely fatigued. I could barely walk the block, never mind run a marathon. Fatigue doesn’t sound too bad on paper. I’d been tired before like anyone else but fatigue from a stroke was a new ball game and not to be messed with.

The damaged area of the brain caused by the stroke can never be fixed but the brain is fantastic and can rewire itself which is insane to me. Our bodies are amazing. This means the recovery time is very long and different for everyone. Overnight my schedule was scrapped, and my recovery became my only priority. Respecting my body and resting has paid off for the long term. I can’t put into words how grateful I am. I thought I might have permanent vision issues and not be able to work again. It took months for my eyesight to return.

On top of that for 3 months I was barely allowed to move as the doctors thought my stroke was caused by a neck injury. But a few months later we found out it was a hole in my heart. 25% of the population could have this hole, they’ll probably never know, and they won’t have any health issues. Don’t worry. My stroke was a complete roll of the dice. It had nothing to do with my lifestyle. It could happen to anyone at any age but not usually at 29 years old.

I’ve always felt that being busy was the answer but my perspective on that has changed. I vigorously partook in life with my endless supply of vitality. My ambitious spirit hasn’t gone but my approach to my day to day has. I needed to be way more grateful for everyday things. I took my eyesight, endless energy, and physical wellbeing completely for granted.

Even when I’m running now, and I have a bad day I remind myself that my worst run is someone else’s best. I’m not glad that I had a stroke, but I am glad my mindset has changed for the better. I’m grateful I had an experience that forced me to reflect. I feel more at peace with who I am and I feel more at ease.

Alice outside the stroke unit

Alice completing Dublin marathon 2 weeks before having her stroke

What did you learn from this experience about life or yourself?

I have learned a lot. It’s difficult to put it all into words. Firstly, you never really know what life has in store and we should all be very grateful to be here. My life feels like a luxury.

Pre-stroke I got too worried about what people thought of me and my work and dare I say worked too much. I’ve always been a grafter but working can’t be your whole personality. When it boils down to it and you’re really stressed about something it probably doesn’t matter or it won’t matter next week. It’s not the end of the world. This can apply to work and life.

2023 taught me that if you know something is going to be difficult you may as well try to enjoy it if you have to do it anyway. Loosen your grip a little, it’ll work out the same way whether you worry loads or don’t worry at all. I found that even hospitals and recovery can be a funny place if you let it.

Realising to take life a little less seriously has been very enjoyable, and freeing. I only wish I did it sooner. You hear others’ stories and read about it in books, but I’ve had to live through it to learn it.

How do you think you have changed since taking part in the Dig Deep program?

I’ve had a lot of big life changes since Dig Deep and I’ve grown as a person. I started working at Smarts as a Creative and specialising as an Art Director which is a dream job of mine. I got married last summer, I’ve ran two marathons, I’ve had a stroke, and am making a great recovery.

When I’m fully recovered, I should probably enjoy having a nice, relaxing time but there’s a whole world out there and I only want to do and see more. I don’t know if or when I’ll have a stroke again and I want to squeeze as much out of life as possible. I plan to run the Belfast Marathon for the brilliant NI Chest, Heart & Stroke. They’ve supported me through my recovery. Even though the stroke has changed my outlook I still like a busy schedule and enjoy running marathons for a great cause and for a bit of fun. Some things never change.

Are you still on the same creative path or have your plans and dreams for the future changed?

For my year of rest and relaxation, I’m taking the time to enjoy life and have a think about the future, but I can never stop looking for the next big project. I’m a magpie by nature. I would love to work on more fun branding, art direction and exciting illustration jobs. Hit me up if I’m your girl!

Next year, I plan on having a small procedure to close the hole in my heart. That will hopefully mean no more strokes! Science is incredible. I feel a lot calmer about the future. 2023 was a wild ride and I feel more confident in myself personally and professionally. I’m a better version of myself. I’m ready for the next chapter.

Where can people find you online?

Website: alicecinnamond.com

Instagram: @AliceCinnamondCreates

Facebook: facebook.com/AliceCinnamondCreates

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/AliceCinnamond

Twitter: x.com/AliceCinnamond

---

JUNIOR.SENIOR June Event Pictures

After a week away at a conference then catching up with day to day work, here are some slightly belated pics from our June JUNIOR. SENIOR event on Saturday 15th June with two amazing local creative women sharing their stories freelance creative Nuala Convery aka Wee Nuls and emerging illustrator and designer Maja Szotkiewicz owner of Majukooo

GUEST INTERVIEW - WOMENFOLK JUNIOR.SENIOR JUNIOR SPEAKER MAJA SZOTKIEWICZ OWNER OF MAJUKOOO

We have another great special guest interview ahead of Saturday’s JUNIOR.SENIOR event this time with Maja our junior speaker!

---

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your business? 

Hello! I am Maja Szotkiewicz, I am 22 and I have just finished my Illustration & Graphic Design degree at Ulster University (I specialised in Illustration).  

I started my business, Majukooo, when I was 18, in lockdown with £60 to my name. At the start, my business was centered around illustrating plants and nature, and selling a range of stationery, jewellery and art prints. My social media pages focused on talking about plant care and not necessarily illustration. 

This year, I realigned my brand purpose, as I felt like I was restricting myself with just illustrating plants (during my final year of illustration I started finding joy in illustrating fashion, buildings and furniture, and it felt frustrating not being able to share this side of my work for a while, while I was rebranding). Now, my brand purpose is to bring you joy from the little things, as I believe true happiness is found from every day, imperfect, moments. I have just introduced a new range of prints, bookmarks and made to order giclee archival quality prints in larger formats. I also take on client projects from businesses who also find joy from the little things (I have been working on a few new projects already and I cannot wait to talk about them soon!). 

