FEATURED: CATHERINE GRACE

I met Catherine through the blogging community + she has blown me away with her design skills. She has such a bright future ahead of her! Enjoy through reading her interview. Thank you thank you thank you Catherine! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself! Hey, I'm Catherine and I'm a designer and photographer. I have a love for summer days, blueberry cheesecake ice-cream, heart to hearts with dear friends and summer bonfires. I'm tall, fiesty and very determined.

What are some of your "big dreams?" I have a lot of big dreams, but moving to the United States has got to be one of the biggest, and something I hope to make happen in the next 2 years. I would also love to get married and have kids one day.

What do you love most about being a blogger/artist? I love the creative community that I have the privilege of being apart of. I have met some of my closest friends thanks to having a blog and also I love being able to do what I love for a living.

What do you find most challenging about being in the creative industry? I know many creatives struggle with this but it can be very isolating being a creative, not because there isn’t a community but because the majority of us work from home and sometimes become incredibly focused on paying the bills that we forget to interact with people and not get guilty about having a night off.

Who are your biggest inspirations/style icons? I really look up to Emma Watson, she could have chosen to not work for the rest of her life yet she continued to follow her passions. I also really look up Kristen Leigh (www.imkristen.com), she is a talented photographer and writer and an encouragement to me because she also started her business really young! I also love Promise Tangeman’s (www.promisetangeman.com) style - an eclectic mix of comfort and class.

When you look around at the creative industry (blogging, photography, etc) right now, what do you see as pros and cons? Tough question. One of the biggest pros is that everybody is incredibly supportive of each other and celebrates each others achievements which is so encouraging to see and be apart of. The biggest con probably has to be that it can be incredibly exhausting working ourselves so hard, and I think many creatives forget they’re allowed to have a break and not think about their business for a week.

What has been the biggest and best piece of inspiration/advice you have received? Stay true to yourself, clean out your inbox regularly, set aside a day a week to have the day off and don’t be afraid to do what you love.

Find Catherine here! 

THE THREE C'S

so this photo doesn't have anything to do with this post. i just miss the white sand + clear blue water of cozumel. ;) 

“Davis chalks up the decline in literary creativity to changes in educational policy as well as technology. ‘With the introduction of No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top, there’s an increased emphasis on passing a standardized test, and there’s not a lot of room for experimentation and risk-taking.’ And while texting and social media have encouraged teenagers to write more than ever, that writing is mostly ephemeral. ‘There’s a sense that whatever you communicate is not going to last,’ Davis says. “It’s going to get drowned out in the sea of tweets that it’s posted among.’” (Studio 360)

That last quote got me. “There’s a sense that whatever you may communicate is not going to last…” What a haunting, and true, statement. In this fast-paced world, we want so desperately to be noticed and matter. But sometimes, it feels like everything and everyone is rushing along so fast, it’s hard to put your feet down. I believe; however, that it is possible to make a difference. Even in the fast moving, technologically driven world that we live in, you can be seen and heard. I’d go even further and say that ten years ago, people didn’t have the opportunities and platforms we have to share their ideas with others. Because of social media, people across the world can share the same experiences. I believe three things are important to being SEEN, HEARD + MAKING A DIFFERENCE online. And yes, they all start with C. Huzzah! 

1. CONTENT

What you post is so important. You have to be purposeful, innovative, and most importantly, yourself. Think about it this way, your web presence (social media involvement, blog posts, anyplace you appear on the Internet) is like a store front. It is a look into who you are, a taste of what you are like and how you act. Post/blog about things you love, things you’re doing. Be choosy about the things you post. 

2. CONSISTENCY 

Personally, this is my biggest struggle.. Choosing and STICKING TO a consistent blogging/tweeting/Facebooking/whatever-ing schedule is SO important. For example, people will come to expect your “good morning Monday!” tweets, or your Fashion Friday blog posts. Whatever you do, give people a reason to come back… consistently. Scheduling blog posts is a good idea + having set times for posting social media updates can help keep you organized! 

