This New Year feels different. It feels like there’s hope. We can look back, learn lessons, and use them to build back better, and I’m no exception to that. So as the year turns and my voice slowly heals, it’s time to use it to tell my truth.
It’s been almost three years since Foundations Revealed exploded, trebling in size in six months. Honestly – and I’ve never said this in public before – it’s been both a blessing and an enormous challenge.
The truth is, my little sewing community was never built to scale that fast. Not by a country mile.
After the initial euphoria of doubling our membership in a single week in April 2020, it slowly dawned on me that one of the most common reasons that small businesses go under is when they grow too fast. As the reality of how unprepared we really were dawned on me, I collapsed in on myself in a deep and extended crisis of confidence. I sabotaged important relationships (yes, including that one) because I couldn’t articulate what I was going through, and basically checked out of my life because not only was my business not built to scale that fast; neither was I.
I had won a big business competition six months earlier, and I was now a celebrity in my business community. I was crossing the 100k threshold on YouTube. By September 2020 my business was exploding a second time. I wasn’t convinced that I deserved any of it, and I was having trouble coping with the attention, the adulation, and the overpowering workload.
After 13 years as a cute little historical costuming business making it up as we went along, Foundations Revealed had to grow up and be a Proper Profeshanal Business overnight, and I didn’t have a clue how to do that. I’m a Maths teacher and a dressmaker. I did not have the skills or the confidence to manage change in a business that needed to be rebuilt from the ground up, NOW.
In public I had to say, “Thank you very much, this is so awesome!”
In front of the team I had to say, “This is so amazing! We’ve got this!”
Behind closed doors, I was quietly falling apart.
Thank G*d one of my members saw through it. R has LOTS of experience in businesses way bigger than mine, and she stepped in to manage FR far better than I could. She did so for almost two years, but it wasn’t a perfect match. While she oversaw a smooth uplevelling of all the things and ensured the survival of the community like an actual boss (thank you R), some of her decisions were made from a more corporate mindset than was right for us, and I didn’t trust myself enough to question her. I didn’t have the language to give her any direction. I handed the whole shooting match over and let her take the weight of it, and that wasn’t right either.
It was in that environment that the Competition blew up to twelve times its previous size. As R handled it like a pro, my oh-my-god-amazing team scrambled to cope with the admin workload, and I panicked in the corner, one small error of wording in the Rules revealed huge implications for the inclusion and diversity of the event. Just when we thought we were over the worst the runaway train went off the rails again, and we spent the summer of 2021 in Diversity Panel negotiations over how the whole event ought to be rebuilt. I’m grateful; we needed that.
Right at the end of the Diversity Panel meetings, someone brought up the Peacock dress. While almost everyone agreed that my YouTube sewing project needed serious thought and significant change – and I accept that – not everyone in the panel agreed about exactly what that change should look like. And I mean, they passionately disagreed. On two occasions.
I attempted to chart a course that respected and valued all the people and all the opinions in the room, but that didn’t go down well with the person who had brought it up, who felt that hers was the correct answer. She went public to press her particular viewpoint out of context of the conversation, and that’s when it got ugly for all of us in the costuming community.
After sitting silently with this ethical dilemma for six weeks – respect and accept the panel’s advice as a whole, or bow to public pressure? – I finally ended it, purely to stop the conflict and harm that was going on in the community.
I haven’t been too “present” in the community for some time because I wanted to heal and get my business sh*t together in private. But I’ve also come to believe that transparency and authenticity are important, and while I’ve endeavoured to stay in a place of gratitude for my considerable blessings and not to complain or centre myself, that also leaves me holding back.
I’ve not been present because I’ve been trying to keep all the plates spinning in a business I’m only just growing into.
I’ve not been present because of the fear of putting myself out there again.
I’ve not been present because my journey of healing is everything to me right now, and it’s not exactly “on brand”.
What I do know is that this all has something to do with my voice. Believing in it. Using it. Trusting my instincts. Trusting my inner guidance. Articulating what I’m going through to those who matter to me.