Maja Szotkiewicz

Why did you decide to start your own business? 

In high school, I completed 2 work placements and volunteered at a care home for a year, but none of this felt right to me, I knew I wanted to pursue art (at this point, I did not know if this would be illustration, or a different specialism). When covid came around and I was 18 (final year of A-Levels) I decided to just go for it and start selling my art online.  

Going to be 100% real – I did not get a single order for the first 3 months! My first order was someone who found my Instagram page and really loved my work, which really motivated me to keep going. Resilience and perseverance always pays off.  

What do you love most about working for yourself? 

I am a bit of an introverted-extrovert so I love the days I can sit and work on client projects all day or have a day of doing admin work in my sunroom, with my cat Lucy by my side! But at the same time, on other days I can head up to Belfast, see an art exhibition and meet up with my friends and still call it work! Working for yourself is so versatile, and I love being able to plan out my days / working hours myself.  

What do you find most challenging about working for yourself? 

I have found that working for yourself involves a lot of high highs and low lows, which all happen unexpectedly!  Some weeks you can be shortlisted for an award but also have a massive wholesale order go missing – both involve intense feelings which are tricky to navigate! 

Any advice for other women starting their own creative business? 

1. Trust your gut!! If you have a good/ bad gut feeling about a situation, or a potential opportunity – trust yourself.  

2. Be curious & ask questions all the time! Remember, nothing is a silly question, and acquiring new knowledge will get you further than you may think.  

3. Have integrity, be honest with your customers and if something goes wrong, own up to your mistakes. 

Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years? 

I can see myself having my own studio (lots of plants & massive windows), selling a wide range of products with my illustrations on them (I would love to have my products stocked in Oliver Bonas and Anthropologie), and working on exciting client projects for businesses who also find joy from the little things. 

What do you enjoy outside your creative work? 

I love going outside – on nature walks, to lovely cafes, to art exhibitions. I believe that to find inspiration, you have to step away from your phone! 

I also love cooking and find it quite relaxing, and it is a great way to completely step away from work. My favourite meals to cook are thai green curry and harissa prawn with rice and chickpeas! 

Where can people find you online? 

Website- Bringing You Joy From The Little Things – Majukooo 

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/majukooo/?hl=en  

Email- info@majukooo.co.uk 

GUEST INTERVIEW - WOMENFOLK JUNIOR.SENIOR SENIOR SPEAKER NUALA CONVERY AKA WEE NULS

We are very excited to bring you this special guest interview with Nuala Convery aka Wee Nuls our senior speaker at our next JUNIOR.SENIOR event on Saturday 15th June!

---

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your business?

Hi! I'm Nuala, aka Wee Nuls. I'm currently juggling my business around being a mum to my 1.5 year old daughter. My business is currently just myself working as a sole trader, working on various creative projects including graphic design, illustration, street art / mural painting, facilitating art workshops, speaking at conferences and lectures, managing events and more!

Nuala Convery aka Wee Nuls

Why did you decide to start your own business?

I've worked freelance most of my working life, it basically came down to the fact that I couldn't find a job that allowed me to do all the things I wanted to do. I was interested in gaining experience in a variety of creative areas and working project to project. The lack of stability can be a bit scary but if you're proactive and get talking to the right people you'd be surprised by what kind of work you can do!

Can you tell us about a typical day in your business? Are there any routines you follow each day?

So obviously this is all a bit different now that I have a daughter. My work is so varied as well so some days are much more exciting than others, for example one day I'll be live painting street art, another day im just making phone calls, replying to emails and researching the cost of different paint brands. I'm only working a few mornings a week at the moment at most while my daughter goes to crèche, and I'm arranging family childcare for any bigger projects like murals. On a typical day when she's going to creche, I'll get up around 8am, make us both a yoghurt bowl to start the day right, strip her inevitably yoghurty jammies off her and get her ready for the day. She'll bumble around the house pulling things out of cupboards, throwing her toys around and babbling to herself while I get ready. I bundle us both into the car, drop her to crèche at 9:45 and then if I'm doing 'desk' type work I'll often go to my mum's as I have a computer set up there and it's near the crèche. If it's a creative day I'll either go to my studio in Vault in town, or whatever site I'm working at that day. On desk days I usually like to start by looking through my 'business to do' list on my phone which I constantly use to remind myself of priorities. I'll then often look through any emails / projects that need chased up and plan zoom calls or phone calls to happen during this time.  I'm religious about using Google calendar to plan my life. A typical desk work day might include phoning clients and talking through project ideas for custom murals, workshops etc. I'll then take their ideas and draft a budget breakdown for them and a pitch doc or even just some example images to help me sell the project and get it locked down! Creative days like when I'm painting a mural I'll be up early loading the car with spray paint, my iPad, painting clothes, my spray mask and my step ladder.  I'll get down to the site and get stuck in to making a doodle grid on the wall, I'll use my iPad to get my design plan in proportion, and I'll spray paint until the suns going down or til it starts raining haha.  

I'm just starting to get bigger projects booked over the summer which will take up more time, and I'm looking into further childcare options for that!

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out? Are there any particular challenges you had to overcome?

I was really confused about how to actually set up a business, do taxes etc it honestly scared me so much. I really think we should be taught that in school but that's probably another whole conversation to have! Once I actually reached out for business support from mentorship programmes like Go For It NI, everything became much easier to understand! There were times near the start of my freelance time where I was really burning myself out and I was taking on way too much, and also taking on projects that I didn't enjoy. But I don't regret it as you have to try these things to learn what you like and what suits you!

What do you love most about working for yourself?

