Happy Fall, friends! I know I'm not the only one who has been busy reinventing themselves throughout the last year and a half. Even though things are still far from normal, I feel like the old is falling away and the new will be even more beautiful. What about you?

"An artist cannot fail: it is a success just to be one."
- Charles Horton Colley

Within the last several months, I've been keenly aware of the struggles of artists as business owners. My own struggles, but especially those just starting out. If it wasn't for all of you and your support, I know I wouldn't be where I am today. You've seen me through the last 8 years of successes and obstacles, and a great  opportunity to mentor others on their own journeys has recently come up.

Introducing the Renaissance Engine and the Artovida Collective. I have been one of Artovida's participating artists for years, (making lunch totes and reusable sandwich baggies together), but I love the new direction they are going. Together we are working to support emerging and growing artists to reach their full potential as creators and small business owners. I'll be coaching and sharing my experience, so that hopefully these artists can sail a little more smoothly through hardships and obstacles, gleaning wisdom from myself and others. This process gives the a leg-up and full support system that I wish I had years ago. Check out their website, and if you or someone you know is interested, feel free to reach out!

Thanks to the collective, I now have my water leggings listed on Amazon on my own storefront, along with my Artovida products. My usual dead month of August (and sometimes September) were a little more productive with the help of these new sources of income. If you happen to buy some from there, please consider leaving a review to help my selling rank (I think I'm currently at 700K, haha). The other artists and I have shared selling techniques, samples of products, quality checks, and ideas that can only come out when you regularly gather a bunch of creatives to collaborate via zoom. I feel beyond blessed to have this right now, for my career and just for my well-being. Collaboration is good for the soul.