My voice is slowly returning, as you may have noticed in my videos. I’m learning to speak, and to let myself be seen. Nowadays my voice is still strangled when we say “hello”, but it warms up over the first hour that we talk, and by the end of an extended conversation you can hear every word.
This whole journey, this last almost-three-years of personal and professional chaos, has been a blessing and a gift. Sometimes we need a kick in our well-tailored yet affordable pants, and I guess the Universe felt that I was ready for that.
So thank you. Thank you for your patience while I work through this.
Creative people are by their nature afraid of failure. We clam up. We freeze. We get writer’s block. We don’t show our work. We don’t take on that challenging project because it might be a waste of time.
When we do fail, we get gun shy afterwards because our identity is stitched into our work, along with our worth and our value. It’s natural to be scared to try again, but we must try.
We are living in rapidly evolving cultural times, and that’s good. A revolution is long overdue. But in every revolution there are casualties, and we are afraid to make a mistake – or to be on the receiving end of a mistake – because the stakes are so high. Trying to be authentic in such a world leaves us even more vulnerable. Being creative becomes a greater act of faith in our voice than ever – and yet it is needed more than ever, because it’s art that connects us, and connection that will heal us.
I illustrate this post with one of a whole slew of images you’ve never seen; this is what growth looks like for me. Outdoors, under the stars, away from technology, with hiking boots and no make-up, telling the truth beside the fire with a gifted teacher and guide who couldn’t care less who I am on the Internet.
Foundations Revealed 2.0 is still here, although there are occasional snafus as we learn to use all the new tech seamlessly. I travel for one month out of four to leadership training and coaching in the United States. I’m healing through as much alternative therapy and clinical psychologist support as I can afford. I’m healing through my business community (they get it.) And I’m healing through getting back to the sewing, although as you’ve seen, it’s slow going.
Thank you for your patience, individually and collectively, as I work through this. I needed the wake up call, and I am a different person because of it. I look forward to gradually doing better by you. All of you. Happy New Year.
This was absolutely delightful to read. Stay the course!
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m really missing the regular YouTube – Videos to be honest, but take all the time to rest, heal and grow that you need <3
As a 62 year old women who has worked in business for 30 years and is now retired, I understand what your went/ are going through. It sounds like you are doing what you need to to take care of yourself and your business. Bravo! Please remember that in the end, the business doesn’t really matter. There will be a point you will walk away from it, retire, sell it, or move on. It’s just one phase your going through. Life is bigger than any business or occupation even though it might not seem like it now. Take care. We love you.
Thank you ❤️
I am experiencing some similar growth challenges. My power greater than myself brought your material to me, at just the right time. I have been praying and thinking about you as I “trudge the road to happy destiny ”
Thank you
Dear Kathy,
Just important information and feelings here. Thank you for sharing. Growing pains, fear of failure, more than expected, more successful than expected, debates, more debates…and finally stepping away to heal, rethink, and come back more whole and better than before. It’s all here, so beautifully written. Thank you for sharing all this with us.
I understand how fear of failure can make you freeze. Been there, done that. I know enough about myself to know the freezing temperature is always lurking in the foreground. I like to plot things out and work with doable timeliness and milestones. When I have a visual, things don’t look so scary. I value your videos and vlogs and will forever be patient for your next one. Your inspiration gives me inspiration. Have a Happy New Year!
You are amazing. This is beautifully written.
Man you are braver than I and I admire your strength to be such a public figure. I really enjoy your videos and I look forward to seeing lots more! So glad your voice is returning. I know how hard you’ve worked to solve that issue. Happy New Year!!
You are finding your way, your truth, your solid state of being. That can be messy and “unbeautiful” at times but it always leads to something strong and beautiful. There are many shifts in life and at times we aren’t “ready” for them, but they always lead to something better of we let them. All my love to you! 💕
Blessings can come to us as a challenge that make us grow but it’s so hard to remember that when you are the one being “blessed”. So sharing your perseverance and your resulting growth is a blessing to all you touch because it’s a good reminder for our own challenges that we too, shall grow. Thank you for your candor and sharing your intimate thoughts. I’ve watched you from the sidelines and on occasion on the inside and it’s helped me to find my inner authority too. xo
And… you are a badass! 😁 Rock on, Cathy!
