Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Devika Blasi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Devika , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping creativity alive; but what exactly is creativity? Are you born with it? Is it something you can learn? Does it come from a certain part of the mind? These are questions that many people ask and that I have spent a lot of time researching. I think that all people are born with creative tendencies, and consciously or not, decide whether and how much to use it. Creativity is somewhat defined an engagement of the mind that enables alternative ways of thinking that create connections that can connect questions with actions. So, how do I keep it alive? First and foremost, I try to channel negative energy into creative energy. Some of the other traits that I believe add to keeping creativity alive are good sleep, positivity, non-conformity, diversity, nature and a slightly chaotic environment. I am often inspired by travel and the different colors, sounds and environments that we encounter when we explore different areas. Whether it be in your backyard or across the world, there is always something new to be found. Color to me is very inspirational. My collections have often been influenced by the two places that I call home which are Colorado and Southern California. The beach and the mountains. You can call my style “Boots on the Beach”.
Like Darth Vader says, “let me look at you with my own eyes.”. Exposure IRL (in real life) to people and places is key. It is vital to take time away from our electronic devices. To look upon things with our own eyes. To let the feeling that they create live. It is too easy these days to form ideas based on someone else’s vision. You can be inspired by others, but to be truly creative you need to develop your own perspective and be willing to fail.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Sundaze Originals has been an ever evolving business. Starting with my patent pending waterproof serape blankets, and moving into hand made clothing, jewelry and now my latest collection of hats. In all of my endeavors, I strive to use recycled materials such as the water proof backing on my serape blankets that is made from recycled water bottles, to the hats that I make that use leather remnant scraps. I love to re-work vintage clothing and handbags to give them a fresh and creative modern look. Most of my items are truly one of a kind. I’m always open to custom orders and have also just added custom branding to my hat options!
Sundaze has always been an extra creative outlet and stress reliever to my professional career. For the last 25 years, I’ve worked professionally as a Corporate Event planner, mainly in the Medical Device sector. It’s always a fun challenge to bring creative concepts to an industry that is highly regulated in so many areas. I always try to implement programs to promote sustainability and to support local charities in the communities that we use as our event spaces.
Where do I see Sundaze going? I would love to be able to work full time on Sundaze, but for now I will continue to sell online in my etsy shop and some regional fairs. My favorite events to attend as a vendor are wine and music festivals! So if you know of any opportunities, let me know!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When I look back at my journey, and my continued path forward, I think about the main qualities that got me where I am and keep me moving forward. One. Self Confidence. You have to believe in yourself. You have to be willing to put yourself and your idea out there and be prepared to fail, but also to succeed,
Two. Keep an open mind. Do not close the doors on opportunities that don’t fit into your plan. Sometimes when we are put into an unfamiliar position, we are able to bring new and creative perspective.
Three – Self Care. You can not be god for others if you are not good for yourself. Sometimes we have to put ourselves first. Protect your heart, mind and body and get good sleep!
Now you’re ready to go out slay the day!
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Recommended reading (easy reading) “Steal Like an Artist ; 10 Things No One Told You About Being Creative” by Austin Kleon. I saw this book in the bookstore, yes an actual physical book, and leafed through it. There were so many quick notes that immediately stood out to me!
Some of my favorite notes:
Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started.
Write the book you want to read.
Don’t throw any of yourself away.
In the beginning, obscurity is good.
Stand next to talent.
Creativity is subtraction, choose what you want to leave out.
They’re pretty self explanatory
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SundazeOriginals
- Instagram: @sundazeoriginals
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SundazeOriginals
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devikablasi/
Image Credits
Benjamin Blasi @earlymorninglightstudio
