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Taking a leap of faith and diving into full-time creative entrepreneurship marks the beginning of this raw, honest conversation about pursuing your passions. After leaving a steady paycheck behind, I've jumped headfirst into running my art studio full-time and launching my very first children's art camps.

The joy of watching toddlers discover art materials for the first time has been nothing short of magical. These little ones arrive each morning bursting with excitement, ready to sculpt self-portraits in air-dry clay, adding new elements daily from facial features to personal touches reflecting their interests. Though smaller than anticipated, this intimate group has created the perfect environment for genuine creative exploration. The ripple effects extend beyond our studio sessions, with parents reporting hours of continued artistic play at home.

What's truly surprised me is how far people will travel for authentic creative experiences. Students drive from counties away to participate in workshops, families plan special trips centered around visiting the studio, and social media connections bring in new creatives seeking community. This widespread interest has validated my decision in unexpected ways, as has being selected as an animator for Toronto's Winter Wonderland exhibit and being invited to speak about establishing yourself as an artist. These opportunities simply weren't possible when my energy was divided.

The transition hasn't been without challenges - it's simultaneously "scary and exhilarating and demanding and stressful" - but the fulfillment outweighs the fear. If you've been hesitating to pursue your own creative calling, consider this your sign to take that first step. Even dedicating just a few minutes daily to what you love can nurture that passion and potentially transform your life. Life truly is too short to postpone joy. Follow along on social media to see our studio adventures and perhaps find the inspiration for your own creative journey.

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When Christine Lindebak was just five years old, she begged her mother to let her use the sewing machine. That early passion blossomed into a lifelong creative journey that now helps others rediscover the joy of making their own clothes through her pattern design business, Sewing and the City.

Christine's approach to pattern-making stands out for its exceptional attention to detail. Each design undergoes multiple rounds of fittings across different sizes over two to three months—a meticulous process that ensures perfect fit and function. The results speak for themselves in patterns like the Manhattan, with its distinctive puff sleeves and versatile silhouette that works beautifully as both a blouse and dress.

What makes Christine's work particularly valuable is her commitment to making sewing approachable. Beyond creating patterns with clear instructions and clever construction techniques, she offers a Fit Clinic program that helps sewists adjust patterns to their unique bodies. This supportive community space addresses common fitting challenges that often discourage people from sewing for themselves.

Christine's creative vision extends beyond pattern-making to her slow fashion brand, Lindy Lindy (named for her grandfather). Using vintage linens and reclaimed textiles, she creates one-of-a-kind garments that might otherwise end up in landfills. Her upcoming pattern featuring beginner-friendly embroidery designs further demonstrates her dedication to preserving and sharing traditional textile arts.

The resurgence of interest in handcrafts, particularly among younger generations discovering upcycling, represents a meaningful pushback against disposable fashion. Through her patterns, tutorials, and teaching, Christine is helping ensure these skills continue to flourish while empowering people to express their individuality through what they wear. Sign up for her newsletter to receive her free Manhattan pattern and join a community of makers reconnecting with the clothes they wear.

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Lindy, Lindy- Slow Fashion Shop

Liberty of London Cotton Fabrics

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What happens when you finally decide to chase your decades-old dream with just 17 days left at your steady job? The exhilaration, fear, and unexpected joy of embracing imperfection.

Perfection is the enemy of progress. If we wait for flawless conditions before pursuing our passions, we'll remain forever stuck in place. My transition to full-time art hasn't followed a perfect roadmap—I'm admittedly "winging it" with the resources available. This messy middle, where plans meet reality, is where the real magic happens.

Watching my father pass away at 65 without experiencing his passions fundamentally changed my approach to life. I refuse to spend another day doing something that doesn't bring me joy. This mindset has pushed me to work two full-time jobs simultaneously to build a creative space where both I and others can flourish. Your unique artistic style emerges not from perfectly following someone else's formula, but through your personal approach, "mistakes," and specific way of seeing the world.

The community forming in my studio proves how desperately people need spaces where they feel seen and heard. From the gentleman proudly sharing his crochet creations to first-timers hesitantly admitting their creative curiosities, there's profound connection in authentically sharing what we love to do.

The future remains beautifully unclear—I can't predict what opportunities or challenges await. But that uncertainty is precisely what makes this journey worth embracing wholeheartedly. If your heart is pulling you toward something, don't wait for the perfect plan. Start now. The rest will follow. You'll figure it out along the way. After all, we're not promised anything beyond today.

Ready to stop waiting and start creating? What dream has been waiting in your heart that deserves attention today?

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My socials:
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Portfolio website: Brewtifully.com
Instagram: /Brewtifully
Facebook: /brewtifully
TikTok: GettingSmallwithGrandma
LinkedIn: Tracy Dawn Brewer