Beautiful to read. I’m grateful to know you and cheering you on in 2023 and beyond. We are all finding our way along with you ❤️
Your wording is mesmerizing just as your sewing. It’s been a joy to find you this year. May this next year be filled with loving kindness and lots of growth.
Thank you for finding your voice and the courage to share this with us. This is a beautiful read. Vulnerability helps us heal and has the amazing side effect of giving others permission to do the same. Bless you and your continued healing. ❤️
As usual – from the moment I met you 3 years ago – you are an inspiration to me. And in your vulnerability even more so. Thank you for sharing your journey so openly. We are the most important person in our life and sharing how you look after yourself helps me and probably others to do the same. Thank you!
Hello Cathy,
I have followed you for a long time and I enjoyed the Peacock project…
My degree is in Pacific Island Studies and I am involved in the community as well. We would always say the Golden Rule is to treat others as they want to be treated. The issue becomes that as we create material for larger audiences it is inevitable that someone will be hurt or offended in some way.
What I talk about with our community of Islanders, is that we are not responsible for the actions of our ancestors. We are the new ancestors. And we have to take responsibility for our personal healing (similar to what you have done) and our development so we can build families and our community that are healthy.
When we ask someone else to take responsibility for our hurt, we are re-victimizing ourselves. There is that quote, do not look for healing at the feet of those that broke you.
You remember Moana, the Disney film? It is an extremely stereotyped and narrow view of island culture. But Islanders still enjoy it and show it to their kids because art does not have to be perfect to have value.
Art is created to inspire thought and in that sense the Peacock Project did, inspire thought. It shone light on parts of history people did not know and allowed us to learn. It was educational about the dressmaking itself and it was fascinating.
Many famous pieces of art are controversial. Many practices we have today will be unthinkable in 50 years.
I am very sorry that events unfolded as they did with that project because now we will never learn how that dress was made and the conversation regarding it is shut down and one sided. I am sorry for it all and very sad that in a world that claims so much love and tolerance, it runs out when it comes to actually loving and tolerating differences in culture, thought, opinion and allowing people to express those differences.
There is no freedom in control and it silences the very differences that we need to grow as a society. We need people who think different. That is why it is essential to be allowed to create art that is controversial and to have conversations about difficult topics. It breeds hatred and prejudice like you wouldn’t believe to only experience one side of any conversation.
Best wishes to you as you work through this time.
I agree with so much in this post but would have never have been able to have articulate it so well.
My thoughts exactly, yet you put them into writing in a more eloquent way than I ever could !
Oh dear, Cathy. I’m so sorry that this has happened to you. I truely admire your work and appreciate your videos. Even though I’m not into details about sewing as you are, I do enjoy watching your efforts. I applaud your efforts and will keep watching. You totally explain US creative people so much that I can identify and learn from you. Keep it up! God bless.
Very well said. Without the controversy that was the Peacock Dress, we wouldn’t have grown as much as a community.
Very well articulated. I learned a lot from the Peacock Dress project because of the evolution of perspective from “pretty eye candy” to “historical context and art of the dress.” I developed a great respect for the artisans who made it and was discomforted by the historic circumstances surrounding the dress. If we do not take the time to understand the historical context (even at the risk of being embarrassed and ashamed) we miss an opportunity to learn to be better citizens of the world. Thank you.
Hannah, your words remind me of Charles Kingsley’s book The Water Babies. In it are 2 characters, both female. They are Mrs Do As You Would Be Done By and Mrs Do As You Would Be Done By As You Did. To me they sum up how we should treat others and how we hope we would be treated ourselves.
My Daddy bought it for me for my 9th birthday. Little did he ever think it would be as relevant to me now I’m in my 69th year as it was in my 9th!
