Growing up, I always thought I’d become a teacher. It was just a given. I enjoyed school and was good at it, and didn’t even mind doing the homework too much. Because I was a good student and quick to get my own work done, my teachers frequently used me as an in-class aide. I would often help my classmates when they needed some additional assistance or just didn’t understand a concept. I loved being able to help, and it reinforced my idea of my chosen career path.
How little we understand when we’re young! I started college as a psychology major, finished with a degree in French Language and Literature, and upon graduating promptly went to work in an accounting firm. It’s been nearly 20 years, (WOW!!!) and I’m still using that bookkeeping and accounting background as a personal financial assistant. Along the way, however, I left the 9-to-5 crowd and became a stay-at-home mom to my two boys.
A couple of years after my younger son was born, a dear friend invited me to a Stampin’ Up! workshop she was conducting in our hometown. I had never heard of SU!, but I was an avid scrapbooker and “scrapbook-supply collector;” on top of that, the workshop was an excuse to leave the boys with my husband and spend some time with other women! I remember being completely overwhelmed that afternoon — I had no idea what I was doing, what products I wanted to buy, or for that matter, on what project I would ever actually use those products… But I was hooked! I agreed to host my own workshop two weeks later, and after it was completed, I signed up to become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator myself!
It’s been nearly nine years since that day. Being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and owning my own business has opened doors I never would have thought possible. I’ve had some ups and downs along the way, occasionally wondering where I’d find another person willing to host a workshop, or if anyone would come to one of the classes I’d scheduled, planned and prepped, but it’s always worked out, and it’s been an amazing ride! Over the years, I’ve created literally thousands of cards, scrapbook pages, and other papercrafting projects. I’ve found a wonderful outlet for my creativity and by giving away the cards and gifts I’ve made, I’ve been able to add joy to other people’s lives, too. Stamping has introduced me to some of my closest friends and strengthened my friendships with others. I’ve been able to work when I want, where I want, and how I want, so that stamping doesn’t take away from my family life or my other commitments. And I’ve been able to earn some extra money doing what I love, which — as it turns out — is teaching other people how to do what I do!!!
Whether it’s teaching others to express their own creativity by using rubber stamps in a class or workshop, or teaching a new demonstrator to run her (or his) own successful stamping business, it all comes down to the teaching. Who woulda thunk it?!?
If you’d like more information about hosting a workshop, attending a class, purchasing stamping supplies, or starting a business of your own, I’d love to help you!