Find something you love to do and figure out a way to make a living at it. That’s the path toward a fulfilling work life. May every one of us find it some day.
My path has been a curvy one. Secretary and newspaper reporter. Waitress, baker, chef. Public relations and graphic design. And lastly - currently - clothing designer under the label Big Brown Eyes. I’ve changed hats so many times my hair’s a mess. The occupations I found most rewarding were the ones where I put my hands to use: feeding people and clothing people. It could just be I’m a people pleaser and with those, I get to see people’s smiles when their bellies are full or they look pretty spiffy.
But I’m not convinced that’s truly why I do it. I think most of it is that I really enjoy making things with my hands, beat up and scarred as they may be.
OK, not the cutting out part. Don’t like that. But the rest - love. Envisioning the pretty dress the gorgeous fabric will become. Matching the seams exactly. Even the careful and time-consuming pinning. It all brings me to the rewarding end. The moment I hold up that dress and get to admire it.
These days, rather than making a Small, Medium and Large, there might be two of each. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Growing things slowly. So I can still do it myself. I get to see the happiness on the faces of six women who purchase a garment that was entirely done by me. With love, by these scarred hands. My buttons almost burst with pride each and every time. She looks great in it, but more than that she’ll look great in it for years because I work carefully. It won’t be offered in the shop until I’m completely satisfied with it.
Oh, sure, one day I may decide to take the big leap. Harness more of my focus on the clothing line, have my designs in other stores. Hire out the sewing.
But for now I’m going to keep the work close to me. Because I can hold it in my hands.
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