Often, I think, we don’t understand why everyone doesn’t see things as we do. We forget that we are all original and individual, and not part of a pack. We forget that others are exactly that also. Learning that is a huge learning curve and some learn it both earlier and better than others. The latter get there, it just takes a little longer! It’s a hard lesson and each individual has a path less trodden, until we learn to tread lightly upon ourselves.
Blessings to all, no matter your belief system or if you have none.
Thank you! Sincere and heartfelt…just continue as your gut dictates!!
Oh, Cathy, success can be so intimidating! Making mistakes is part of it, but your good choices shine brighter. Doesn’t it feel better to speak your truth? It always does for me, even when my language is awkward or not perfect. Just speaking up makes it easier to continue doing so. Well done!
Dear Kathy,
While I do not always enjoy the journey I find arriving at my destination hopefully with time for personal reflection. When facing constant challenges and the problems it creates I too have to pull back and give myself time to heal and understand. You are a gift to us all. Sending you joy!
Your courage has always inspired me. Thank you for being you so bravely.
Truth is basic unit of Nature.
You are an amazing human and it’s an honor to know you.
I get it.
Thanks for sharing this Cathy. You’ve managed to hold on to your authentic voice through all of this, and that’s what’s going to take you forward, into the next stage of the adventure. Happy 2023!
You are beautiful and your voice matters. Always be gentle to yourself.
Hugs first and thank you next. I have been following along your journey for years, not because I am part of the costuming community but because I sew, I create, I understand the vulnerability of what you speak particularly if it is within a public forum. My word woman, you have laid it all out there and I defy anyone to contradict or defame you as a result. S-it happens when the snowball gathers steam as it thunders down the mountain. It’s all good. It will be OK. Lessons learned. May this New Year be a happy, healthy, and prosperous one for you. May peace and contentment fill your soul, do what you do best. Toodles.
Seldom have i heard someone express their truth with such quiet dignity. You showed wisdom by not lashing out but taking time to reflect, to look at yourself as well as the situation you gound yourself in. Then working to change the things you could and showing the grace to accept the things that were not yours to change.
The path through life often sends us up paths we never foresaw . We wander till we find our way back onto our actual path. The foolish wail and moan but the wise learn from all things and keeps moving forward.
It pains me to hear about the struggles you’re addressing, though I am heartened you are navigating them wonderfully. I only know you through your entertaining YouTube videos; I don’t even sew! Your dedication to your craft and insightful, thought-provoking comments keep me watching. I wish you every happiness in your journey ahead.
Glorious post. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
As someone who rarely shares much of their work for fear of being considered wierd, having a community of equally “wierd” (read: fantastic) people is an absolute blessing. I’m happy that you have been able to provide that sort of community not just to everyone in FR, but also for yourself.
I hope you continue to have that community around you to help you heal and have an even better 2023.
While stumbling blocks seem to upend the apple cart, you are better for persevering. I’ve never needed an explanation nor any validation from you. I trust that you will do you best and that’s perfect for what I have enjoyed from watching your videos.
As per the Peacock dress, I will miss seeing the completed project; but, understand completely the need for no confrontation. I am thoroughly enjoying your newest project and am eagerly awaiting your embroidery techniques that will be perused. Have fun completing this project and more importantly have fun in all aspects of your life. For, as far as YouTube matters, we don’t in terms of your happiness.
Many blessings as you deserve them! Hug your friends and watch those lovely stars around your fireside with many friends beside you always!
Ok so…I got fired recently and I’ve been struggling with the same exact things you have: letting my voice be heard, though in my case I don’t think I have spent time hearing it myself. Especially after a huge rejection like a firing or a diversity panel, I think the reason it hurts is that we needed to learn that lesson? Idk I’m still figuring it out myself. But knowing that we aren’t alone in struggling helps me feel community in the struggle. Helps me have other’s strength to borrow for a second while mine is waning. It’s a changing world, and every human is imperfect. That’s what makes this world so amazing. We all get to find connection despite the turmoil and learn together.