The freedom! The flexibility! It's really empowering knowing that you can make projects come together and earn money from projects that you choose, rather than feeling frustrated in a role that you've had to squeeze yourself into to fit / to make a living.

What do you find most challenging about working for yourself?  

Having a slow period is something that happens to us all at some stage and it can be stressful and scary, and can cause you to doubt yourself and your abilities. 

Any advice for other women starting their own creative business?

Finding mentors throughout my career has been like a secret weapon for me.  In a mentor/mentee relationship you can both get so much out of it.  If there are any local businesses or creatives you admire - reach out to them! Offer to shadow them for a day, or offer to volunteer with them for a few hours. You don't ask you don't get, so start asking!

To hear Nuala’s story in person join us on Saturday 15th June in our Hill Street studios at 11.3oam, book your ticket below!

Calling all creative women

Are you a local creative woman with your own creative business? If so, we would love to feature you on our Womenfolk website! This is free of charge and aims to celebrate local creative women. Get in touch with Christine at christine@blickstudios.org to find out more.

Peer Mentoring 2024 →

We are excited to be bringing back our Peer mentoring group for 2024 …

It’s very simple, but also very effective. Starting again in April 2024 on the last Tuesday of each month we will host a get together with a small group of self-employed creative women or women in the process of starting a creative business to chat about business and life. Each person will get the chance to speak. Sharing their monthly progress, plans for the following month, future goals and aspirations as well as any challenges they may be facing. This process gives you the opportunity to connect with and learn from like-minded creative women and helps with motivation, accountability, goal setting and planning. 

As we want the group to be a safe-space for sharing we will be limiting numbers to a maximum of 8 participants. There is no cost to joining the group, but to ensure commitment and suitability participants need to fill in a short online registration to secure a space.

You can find the registration form below, if you have any questions about the group email christine@blickstudios.org

Balance: Balancing Motherhood and Business

An interview with Rosy James who is a self-employed finance and operations manager and book-keeper for Blick Shared Studios and other clients and mum to two small children under 3. Our theme this year has been balance and this interview is all about how Rosy tries to balance being a mum with running a business.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role in Blick

I have been working with Blick since it was set up back in 2007, at this stage I worked full time in a different role, I studied economics at university and worked as a economics researcher full time Monday to Friday. I volunteered part time at Blick as it was starting out as a small social enterprise. My role has evolved with Blick as it has grown as an organisation. I left my full time job and became self employed working with Blick and a number of other small businesses more than a decade ago. My main role with Blick is managing the finances (and chief plant waterer)  

How many children do you have and what age are they?

I have two children - my eldest is 3 years old and my youngest is 1 years old (there is nearly exactly 2 years between them)

What are the challenges of having children while working for yourself?

It is difficult to take a traditional maternity leave, you don’t have anyone doing your work when you are off and you can’t just switch off from your responsibilities. You also don’t get maternity pay. When you are back at work there is no one else to do your work if you have, for example, a sick child, so you have to squeeze in your work around these extra responsibilities.

What are the benefits of working for yourself as a mother?

Flexibility and getting to pick the hours you work. I wouldn’t enjoy working 9-5 Monday - Friday, commuting and having to put my children in childcare every day (though I know lots of people have no choice in this) I’m very grateful that I have the opportunity to keep working but not full time hours. 

When did you go back to work after each of your children? What did you find positive or negative about this?

My eldest - 3 months. I found it difficult leaving her at only 3 months and was very jealous of my partner getting to stay home every day with the baby. As an employee he had much better paternity leave pay than me so it made sense for me to go back to work earlier (though I wasn’t back full time at that stage)

My youngest - 5 months. I decided I didn’t want to go back at 3 months as I hadn’t enjoyed it the first time but started back gradually from 3 months doing 1-2 days per week. I was ready to get out of house more after 5 months of leave!

What do you wish you had known before having children?

That the initial new born stage is VERY intense and you have no time at all for anything but you do gradually get more independence and time over the months, in the grand scheme of things its a very short period of time and it was best for me to just accept that I had no time at all to myself during that period (especially if you are breastfeeding). You also get really used to having very broken sleep and it becomes totally normal!

What advice would you give to other women who run their own businesses who are planning on having children?

I only really have experience of having small children so can only speak to that. I think in my experience it is easier working as a self employed person than as an employee to balance work life and being a mother than I would find if I was an employee and had to be working set hours every week. Maybe it’s bad to admit it but I would not want to be at home all day every day with my children, but equally wouldn’t want to be working full time hours so I appreciate being able to continue working and still getting time with the kids.

What are the best bits of having children?

Getting to see them develop and evolve as little people

What are the best bits of working for yourself?

Having more control over the hours you work, who you work with and the work you do

Are you planning on having anymore children?

No, 2 is definitely enough for me!

Creating A Space 5th Birthday!

We got a chance to catch up with Esther Mogada, founder of Creating A Space, a business we love to champion here at Womenfolk.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your business Creating A Space?

My name is Esther Mogada and I am the person behind Creating A Space. 

I am a creative based in Belfast and I have been working within the creative industry for the last 8 years. 

I am half Irish and half Ugandan, born in Sudan but I grew up in Egypt. I lived in Dublin for a year and then moved back to Belfast with my family when I was 17.

It was a challenging time in my life because I had been living in a very different culture,  and returning to live in Belfast was such a shock to the system. 

I studied Fashion and Textiles at Ulster University for my undergraduate and went on to complete a Masters in Retail Management, Fashion And Textiles; specialising in brand development.

From there I started building my career in Belfast by trying out different business ideas and projects - so that I could discover the best fit for me, and where I belong.