3. CARE 

You’re not going to get very far if you don’t love people. Hearts + art are what really matter in this industry. Facebook likes, money, fame, those things are cool and make us say, “Yay!” But they won’t last! People, digging deep into what they care about and loving them through everything, is important. Comment on + like other people’s photos/words! Show your support! Celebrate with people who accomplish big things. Be on their team. Why do I photograph? Why do I write blog posts for Unfolding Passions? Why am I writing a book? (A question I ask myself daily…) For myself: to fulfill what God has started in me, because it makes me HAPPY to be doing what I love. For others: I love people and I LOVE seeing young creatives thrive. For Jesus: He created me to do stuff for HIM and during that process, I find joy. He’s the reason I’m doing all of this!

So why do you photograph? Why do you make music? Why are you creative? Make sure that caring and loving is in there somewhere. It’s worthwhile, I promise. Don't forget to care about yourself too. Keep close tabs on where your heart + art don't mix. Do things that you love, because you love them and ultimately, your passion will be the thing that makes a difference.

MY DESK ESSENTIALS

I believe that where you work, and the aesthetic of your workplace, directly affects your attitude towards your work. I've recently given a lot more thought to what is in my work space and because of it, I am a happier worker bee. :) I'd encourage you to take a look at your desk, or wherever you work and make it a place where you really love to hang out! Whether you do school, work, or just create and dream there, you have the choice of making it a fun, inspiring place, or just another space in your house. 

Below are some of my "desk essentials." Leave a comment with yours! Or, blog about them + leave a link to your post in the comments! 

three of my favorites!  here + here + here. 

journal + notebook from target.

loving naturebox! use this link + get $10 off your first box! totally worth it. :) 

planner is from target.

little blank cards so that i can remember to hit up my friends via snail mail! target. of course. 

a paper tray is a lifesaver for me. it holds bills, letters i need to respond to, my checkbook, anything that i need to keep contained.

and of course, my computer + phone! do you like all of those dents on the top of my computer? you can thank a trip to guatemala for that. ;)

THAT ONE QUESTION

“What are you doing after high-school?” The dreaded question. And if you’re in highschool (or remember senior year), don’t you feel like you hear that a lot? While all of my friends were talking about college and career paths, I would say, “I am planning on being a full time wedding photographer!” and I usually got one of three reactions. 

“Oh my gosh that is incredible! Wow, so no school? That’s awesome. Best of luck.” 

“Oh... wow, that’s interesting. So, no school? Are you sure?”  

“How much money does that make?”  

People are genuinely curious when you say that you are going into a position in the creative industry. It’s not necessarily safe. It has risks (like anything really) but when it is mostly gray areas, people get nervous. I get nervous. What if something goes wrong and I have nothing to fall back on? What if no one hires me? What if this photography thing backfires on me? College seems safer! College seems like a good solid plan, should I have done that? 

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. 

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9. 

“Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you...” Isaiah 43:4. 

Here’s the thing about uncertainty and the “dreaded after high-school question.” You don’t need to worry. Yes. Easier said that done. But think about it, if you are thinking of going into the creative industry, I assume that you have passions and giftings of creative nature. Whether it be photography, music, writing, or anything else, God has placed those inside of you for a reason. I can’t stress this enough. Those things are not mistakes, your loves and giftings are for a reason. God is working out a beautiful plan inside of you and all you need to do is keep walking forward, trusting Him for every step. He has drawn the boundary lines in pleasant places. He desires good for you. 

I used to get really nervous when people doubted me. I started doubting myself. Or ultimately, doubting God’s plan for my life. I really did feel called to be a photographer! I felt so passionate about it, but one conversation could make me question whether it was really what I was supposed to do. Be confident. Rest assured that when you align yourself with Jesus, He shows you what your unique + beautiful path is. He loves doing that. He loves you. 

