We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wendy Spann a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Wendy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My husband and I are empty-nesters, I had quit my job to move closer to our son, then my mom passed away. I was 52 years old at the time. I knew I needed a hobby, and I had always wanted to learn to sew, so I decided to get a machine and try. I’m not going to say it was easy learning a new skill at 52, but I was determined and I wasn’t giving up. I read the instructions that came with the sewing machine, then I watched YouTube videos until I could master some skills and I kept going from there. Now I enjoy upcycling clothing and making my own patterns to create items I love!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
In learning to sew at a later stage in life, I think it enabled me to be able to use my own creativity and not worry too much about what anyone else thought about what I was doing. I decided my brand was going to be what I liked and wanted to make, and thankfully, I found a market in my items. I love to upcycle and also re-work an upcycle if it didn’t turn out like I wanted the first time. I learned that the sky is the limit. Other people may have ideas similar to yours, but you are the only one who will create it the way you do, so make what you love – it will be uniquely yours!
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?
Determination is key to doing anything! You don’t have dreams and ambitions for no reason, and you have to be determined to not let outside variables get in the way of your success. The second thing is to remember why you started your journey – let this motivate you to continue. And third, when things don’t go as planned, do not give up – find a different course of action. There is more than one way to do something right – you just have to figure out what that way is.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My husband is my greatest cheerleader! If he is not encouraging me to keep doing something, he is challenging me to make something new! He keeps me on my toes, and at the same time encourages me that I can do anything if I just try!
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