I began on the journey, by co-founding a fashion streetwear brand, and that progressed to co-founding a fashion collective, where we organised underground fashion events.  I dabbled in podcasting and events, while at the same time selling my own textile work.   All of that led me to start Creating A Space,  because I realised I needed to create a space for myself,  by starting my own business.

What inspired you to start your business?

Initially, I didn’t start out with the idea of having my own business as I had begun Creating A Space with a friend.  

I had just graduated from university, and I was trying to figure out which direction I wanted to take in life. To be honest, I was feeling a bit lost, as most people do when they first graduate from university. I discovered that I didn’t want to be a textile designer, and I had tried the fashion route  - and realised it wasn’t where my passion  lay.  

In my early 20s when I was struggling to find myself, my purpose in life and questioning being in Belfast, interviewing others inspired me - and through interviewing others, I realised it was something I was good at.  

I didn’t have many people around me that had the same creative vision, where we could dream big and believe that we had the potential to achieve anything we wanted.  

Also, I struggled deeply with not seeing many people of colour in Belfast - and it caused a lot of conflict within me regarding my identity. Hearing interviews of people that were successful, got me through a lot of hard times in my life, and I knew that I wanted to create work that had that type of impact. 

I decided to part ways with my business partner who I had started Creating A Space with, and began to run Creating A Space by myself,  and threw myself into the brand and turned it into a business.   

Having limited filmmaking skills, no equipment and no clients was a huge risk,  but I knew that somewhere deep inside me I could make this work, and turn it into a business that I could be proud of,  and that would creatively fulfil my soul. 

During the pandemic, I decided to go all-in and taught myself how to be a filmmaker and slowly but surely, I started getting clients. By putting myself out there, doing every job and saying yes to every opportunity and putting the work in, my business has become a reality.  It’s been an ongoing process, but thankfully I am still pushing through and have made many breakthroughs on what Creating A Space is all about and who I am here to serve.

Can you tell us about the different services you offer at Creating A Space?

With Creating A Space, I specialise in creating story-led photography and film content for businesses on their social media platforms.  I work with clients and assist them to create a content system that enables them to stay on top of their game,  by being consistent in a sustainable way.  From there, I generate ideas and create their social media content on a monthly basis which helps businesses have a bank of content. 

I find that many businesses really struggle with having a content structure which leads them to feel overwhelmed, stuck on the hamster wheel and grasping for headspace to move forward with their content. 

My goal is to take the pressure off, but most importantly, inspire them to get excited about their ideas again, and fall back in love with their business.

My main job is really listening, holding space for creative ideas and encouraging people to believe that their creative dreams are possible and achievable. I love working with people that have a vision for their business - people that dream big. 

It pushes me to dream big with them, and I help them to find creative ways to tell their story over and over again.  That in turn builds deeper connections with their customers and target audience.

Our theme for womenfolk this year is Balance, through Creating A Space you seem to balance your commercial creative work alongside personal creative projects such as ‘How They See Us’ 

Can you tell us a bit about How They See Us?

How They See Us is a project that is centred around sharing stories about what people of colour (POC) go through within Northern Ireland.  People that have a multicultural heritage, but identify as Irish/British or Northern Irish. 

I had been wanting to create this project for many years, but after the George Floyd murder and the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted around the world in June 2020, I knew that I wanted to create something where I could contribute to the conversation, but also explore how other people of colour were feeling within a Northern Irish content. 

Often you don’t get to hear the perspectives of POC in NI, because the conversation is usually about the troubles and the different community divides. I wanted to show how Northern Ireland is a diverse place, create a space for these types of conversations and show people that we have more in common than we are different. 

I wanted to explore how people that have been born here experience feeling ‘other’ and how hard it can feel to find belonging because they don't feel accepted by society even though they have been born here & brought up within this culture.

What you hoped to achieve through the project?

I wanted to find a way to talk about race, identity and representation in a way that felt safe. To make it story-led and to share people’s lived experiences. 

When it comes to talking about these subjects, there is a lot of fear around how you “should” articulate your opinions, and there is fear of saying the wrong thing or feeling like you might offend someone. 

I wanted to hold space for these conversations, and just ask people about their experiences. To highlight what people go through. When you share someone’s story, it’s the vehicle to connect and show your shared humanity. 

It was important for me to create it as a series and make it a social media series because I wanted to break down the different issues that people brought up. But also making it digestible for the wider public. 

In a way, educate people in a subtle way where they can walk away feeling like they learned something in a safe space and spark discussions within their own communities.

What you learnt through the project?

I learned SO much in creating this project. From the filmmaking aspect right through to what I learned from the people I interviewed. 

It was the first time in my life that I took complete ownership of a project from start to finish and it honestly has changed the trajectory of my life and business. 

As I had mentioned earlier, I really struggled with moving to Belfast after living in Egypt and then  Dublin,  because I struggled to see the diversity here in Northern Ireland. I felt isolated and most of all, I walked through this world feeling like an outsider, feeling like ‘other’ and not having a place of belonging.

I had struggled with my identity, when people used to ask me where I was ‘from’, I had no idea how to answer them because I didn’t know what that meant for me. I almost wished that I was from one place, and was able to blend into society. 

Creating this project connected me to others that had felt similar within themselves, and it was a healing project for me in coming to terms with who I am. 

They taught me that having a multicultural background is beautiful and should be celebrated. They showed me that it’s okay to take ownership of myself and not to be small anymore. 

I wanted to emphasise that we all need to be seen as individuals, and not grouped into the same category - when it comes to the labels of ‘ethnic minorities, Black, Brown’ - because that itself can lead to having our uniqueness and individuality taken away from us.

If you have any plans to develop the project or anything similar in the future?

