We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mindy King a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mindy, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
My embroidery was actually the answer to a large part of my mental health challenges. I served two tours in Iraq as a blackhawk crew chief before being medically retired due to an injury during my first deployment. I struggled not only with PTSD and anxiety in addition to the loss of my identity and purpose as a soldier. I struggled for a very long time, spent a lot of time trying to find another purpose and then one of my counselors recommended art therapy and suggested something repetitive to help calm. I tried a couple of different things, then I started hand sewing and basic hand embroidery. It became a lifeline for me. Over the last decade, I have found a new direction as this allows me to be home with my kids while running my small business working full time, as well as having a resource and outlet to help serve others. When it comes to mental health, there’s no perfect fix that will work for everyone, but I’m trying to help those who might benefit from art therapy find their peace.
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?
My business name doesn’t make sense to many and I’ve thought about rebranding at times, but it’s a symbol of where I started. Initially, I was making location ornaments out of felt with a heart to represent a place of significance, which ended with Heart’felt’ Travels. While I don’t make many of my original ornaments anymore, it’s still a representation of where everything started. I try to also encourage others within that, you have to start somewhere and no matter where you get to, don’t forget how you started and what you can do for others that were where you once were.
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?
Persistance and patience are two of the most valuable qualities that helped when I first started. It’s hard when you are excited about something and getting a start and then others either doubt it or don’t share your enthusiam. No one is going to be persistant for you and no one is going to see the full picture of what you are putting into what you’re trying to start besides you – be patient, stay focused – those who don’t see the big picture now will down the road if you stick to it.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
A few months ago I was asked to step into the VP role of a local artisan non-profit that serves the military community. I hesitated, but eventually agreed. Shortly after, the president had to move due to the military and I found myself as the president of a non-profit. In that, we’re had to reestablish community partnerships and work to make connections with new ones. As an introvert, this has required me to step out of my comfort zone, as well as really expanding on asking for ideas and diving in to accomplish those things. The change that has taken place has been amazing and it’s given me a new outlet to help others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mindys_heartfelttravels
- Facebook: facebook.com/yourheartfelttravels
- Twitter: @felttravels