P.S. I just want to clarify, I am not anti-college. I definitely definitely think that it is for some people. If you want to be a nurse, I don’t recommend shadowing a doctor and then saying you’re ready. ;) Again, everyone has a unique + beautiful path and that includes EVERYBODY. Not just those going into something “creative.” xoxo

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I believe that everyone has an important story to tell, no matter where you are in your life. If you have a story to tell or a journey to share, please let me know! I would love to feature as many people as I can on this blog. :) Just email me at unfoldingpassions(at)gmail(dot)com or click on the "Submit" button in the sidebar for more details! 

Also, I need your help with sharing this blog + message! If you feel inclined to (and I would appreciate it greatly!) share the link to this blog on social media. All of my links are in the sidebar. Feel free to tag me in it so that I can see it! Thank you thank you thank you!! 

WHAT IS COMING

My parents + siblings moved down the East Coast a week ago. These past few weeks have been a whirlwind as they have prepared for their big move + as I tried to spend as much time with them as I could before they left. Therefore, this space took a little break. But I’m glad to be back! :) 

I’ve talked a lot about the vision behind Unfolding Passions, what drives it, what it’s about. But practically, what is Unfolding Passions? What am I going to do with it? So today, to keep myself accountable + to inform you all of what I hope to do with Unfolding Passions (with your help, of course!) I’m going to share a few “tangible” goals of mine. 

1. The Book. This is obvious, because I’ve talked about it, but in the Spring of 2015, I, Lord willing, will be able to put a tangible, “smell the new book smell” book in your hands. This is will be a collection of photographs and words all highlighting certain individuals who are embodying the message of Unfolding Passions. I’m thinking it’s going to be a good coffee table book, but like, the kind you can put in your room and your friends will say, “Hey! That looks like a COOL coffee table book, not a lame one!” That’s the goal anyway. :)

2. The Conference. Oh friends, this is huge. I’ve always been a big dreamer... but this is big. My hope + prayer is that one day, I can host a conference with a bunch of cool people speaking/attending and we can just talk about Jesus, life, being passionate, and being an entrepreneur in the creative industry. Doesn’t that sound like fun? I think so. 

3. Jumpstarting businesses + endeavors. I want to be able to provide materials for 16-22 year olds who are interested in venturing out into the world of being an entrepreneur. Things like pamphlets, e-books, seminars, practical things that people can look at and say, “Oh! That makes sense! This is how I run the business side of business!” I also hope to talk a lot about the “You Do You” philosophy and how to be truly authentic + creatively driven in whatever you are doing. 

4. This online community. I hope to see this online space only grow and change as the rest of Unfolding Passions grows and changes. Maybe there will be an online forum where people can ask questions, answer questions, meet people who are just like them. Maybe we’ll do an online classroom, teaching and empowering people all over the world! 

I have so many plans for this place and I am praying over each one. This is something that has been heavily laid on my heart, thank you all for your support and involvement. You make it happen and I’m grateful. :)

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I believe that everyone has an important story to tell, no matter where you are in your life. If you have a story to tell or a journey to share, please let me know! I would love to feature as many people as I can on this blog. :) Just email me at unfoldingpassions(at)gmail(dot)com or click on the "Submit" button in the sidebar for more details! 

Also, I need your help with sharing this blog + message! If you feel inclined to (and I would appreciate it greatly!) share the link to this blog on social media. All of my links are in the sidebar. Feel free to tag me in it so that I can see it! Thank you thank you thank you!! 

FEATURED: MORGAN ELISE

My name is Morgan Elise. I started becoming interested in blogging when I was thirteen years old. I had no idea what blogging really was, nor did I know how many people were doing it. I was just blogging random Youtubes, some snap shots of my cat or pictures from a movie I just watched. I had the old polka dot template and gadgets strewn all over the place.