I plan on taking this project to new heights over the next decade. I want to create about 10 seasons of How They See Us, focusing on different groups of people. I am so fascinated by how people move through this world, how they think people see them, and how they see themselves. I want to create a larger production, and my dream is to have 3-5 seasons of How They See Us featured on Netflix - so I am manifesting this into existence.

Can you tell us practically about how you balance both your commercial client work and personal creative projects?

At the start of every year, I map out each quarter and decide what I want to work on. Usually, from January to April, I am working on my business, maintaining my client work, pitching for more work and giving that my 100% full attention. 

When it comes to passion projects, I carve out the time. 

From May-August, I find that my client's work slows down as people are taking time off for holidays. I utilize that time to create those projects and see it as a season of just creating what's in my heart and soul. 

From September to December, my client work picks up again, and I push right up until Christmas and then the cycle continues each quarter annually.

On a personal level, how important is it for you to have both these elements in your business?

It is extremely important for me to integrate this into my business because my passion projects are the things that have gotten me through the door. It helps me become a better storyteller, and where I get to develop my style of work and get recognised for these projects. 

I wouldn’t be here without me following through on my passion projects and it’s a good balance to have throughout the year. I get to focus on seasons where it’s all about my clients, and then I get to focus on what creatively brings me joy and the stories I want to tell. 

How else do you try to find balance in your life?

Over the last 2 years, I have really focused on building a solid routine in my life and really double down on being consistent with that. When I have a structure in place, it creates freedom in other areas of my life. 

I journal and read every morning.  I work out three times a week.  I spend quality time with my friends and family and prioritise maintaining a healthy relationship with my fiance. All these elements help me stay grounded and elevate me within my business life.

Apart from your creative work, what brings you joy in life?

My relationships really bring me joy in life. Having deep conversations where I can connect with people and really work on myself so that I can be the best version of myself. It's important to focus on being a healthy person - physically, emotionally and spiritually.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

With Creating A Space, I want to work with international clients - working with brands all over the world, telling their unique stories. 

I want to build my team and eventually have my own building where I can have my own space to produce all my films.

I want to do a global tour with How They See Us - and interview people of colour all over the world, and continue to tell those beautiful stories. 

Most importantly, I want to be able to do this for the next 20 years of my life. I think I have finally found my calling, my purpose in life and I hope I can continue to be creatively inspired and keep learning.

Where can people find you online?

You can find me on Instagram at @creatingaspace and my website is www.creatingaspace.co

Balance: a situation in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.

Our theme for womenfolk this year is ‘balance’. I think we all strive for balance in our lives, between work and life, creativity and productivity, doing and being. Certainly it’s something I am constantly working at and trying (and usually failing) to achieve. 

For self-employed creatives the lines between work and life can be even more blurred. When you are doing something you love it can be hard to establish where work ends and life begins and working from home can bring its own challenges around creating boundaries. Being self-employed also often means you have no control over when work comes in and how much of it. You have to be realistic when starting a business and put in the work and hours to an extent, yet this isn’t sustainable forever. When is the right time to start turning down opportunities and learn to say no? Often self-employed creatives have a genuine passion for what they do, they genuinely want to do every project and make the most of every opportunity. Sadly it isn’t physically possible to do and balance everything. It can also be hard to learn to relax and enjoy the inevitable downtimes without stressing and worrying about when the next job/ order will come in. Balance can also often be harder for women to achieve as sadly they often bear the brunt of life’s caring responsibilities, giving them even more to juggle in an already hectic world. 

To explore this topic throughout the year we hope to bring some real-life insights from local creative women. We are asking each of our profile participants this year how they attempt to bring balance to their lives as they strive to be successful creatively and professionally. We will also be featuring some guest blogs by local creative women and hope to get back to organising some in-person events and workshops towards the end of the year.

Thanks as always for your support in building this community

Christine

Monday Motivation: Opportunities & Inspiration

OPPORTUNITIES

• Ideas and Pioneers Fund – Paul Hamlyn Foundation

The Ideas and Pioneers Fund supports people with unusual or radical ideas to improve the life chances and opportunities of people in the UK. The Paul Hamlyn Foundation is looking for ideas which relate closely to their own charitable mission – they aim to help people overcome disadvantage and lack of opportunity, so that they can realise their potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives.

• Development Awards – Princes Trust

Development Awards are grants of up to £500 to help young people who are struggling to access education, work or training due to a lack of funds. You can apply if you are a UK resident and are:

• Aged 14-17 and do not have/are not expecting to achieve 5 GCSEs grades A-C-(or equivalent), or

• Aged 17-25 and unemployed or working fewer than 16 hours a week, or in education fewer than 14 hours a week

INSPIRATION

• Article - What to do when work feels meaningless

• Video Series - Reaching Higher with the Irish News X Ulster Bank

Monday Motivation: Opportunities & Inspiration

OPPORTUNITIES

• Call for ArtCart Artists/Creative facilitators – ongoing

  Wheelworks are looking for enthusiastic freelance artists /creative facilitators to deliver engaging arts based workshops with groups of young people on the ArtCart.

  Workshops will cover the following artforms:

  • Animation

  • Arts & Crafts

  • Augmented reality

  • Coding

  • Film Making

  • Game design

  • Graphic design • Motion capture

  • Movie special effects

  • Music making

  • Photography

  • Virtual reality

  • Visual arts

    Click here for full details and info on how to apply

• EU Exit mentoring support

  Belfast-based small to medium sized businesses can request free, in-depth mentoring support to deal with significant challenges or make the most of EU Exit opportunities through Belfast City Council

• COVID-19 Micro-business E-commerce Grant

  A new £3 million fund to help retail micro-businesses in Northern Ireland looking to grow their business online

  The COVID-19 Micro-business E-commerce Grant (MBEG) is open to any micro-sized retailer that wants to prepare for growth, develop their customer base and find new markets by enhancing their digital offering, building e-commerce capability and increasing online sales. The scheme was developed and is operated by Invest Northern Ireland.