Beautifully written and heartfelt! I wish you the best as you heal and grow! Life is an awesome journey! Continued success as as go ahead with your travails!
I think it’s been a 3 year healing process for everyone. ❤️❤️❤️
But, some refuse to heal. I just read a post this morning from a BiPOC person who feels Cathy’s 5th apology here still isn’t hitting the mark she feels it needs, but can’t articulate what that mark is. Cathy was vilified for no reason. Cathy is human ffs! I wonder just how perfect all these haters really are!?
So beautifully said. This sort of thing is what has prevented me from taking the YouTube and website plunge and although I am a creative, I’m in a different area of fibre arts. I enjoy your inspiring videos and look forward to seeing more but also understand the need to heal. May 2023 treat us well.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your path.
I am in awe of your courage and tenacity.
Stumbling is part of learning how to walk. You don’t get better at walking if you decide it isn’t worth risking stumbling again.
I am not very good with words, but I will try for you. I have been a fan ever since the first time I found you on YouTube. I marvel at your strength. I have listened to your voice recover and I am amazed at your dedication to recover. You show us your errors and laugh at yourself. You show us how vulnerable you are and how you made yourself (and us) better through your journeys. You have shared with us over the past 3 year’s and I am proud to be a follower of yours and a member of Foundations Revealed! I will always cheer you on and support you and the rest of your followers. Keep up the good work! Wishing you a very Happy New Year! I cannot wait for what you reveal to us in the future.
Thank you for opening up yourself the way you do. I know how hard it is to open up about difficult things and to admit you were unprepared for the impact it was having on your business and your personal life. Hopefully you are ready for this future you have created and that you will be able to just breathe and conquer.
Cathy, Growth definitely deals with uncomfortable feelings and having to face challenges head on. I appreciate your willingness to work at the points that needed addressed. While still trying to grow personally along with the growing the business community. Looking forward to all the improvements added in 2023.
💙 You are doing great! 🥲 Hang in there. 😁
💙 Keep your head up.
🥲 🎉
Oh, Cathy – too bad you had to suffer such distress in the midst of all the excitement.BIg hug for you – and I’m glad your voice is getting better. (Why did you lose it, if you don’t mind my asking)
May the year to come bring all of us “tidings of comfort and joy”, and reasons for optimism and self-love.
My Dearest Cathy,
I wish I was there to give you a hug, make you a cup of tea, and just LISTEN for as long as you need to talk.
We’ve never met face-to-face, but I consider you a Facebook mentor and friend. I am SO happy to hear that you are being gracious with yourself. Take all the time you need to heal.
Much love to you during this difficult time.
We are here for you.
Cathy, being open about how Foundations Revealed developed over the crucial middle-time took courage. I’m grateful for your answer to the question, “OMG, how do people DO that?!!” when a very real, intelligent, mentally healthy person wins a business contest with an idea that has started small. I had a friend (also a math teacher) who lost one of those contests, and she counts it as a bullet dodged. You took the challenge head-on.
Very True-for-me : “We don’t take on that challenging project because it might be a waste of time.” So I haven’t taken on THAT challenging project, but have been steadily taking on smaller projects, and just quietly smile when people tell me that I should be more ambitious.
You’ve proven that we can take on THAT challenging project and survive, but that it will cost, and perhaps we can learn Yes, take on the challenge, but take it on more strategically, more organically than following the theoretical path to success, if we don’t feel we have your strengths of resilency and tenacity, support and honest.
Cathy you deserve much more grace then you have been shown. By us or yourself. I hope that changes. Cheers to 2023
I needed to hear this. So badly. Thank you for the courage to do the work, and share it.
We are needed now more than ever.
