Following my dream

I don’t know how many old readers are still here after my three, almost four year departure from blogging after I had Edith. I’ve never actually told her birth story here have I? Things just kind of went a bit quiet really. I tried to keep things limping along, but I’ve had four years of super career UX design woman and I just can’t do it any more.

So today I sent off a proposal to do the branding and design and creative work for a new skincare brand – I’ve put my favourites here in the picture. And that makes me the happiest woman in the world. I remember the beautiful design work I used to do for my own clients and I so want to do that again.

I tried to quit my job this week but they asked me to stay on. So today I’m going to do it again. And mean it this time. No more nannies. It’s time to be a mother. The girls are both at school now so I have a whole day to work on my projects and then pick them up and be their mum. It’s what we all want.

I’ve signed up for a stall at the School Fair this year. I’ve got a deadline now- weeeeeh!!! Mid-December to have at least one book done, with a few copies printed. I’ve got a few lovely duvets to make, the kind I’ve made for the girls. Dolls blankets. Some cards to print on my Gocco. Little treasure purses and other small wonders for the fair, which is a beyond words beautiful piece of Christmas Magic in an old church in Hackney. It’s truly a magical fairytale Christmas fair – and I can’t wait to share what I’m going to be making with you.

Some friends of mine run a business consultancy for creatives – you go to them and tell them your ideas and they tell you how to run your business, write a business plan, or take your idea forward. They are magic! And they’ve asked me to put together a little pack and run some sessions, so I’m going to hire a London training room and run workshops for creatives on how to get online, either with a blog or a shop, and then how to have a social presence and how that all works.

They have some lovely creative clients – artists, designers and makers so I’m really looking forward to that. I’m no Tim Ferriss but I think it will be fun and the past four years of serious UX work should be put to good use so I can pass some of that knowledge on.

And in between all of this I am blogging again. Which I so love because it means I get myself out and about and taking photos, meeting people, eating gorgeous food, and making new friends.


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18 responses to “Following my dream”

  1. erin avatar

    i think it is fantastic that you are following your dream.

    1. Charlotte avatar
      Charlotte

      Thanks Erin xx

  2. Gillian avatar

    Wonderful. Your Christmas Fair making sounds like fun. I hope you achieve your work/life balance. It must be satisfying to be so in demand for your talents, but I am sure there is a way to make at all work for you. Good luck with the skincare proposal! x

    1. Charlotte avatar
      Charlotte

      Thanks Gillian. Yes I am going to need all the time I can get for the Christmas Fair project – those things take months of preparation!!!

  3. Lindy avatar

    Was it that long? I’m glad to hear you’re following your creative side again! Will have to point a friend your way. She’s a fab wallpaper designer but after taking time off to have kids she is filled with self doubt.

    1. Charlotte avatar
      Charlotte

      When she’s ready I’m sure she’ll do it. It’s taken me two years of hand-wringing to get to this point x

  4. Emily Schneider avatar
    Emily Schneider

    Wow, big step, Charlotte! Congratulations. It’s great that you’re confident enough to make this move–sounds like an excellent plan you have! (By the way, I’m still with you after more than four years.) Best of luck with your new work.

    1. Charlotte avatar
      Charlotte

      Yay Emily! Thanks so much for sticking in there.

  5. suzy avatar

    Good on you. I remember reading your blog when you were living in NZ and only had Astrid, and I loved seeing the things you sewed and made… look forward to seeing more of your creative and having you back in this space more often.

    1. Charlotte avatar
      Charlotte

      Ah, those were the days!! I’m glad I’m coming home 🙂

  6. Heleen Webb avatar

    This is great news! I am so glad to hear you’re following your heart and being more ‘hands-on’ creative again. I’ve really been enjoying your blog with all your gorgeous photos and places you visit. Best of luck with your deadlines 🙂

    1. Charlotte avatar
      Charlotte

      Hey Heleen, I am very excited to be back with all my friends in blogland. Glad you are still here 🙂

  7. Bornali Shade avatar

    Wonderful news! The world needs more people like you with the courage and the vision to take their creativity seriously. Keep us posted on the resignation.

    1. Charlotte avatar
      Charlotte

      Well, I put it in writing to make sure it got through! So I have agreed to do up till October 31st. I just can’t do it any more, so forward is the only way I can go!!

  8. Bornali Shade avatar

    I meant to say “the world needs”…

    1. Charlotte avatar
      Charlotte

      I corrected it 🙂

    2. Charlotte avatar
      Charlotte

      But I did wonder at the time, whether I was being presumptious writing, “The world” in case you meant, perhaps, London, or something else !!

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