---

INSPIRATION

• ARTICLE: Why our pursuit of happiness may be flawed

• BOOK: You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero

  This week’s book is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. This book will help you make changes in your life, by helping you to Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want, help you push past your fears so you can take big exciting risks, figure out how to make money, learn to love yourself and others, set big goals and reach them.

• PODCAST: Creative Capes by Future London Academy

  This week’s podcast inspiration is Creative Capes by Future London Academy. Listen to relaxed conversations with inspiring creatives and innovators from around the world. Hear their stories, mistakes they have made on the way and opinions on what's going on in the industry. Get inspired!

Monday Motivation - Opportunities & Inspiration 1st Feb 2021

OPPORTUNITIES

• ARTIST CALL OUT – Bite Size Workshop Commissions

The Core at Corby Cube want to engage with artists in all disciplines from across the UK to create Bite sized activities for young people and their families.

£150 fee - - - Aply online by 8th February

• CRAFT NI - MAKER OPPORTUNITY - Goldsmiths Centre Getting Started Online 2021

Delivered by the Goldsmiths Company, Getting Started is a free one-week introduction to business course for the most talented UK designers, designer makers and skilled craftspeople in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied industries

Apply online

• BREXIT TRAINING - INVEST NI - EU Exit Events

There are new rules for Northern Ireland businesses moving goods across borders or delivering cross border services. Businesses need to understand the changes and adapt to minimise any disruption.

Register for one of Invest NI’s EU Exit webinars to hear from subject matter experts. They will provide the latest advice and guidance on the implementation of the NI Protocol and focus on the actions businesses must take.

Businesses can also book a one-to-one ‘Ask the Expert’ slot at Invest NI’s weekly EU Exit Advice Clinics. Here you will have the opportunity to discuss your own EU Exit questions with specialists in key areas including customs and tariffs, VAT, transport and logistics, supply chain, immigration changes and data and legal.

More Info & Booking Details

---

INSPIRATION

• ARTICLE: Why your most important relationship is with your inner voice

Following on from Week 13 and claiming your story, this article provides a fascinating insight into how your internal monologue shapes your mental wellbeing by psychologist Ethan Kross and some tools to improve your inner voice.

• BOOK: REWORK BY JASON FRIED

This week’s book is Rework which shows you how you can succeed in business with less than you think. You don't need to be a workaholic. You don't need to staff up. You don't need to waste time on paperwork or meetings. You don't even need an office. Those are all just excuses.

• PODCAST: Design Matters

This week’s Podcast recommendation is Debbie Millman’s Design Matters The world's first podcast about design and an inquiry into the broader world of creative culture through wide-ranging conversations with designers, writers, artists, curators, musicians, and other luminaries of contemporary thought

Monday Motivation - Opportunities & Inspiration 24th Jan 2021

TRAINING

• Fully Funded Digital Marketing Course

Fully Funded Digital Marketing Course beginning 15th February Open to SMEs and Social Enterprises - funded under #SkillsFocus - eligibility criteria applies. More info email Margaret McCabe at mmccabe@belfastmet.ac.uk

INSPIRATION

• ‘Communicating with Empathy - Reset Your Mindset for 2021 and Beyond’

Video with UU alumnus Jason Cooper (in partnership with Ulster University Business School)

FUNDING

• StoryFutures Academy £10k Kickstart Funding Call Open **closes 4 Feb**

  StoryFutures Academy has launched a new call for proposals for immersive prototypes.

• Future Screens NI Funding Opportunities

  Various funding opportunities for the creative industries in Northern Ireland

Behind The Branding of 'DIG DEEP' - Karishma Kusurkar

We had the pleasure of catching up with Karishma Kusurkar who is the woman behind creating all the fantastic branding for ‘DIG DEEP’.

Can you introduce yourself?

I'm a multidisciplinary designer, podcaster and lover of all things creative and entrepreneurial. In my spare time, I play in two bands - Alumna and Stubborn China Doll.

What do you do at Karishma's World?

Karishma's World is my business and I do many things through it: create new products and podcasts, design for clients and facilitate design workshops. I'm also Co-Director at Belfast Design Week, Co-Lead of Ladies That UX and Co-Founder on other projects including Small Town Big Dreams.

When did you start your own business? I started my business all the way back in 2014 after graduating from my MFA in Multidisciplinary Design. Its initial focus was in Textiles & Fashion accessories and was more product related. Since then, my work has become more multidisciplinary encompassing digital design and podcasting. I also collaborate with those working in other parts of the creative industries.

What was the inspiration behind the "DIG DEEP" branding?

For the Dig Deep branding, I collaborated with Christine and Esther who are co-founders of the programme. They had collected inspirational images and initial thoughts which they shared with me. From that, I developed the design concept.

Too often, designing for business products can mean that the end result is slick, minimal and serious, which is appropriate in some circumstances of course, but there isn't really any divergence from this status quo. When it comes to human-centred design, if you want different kinds of people to take part in programmes and projects, you have to look at what and how you are designing for them.

I wanted to create branding and design for Dig Deep that was warm, approachable and inviting to those outside of traditional business backgrounds as well as those in the creative sector. I wanted to make the brand rich, colourful but sophisticated and I used a mixture of hand-made textures and vector graphics to come up with initial brand elements and then the design of the Womenfolk Dig Deep 2020 Journal.

What is one thing you wish you knew when you started your own business?