Dear Lady, thank you for being so brave to put all of that into words that can be read by others. Many of us already, without those words, fully understood much of that. Fellow travelers all. I have had to deal, for example, with much the same vocal challenge. I still do. But I understand now – for me – it’s my marvelously creative, nonverbal subconscious trying to tell me that I am having trouble communicating the truths I need to communicate. As I work out the right words they become easier to say. I must also confess that I was much torn apart watching you trapped in the nightmare that the peacock dress became. You found yourself dragged into the midst of a symbol drama not of your choosing and far larger than anything you ever might have imagined. You tried to deal with the tsunami responsibly and work it as a teachable moment – frankly handling it with far more grace than I would’ve done. You tried your best but even your best was not what was wanted. It was not about you – it was ever so much larger, and that’s a hellishly soul shaking experience to find yourself in. You are a Great Lady. It is an honor to be just one of the countless, faceless, people you’ve allowed to join you on the bits of The Great Journey you are willing to share with us.
As much as I want to believe that challenges are over, deep inside I feel that we have only had the preparation. The world will change, but we do not have in us the path of organic change, we only go there when there is a crisis. As a person living through war (I’m in Ukraine), I see that people are the best option we have, people that evolve and grow, and support each other. And you have that. I’m grateful for your presence, and that you have your own point of view. And I do hope, sooner or later, people around us will allow the existence of other points and worldviews especially when they differ from their own. Thank you!
You got this. Life is hard and you are doing great.
I’ve shared some of your videos about mental health and loving yourself more to a friend of mine and I believe it’s made an impact in her life. I’ve also found peace and validity in your posts and videos. Thank you. I’m glad you are finding your voice- in more ways than one- and hope this coming year brings you more moments of calmness and self-care and love.
I have been happy to hear your voice improve recently. I was worried you would shut everything down and disappear over the peacock dress drama. Personally, I believe we should study history and learn from it so as not to repeat its mistakes but not lay those mistakes at the feet of today’s descendants. But you handled the drama well. I like your new embroidered velvet coat project and have particularly enjoyed seeing you derive a pattern for it. I have a different fabric arts direction now…art quilting…and I have a tiny little YouTube channel where I present some of it. I wanted to join the contest and even had developed a project, but I came down with the flu and had a dear relative die and so many things suddenly get in the way that it took the weeks I had planned on dedicating to the project. I have so much planned for the new year that I don’t think I can squeeze it in now. But I will enjoy seeing what others come up with for that. Best wishes for the future and have a lovely happy new year! I will continue to follow your interesting progress. It would be fun to sit down with a cup of tea or some such and chat with you some day about lovely fabric artsy things. Hugs.
Cathy Hay, you are a rock star!! Your honesty and passion are inspiring! I am an artist that sews, but not at your caliber, however, your videos have supported and inspired me as I heal as well!!! The Universe conspires at every breath for our success!!! Love, @thevintagemo
Cathy, thank you so much for all that you do. Your words are great inspiration and support and have helped me, guided me on the path to my own truth. Like many, I was broken and am slowly healing. I believe you are on the right track, your creativity, your spirit, your soul for want of a better word, is constantly shining through all you do. We will probably never meet, but I will always treasure the hand friendship you have extended to all of us. I hope you have a wonderful 2023. Love and hugs from Australia, Pauline
Thank you, Cathy, for sharing your journey with all of us. It gives us the courage to follow with our own trials and tribulations, knowing we are not alone. Blessings in the New Year and always.
Thank You Cathy,
You’ve heard this before, but Foundations Revealed saved my sanity in 2011. I barely have time to engage now because of work. I searched corsetry and foundations starting in 1995 for any information. I found Romantasy.com and that was it for a while. Foundations and Wardrobe gave me so much more. Our research often times leads to uncomfortable truths. We have no idea of these issues because of our education(ignorance).
Keep going. You are far more inspirational for many, than the few that get views for criticism of your work.
I have quietly watched your Youtube videos for several years now and always find them educational and engrossing. I have learned so much from you. Life has a way of jumping up and biting us in the behind when we least expect it, and we need to do exactly what you are doing – take time, get appropriate help and support, and give ourselves time to heal.