I made lots of blogs for fun, then gave up on them. In 2011 I became reintroduced to blogging. My creative juices were flowing, and I wanted to try again! I wanted to be a successful blogger, I wanted to become a photographer and graphics designer. But... I didn't know anything. AT ALL. I stared in awe at other bloggers' designs, wondering how the heck they did that. I didn't know anything about HTML at that point, but I wanted to learn. One of my friends knew a little bit, and she introduced me to some basics. After I got the basic basics down, I started emailing other bloggers that I admired, asking them how they did an image link in HTML. If I got a response email, it would not contain the answer I was looking for. Then I came across a blogger, Abby from Restless, and she helped me learn, step by step, how to make an image link. I was thrilled and oh so thankful I had found someone to help me. I still am very grateful. It's amazing how one act of kindness can actually change the course of someone's life. ** Note from Ellie: This is so true! You never know how much of an impact you can be on people, even in the little things!** By learning that basic image link step, I was able to learn and understand more HTML which still helps me to this day. In 2012, I started a group blog. I didn't have any real manifesto for it except that I wanted it to be a place to share arts, crafts and photography with other girls. A few weeks ago, I noticed the blog had become quite vacant and the design didn't look right. I started having the idea of a new purpose for the blog. Inspired by the lack of resources I had when I first started, I decided to make it a place for beginning photographers, graphic designers and bloggers. Though I am by no means a pro, I know enough to help beginners move forward. I do a blog/HTML/design tutorial every Tuesday, along with photography tips and tricks twice a month. I have added several other features, but my purpose is to help others. Like the girls who helped me. 

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I believe that everyone has an important story to tell, no matter where you are in your life. If you have a story to tell or a journey to share, please let me know! I would love to feature as many people as I can on this blog. :) Just email me at unfoldingpassions(at)gmail(dot)com or click on the "Submit" button in the sidebar for more details! 

Also, I need your help with sharing this blog + message! If you feel inclined to (and I would appreciate it greatly!) share the link to this blog on social media. All of my links are in the sidebar. Feel free to tag me in it so that I can see it! Thank you thank you thank you!! 

ON QUITTING

I got a text from a friend last night. "This week has been crazy. I feel like quitting everything." Haven't we all been there? If you don't raise your hand, you're wrong. ;) 

I hadn't planned on sharing my story today but that text got me thinking. Everyone feels like quitting at one time or another, everyone gets discouraged, and everyone wonders where their life is going. It's a part of success. Two years ago, I met my now best friend Ashley. We had very similar dreams and goals in life and a few months into our friendship, we had an idea. We wanted to start a non-profit organization that raised awareness of celiac disease, we called it C4. We had the first steps laid out, we made a promo video for the organization, got involved in social media, and were ready to move forward. Except we didn't.

We literally waited for three months, trying to figure out what Step 2 was. We asked people for their ideas, kept getting involved in social media, even went to a "Celiac Walk." Nothing. Happened. I personally was discouraged. It had seemed like this was everything we had ever wanted! Why wasn't it working? Why was every email coming up empty? Why was our progress being stopped by an invisible wall? I remember saying to her, "We're stuck on Step 1. We can't move our feet up to Step 2. It's just not there." 

Well long story short, we weren't supposed to be doing C4. We realized it wasn't working for a reason. Now, a year later, I'm finally seeing why it didn't work out and why exactly God stopped us in our tracks. I went on to start teaching photography workshops, and now I'm writing a book! Ashley is in cosmetology school pursuing her dream of being a hair + makeup stylist. You might say, "You wasted all that time on something that didn't even work!" Did we waste our time? I've been thinking about that. Because of C4, we know what we are not supposed to be doing. We are better friends because we did it together. We learned about relating to people, using social media, and marketing yourself. 

So moral of the story? When you feel like quitting, or something isn't working, don't give up. There is a reason and you WILL succeed in what you are supposed to succeed in. If you throw in the towel, you'll never know what could have happened. There's a good quote that ties this up. "Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use." (Earl Nightingale) 

Do you have any "I succeeded because I 'failed'" stories? If so, share them in the comments. :)