That it takes time for it to build and become successful and to have the patience as well as the reserves to make it happen. And also the networks and the know-how of course. Sometimes timescales shown to those starting a business are unrealistic as everything takes a lot longer to do than expected in reality!

What piece of advice could you give to people starting their own business?

Always think about the end-user of what you are creating and whether your product helps solve their problem.

'DIG DEEP' ONLINE PROGRAMME

Join us for our new 9-month creative online enterprise support program for young women from NI & BAME backgrounds (18 - 30 years). This program will help you ‘Dig Deep’ and start and grow your own sustainable creative business. It will bring participants together to learn, share skills, knowledge, and experiences in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Taking a holistic view of starting a business, combining self-care and creativity alongside business skills and knowledge. It will be a tailored program to help you grow your creative business to meet your values, goals, and ambitions through a series of online workshops, resources, peer, and one-on-one mentoring. 

This program is about sharing experiences, hearing other people's stories from different backgrounds, and collectively working to help each other to grow and build in a supportive and nurturing environment. This course offers a creative approach to starting a business. Giving participants the practical skills they need, alongside peer inspiration, motivation, support and accountability, one-on-one support, and space and time to focus on your business hopes, dreams, and ambitions. 

The program will consist of online content with weekly videos, worksheets, exercises, and resources alongside industry expert workshops, monthly one-on-one mentoring, and group peer mentoring sessions.

Topics covered will include:

• Business planning - values, vision, aims & objectives

• Finance planning & management

• Branding

• Social Media

• Setting up a website

• Sales

• Confidence

• Failure

• Self Care

• Habits

• Work-life balance

• Imposters syndrome

Why take part?

This project will provide much-needed support and structure at a time of huge economic and social uncertainty. It will give you practical business skills and knowledge and the confidence and resilience to help you make your dreams of running a creative business a reality. It will give you the opportunity to meet people from different communities, build your network, and make new connections to help you build a sustainable future.  

We are looking for determined women that want to succeed. You must be willing to commit to completing all aspects of the program, be happy to engage with other program participants, treat all other program participants with respect and empathy, and be happy to become part of the womenfolk community.

Are you ready to take the leap?

Our applications are open now! There are limited spaces available so book your space today!

https://blickstudios.typeform.com/to/G8VR3EMD

This is a project supported by Ulster Bank

Without further ado - we want to introduce one of the co-founders of this project is Christine James who is the founder of Blick Shared Studios, Womenfolk, and Co-Founder of Belfast Design Week and many other creative projects.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @womenfolkco

Video created by Creating A Space

Introducing co-Founder of Dig Deep, Esther Mogada.
Esther is a creative based in Belfast and has been working in the creative industry for the last 5 years. She has worked on various projects in relation to Fashion, Podcasting, Events, and now is building a video production company called Creating A Space.

Jameson Creatives Design Challenge for Emerging Designers

Have you entered yet?

Belfast Design Week  has teamed up with Jameson Whiskey NI  on a t-shirt design competition for emerging creatives and those studying design (18+) to capture the 2020 Northern Ireland spirit on a Jameson t-shirt. With prizes of £500, £300 and Jameson Whiskey and Merch Pack for all shortlisted entrants, industry feedback and Intellectual property retained by the entrant, so this is a great opportunity for emerging designers and creatives to work on an industry brief.

The winning designs will be chosen by a panel of judges from Jameson Whiskey NI, Belfast Design Week and the local hospitality industry.

Prizes are as follows:

1st Prize:
£500 cash prize + Jameson Whiskey & Merch Pack
+ t-shirts printed and given to bartenders across NI

2nd Prize:
£300 cash prize + Jameson Whiskey & Merch Pack
+ t-shirts printed and distributed through our promotions and events in NI

Shortlisted finalists:
All 10 shortlisted entries will receive a Jameson Whiskey & Merch Pack and be showcased in our winner announcement countdown activity

Competition deadline is Sunday 9th August!

For full details visit: https://www.jameson-creatives.com/

Womenfolk Wednesday Wisdom // Growth vs Grace

Growth vs Grace or Both.

Springtime is here and it is exciting to see the change of seasons and entering into a new space where we start the year fresh with new energy.

We always find that spring is a season that brings a lot of rebirth and renewal. Whether that be in our jobs, lives or personal growth. 

As we are three months into 2020, it can still feel like it's hard to get fully into the swing of things, especially if you have created many goals to achieve over the year.  I know myself, it can feel overwhelming to keep going, especially when you are putting in the groundwork that doesn't have results until long term. 

it can be easy to get bogged down in the details, loose perspective and not see the bigger picture. We are in a space where things are expected to move at such a fast pace, which can also translate to us feeling that we should be progressing faster than what we are doing right now.

For this week’s WF Wednesday Wisdom, I wanted to touch on the theme of progression. Finding that balance between pushing yourself hard, but also giving yourself grace and figuring out where to meet in the middle. To acknowledge how hard it is, but also keeping yourself accountable with what you have set out. To say that you are exactly where you are meant to be and it is okay that you have off days, doubt yourself, not see the progress you are doing. To also encourage you to keep going and to continue to show up and do the work, because the reward is high - even if you can’t see it right now.

In the space of self development, it’s so easy to constantly be consuming and pushing yourself to the next level, but there is also so much power in reflecting and revising everything that you do and figure out what you want to do with yourself.

Here are some youtube talks that have really given insight to the concept of progression and grace, and how they can both exist together. 

Hope you all are being kind to your wonderful selves this week and give yourself some grace!