As someone who has been attacked by life on more than one occasion, I can only recommend that you put yourself first, do what you need to do to get your life back on track, and take as long as you need to do that.
I look forward to seeing your future work.
I hope you have a happy new year and wish you all the best.
I understand how fear of failure can make you freeze. Been there, done that. I know enough about myself to know the freezing temperature is always lurking in the foreground. I like to plot things out and work with doable timeliness and milestones. When I have a visual, things don’t look so scary. I value your videos and vlogs and will forever be patient for your next one. Your inspiration gives me inspiration. Have a Happy New Year!
Your words are a blessing. In various ways the last few years have been rough on most people. I appreciate your candor and your hope. May it infuse us all!
As someone that’s seen all of the historical costuming growth and drama from day one decades ago, this entire post is a hot load of bullshit. A crap ton of trying to control the narrative after the fact. Every single paragraph is blaming someone else. Get over yourself.
As an Indian I took no offence by the recreation of this dress, on the contrary I was admiring the whole process of it. Especially the way Cathy Hay spoke about it’s history, it taught me a lot, and it was refreshing to hear someone speak about their ancestors colonial past without them being ignorant of the evils they put their subjects to. The way I see it is that this could have been a great healing process, to have such a beautiful dress being recreated by someone who is honest and true and making the wrongs of the past right, in a way. I am not entirely aware of the controversy regarding the dress but I have an idea, and this was not at all an offensive thing, in fact I was following the making of the dress with a lot of interest, although I’ve never sewn a dress before in my whole life. I stopped following her videos since the termination of the peacock dress project, but since learning about the terrible things that she went through, I felt compelled to write this as an Indian who was genuinely interested in the dress.
Take your time, as I have always said “Life is not a race, it’s short, so fill it with joy and have fun”
I learnt that lesson at 24 when my life got turned on its head.
Like you I have been happy with my crafts and Hobbies but never willing to take it to the next step.
All that has changed after spending time with a “Life Coach” at my Dr’s insistence lol and it terrified me but it also helped me too. I have had a dream of selling my design pieces but I have been locking them all away because I was just plane to scared to take that next step lol, my Life Coach helped me so much I have finally taken the plunge and booked my first market stall at the Town Show in February I bought my Square up so I can take payments there is no backing out lol
Like you said the universe has given me the preverbal boot I needed to take that next step in life lol
We can only do what we can, stop stressing out on the “What if’s” and say “I will”
I love watching your YouTube because I can see beyond and actually see you, someone who is passionate at what you are doing, to me that’s is the number one point in life. It’s just a shame it took me longer to get there lol
THank you Cathy. Take your time. I’m hereto watch when you’re ready to post. Your honesty is inspiring.
Cathy, thank you for your words. I hear pain and suffering, but also healing and hope. But I find this hard to read without seeing a sage warning for myself. There is a gap between who we truly are and who we give to the world. Being vulnerable and able to close that gap is all the things you say – being true to one’s self, having courage to speak up, trusting our intuition.
We chose our path and success is by our own measure. I want to be an entrepreneur but fear all the things that have happened to you. What I would love to know is what would you do differently ( if anything, because there are gifts in every experience) and what would your present self tell you from 13 years ago?
With love and gratitude for you sharing with vulnerability and honesty.
Cathy,
It is lovely to hear your voice, and see new videos on your YouTube channel and on Foundations Revealed. The growth you have gone through in the last two years hasn’t been easy. I was part of that explosion on Foundations Revealed. It was a bit of a wild ride. While I’m not as active as I’d like, I enjoy the ability to dip my toes into the information and community.
As with others, I was concerned that the issues of the Peacock dress would swamp you and your creativity. Yes, it was an ugly situation, with a variety of lessons to be learned. However, without that strife, those hard lessons, you and the costuming community would not have grown. I feel like many groups worked through the same pain points of Diversity and Inclusion. I am very glad that you and FR survived. Hugs!
Your growth, and the sharing of your journey makes it possible for us in the costuming community to grow as well. You are a good example for us all. Thank you.