One Tree Hill Actress ON: Learning To Accept Yourself In The Present While Becoming A Masterpiece

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbrfBDWQZRM&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR3gGwSwxAxeEsZ4G-zyHjBvdSza8Yyd-Y0WFq_JvEtA5mI54fckewl9emU

Nia Long Talks Producing, Motherhood, New Film ‘The Banker’ + More

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go71RqGHKLQ

Brené Brown — Striving versus Self-Acceptance, Saving Marriages, and More | The Tim Ferriss Show

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh5SUF0gPWQ&t=219s

Podcasts to listen to : 

• Work in Progress with Sophia Bush

• Unlocking Us - Brene Brown

• Jay Shetty

Womenfolk Wednesday Wisdom // Slowing Down - Fast is not always better

Slowing Down - Fast is not always better

Within the Womenfolk team we have been discussing the different topics that we wanted to cover in these articles and one topic that came up was slowing down in 2020. It’s not about going at a snail pace, but slowing down the pace of life, understanding how to create sustainable practices for our businesses and wellbeing. 

“The slow movement (sometimes capitalised Slow movement or Slow Movement) advocates a cultural shift toward slowing down life's pace. ... "It is a cultural revolution against the notion that faster is always better. The Slow philosophy is not about doing everything at a snail's pace.”

We are in a society that has such a fast pace life and it feels like things are just getting busier and busier. Feeling utterly consumed and thinking that there aren’t enough hours in the day to get all that you need done. 

We all feel it and it is not going away any time soon, however we need to re prioritise what is important to us and what matters. 

It is important to ask questions like : 

• What do you want your life to look like?

• What brings you joy?

• What do you have control over right now that you can change slowly? 

• Is the life that you want to live? 

Here are some articles, Ted talks and book recommendations that give insight to the concept of slowing down. 

Articles

• The slow movement: Why slowing down creates joy

https://www.mindful-company.com/blogs/notebook/the-slow-movement-why-slowing-down-creates-joy

• Slow Business: The Case Against Fast Growth

https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/slow-business-fast-growth-is-not-good-for-the-company.html

Ted Talks 

• Slow Down to Go Faster - The Power of Pause | Ralph Simone | TEDxUtica

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Aly07FNiFA

• When you feel the need to speed up, slow down | Kimi Werner | TEDxMaui

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFU_n1bSyyU

•  Redefining Rest - Slowing Down to Speed Up! | Bec Heinrich | TEDxFargo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hypNfi10JZo

•  The Infinite Game: How to Lead in the 21st Century

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vX2iVIJMFQ

 Books

• The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

• Slow Down to Speed Up: Lead, Succeed, and Thrive in a 24/7 World by Liz Bywater

Womenfolk Wednesday Wisdom

Womenfolk Wednesday Wisdom

Happy 2020 everyone, we hope that you are well and starting the year in a way  that is kind and loving towards yourself. 

We have introduced a new project called Womenfolk Wednesday Wisdom where we will be sharing podcasts, blogs, talks, books and more in relation to different subjects that we feel is helpful for our community. 

It is a place where we want to encourage and motivate people to start/continue/maintain their creative careers. Some days will be sharing resources and others will be sharing inspirational stories to keep us motivated & inspired (us included). 

Today’s topic is centered around goal Setting and creating good systems to achieve your goals. 

At the start of every year, there is a surge of inspiration where people want to become the better version of themselves, setting the highest goals for that year and dreaming big to be productive. All of those things are completely valid and attainable, but so often we fall short of maintaining the consistency of our goals, and for me personally, I find that half way through the year that I have forgotten my goals and not kept up with what I had intended to do for various reasons. 

This year I have taken my time to set my goals because I am still deciding what to do with my year and prioritise what is important. As I have been deciding, I have been reading this book called Atomic Habits written by James Clear. It is a book that has changed my life because it has broken down how to create new habits in a manageable way and it has changed my perception in how to  achieve goals. 

Clear writes that “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”  He explains in the book that achieving goals has nothing to do with ambition & passion, but about how you create systems to achieve the goals you want. To be consistent, disciplined with small habits that lead to bigger outcomes. 

It is a slow and sustainable process that over time compounds, and you start seeing results over time. He explains it’s about showing up and doing the work, even on the days that you don’t want to do something - they count the most. 

He talks about how you change your language and mindset around the things you want to achieve, and you create an identity based on your outcome. Once your identity has linked to the person you want to become, your habit is likely to stick. 

It has helped me a lot as I start planning for my 2020, my financial, spiritual, professional & personal goals. It is so easy to get impatient with yourself while you are trying to either build upon yourself, business, fitness, or money and jump ahead. But it is important to do the work to get there, not skip steps and take time to make monumental changes. Focusing on your direction on where you want to be rather than being upset at your current situation is a better way to approach your life. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated that you can’t seem to put things in place, this is a book for you. It will give you different ideas & exercises to try out in your life, and show you that anything is possible. 

Here is a Ted Talk talking about the process. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_nzqnXWvSo

Here is a link to his book https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

Here are some fab quotes from the book : 

• “You should be far more concerned with your current trajectory than with your current results.”

• “When you fall in love with the process rather than the product, you don’t have to wait to give yourself permission to be happy. You can be satisfied anytime your system is running.”

• “All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves and branches grow. The task of breaking a bad habit is like uprooting a powerful oak within us. And the task of building a good habit is like cultivating a delicate flower one day at a time.”

• “The purpose of setting goals is to win the game. The purpose of building systems is to continue playing the game. True long-term thinking is goal-less thinking. It’s not about any single accomplishment. It is about the cycle of endless refinement and continuous improvement. Ultimately, it is your commitment to the process that will determine your progress.”

• “If you want better results, then forget about setting goals. Focus on your system instead.”

• “Professionals stick to the schedule;

• amateurs let life get in the way.”

Women Who Code x Womenfolk

Some pics from our wonderful collaborative event with Women Who Code Belfast at Vault Artists Studios