18 minute read
Machee Creates
We had a moment to catch up with the Colorful Creator and got the inside scoop on her latest projects. Here ' s an exclusive look into her world.
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After several years as a graphic designer serving small business owners, I began to feel a calling to build my own brand featuring my design work. In 2018, I finally made the leap to post my illustration work on social media to see where it would lead.
At the time, I was solely posting as a creative outlet. But eventually, people began to ask me if my art was for sale, and I rose to the occasion. I found a local printer, bought packing supplies, and started selling art prints; the rest is history.
Done For You Templates
Since my childhood, I have always created art in various mediums. I have always known my career would be in a creative role. In middle school, my passion was fashion and textiles. I used to make clothing for my dolls by hand sewing fabrics. I learned to sew in a textile design class when I reached high school and began creating garments and home decor such as pillows and fabric bowls. I started sketching tons of designs and attempting to transform them into clothes. At times my ideas surpassed my skill. Eventually, I realized I enjoyed fashion illustrations more than I enjoyed sewing actual designs. By 11th grade, I was introduced to graphic design and began taking my handdrawn sketches and creating digital illustrations. I have always known being creative was "it" for me. I don 't like to limit myself to one niche. Today I create art and stationery; tomorrow, it could be clothing or furniture. The limit does not exist.
Whatcommonmisconceptioninyour industryneedstobesetstraight?
One of the most common misconceptions in my industry is the concept of "the starving artists. " Maybe there was a time when artists did not always reap the benefits of their hard work. However, being an artist and creative can be very lucrative. I think it' s a matter of skill, education, and knowing how to market yourself. The days of "the starving artist" are over. There is room in the creative industry for artists to thrive.
Wheredoyoufindinspirationwhenyou don 'tfeellikeshowingupforyourself?
Creative blocks are real and very frustrating. When I need a source of inspiration, I go to my closet and try on clothes, look at fashion online, art of various mediums, listen to music that makes me dance; and my daughter is another huge source of inspiration. I speak to her about ideas, and she ' s super helpful in helping me tap into my creativity.
Whatdrivesyourbusiness?Lifestyle, community,passion?
I am driven by my passion and my identity as a Black woman. Often Black women are left out of or overlooked in significant industries, especially in the art industry. I create to elevate, inspire, and reflect Black women and culture. My passion for art and creativity runs deep in my veins. Creating is a lifestyle; it fuels me, and I find joy in creating products that reflect my communities. Black individuals deserve art, stationery, and lifestyle products that reflect them, and I' m happy to help fill that space.
Ifyoucouldworkwithonebusiness mogul,whowoulditbeandwhy?
I'd love an opportunity to work with Tabitha Brown. Her positive energy and creative spirit align and resonate with me, and it would be a dream to partner with her in the future.
Community is very relevant to me. I belong to several as a Black woman, a mother, an artist, a future mental health professional, and a youth worker. I also grew up in poverty and a poor Black community. That said, I advocate for all of these communities, especially those often overlooked and under-resourced. This occurs through verbal advocacy, raising awareness, voting, volunteering, creating art, and occasionally donating proceeds from my work to support important causes.
Machee Creates is sold online and in several retail stores within the Washington DC, area.
LearnMoreaboutMacheeCreateshere:
https://www.macheecreates.com Instagram@macheecreates
LET ME EXPLAIN!
By Jennifer J. Jones, LMFT, PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction) Certified Photos by Tiffany LeGrand
Have you ever been on the receiving end of this outdated adage? Have you been the giver?
I bet you were a child when you first heard these words. I wonder if you can take a moment to remember how those words landed. How did those words make you feel? What message or story did you form as a result?
When I imagine for myself and glean from the responses of many parents I have worked with, it is common for a child hearing these words to feel discouraged, intimidated, invisible and voiceless. The truth is children do need an explanation. They need age and developmentally appropriate explanations. Giving children an explanation has multiple short and long-term benefits including increased compliance, increased communication skills and increased connectedness and joy in the parent-child relationship. And you know what that means? Decreased stress for you, the parent or caregiving adult.
By nature, parents are in a position of authority and power. We are bigger, stronger, and wiser. Our children are smaller, more vulnerable, and looking to us to nurture their physical, emotional and mental growth. We are influencing our children, and we are afforded countless opportunities for teachable moments.
POSTMODERN PAINTING. Stella alternately paints in oil and watercolor
“Because I said so.
SUN SAMA
A DAILY OPERATING SYSTEM
The daily planner for busy professionals. Organize everything you need to do today in one place. Tasks, meetings, emails, you name it.
Children are curious. Children, like adults, want to know why. From a developmental standpoint, this is something, if welcomed with delight enthusiasm, can shape their ability to communicate and receive directives. For example, “It’s time to leave for school. Please put your socks and shoes on, ” or, “I am making dinner plates now. Please sit at the table. ” For an older child, they may know how to get their own socks and shoes, and an older child may know how to set the table. It is important to provide age and developmentally appropriate commands unique to your child. When children feel they know how to do something well, or have mastered it, it boosts their self-esteem, and fosters their ongoing development.
Note the commands are given as a positive opposite. Instead of, “Don’t do this, ” or, “Please stop that, ” you want to tell your child what you do want them to do. “When we get inside the store, please keep your body inside the cart, ” or, “The couch is meant for relaxing. Please sit on your bottom. ” Let your child know what you expect instead of highlighting the behavior you are aversed to.
Another way to boost your child’s selfesteem is to provide choices. For instance, “It’s lunch for time. Please wash your hands and then come to me in the kitchen. ” When your child follows through, you will praise them for their compliance, and then offer two choices: peanut butter and jelly, or a turkey and cheese sandwich. “You can have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or a turkey and cheese sandwich. ” Follow that up with, “You made a good choice. Please sit down for lunch. ” You can provide choices for toy selection, shows to watch, etc., always providing two choices you are comfortable with and know to be age and developmentally appropriate for your child. That is how you exercise your authority while still granting your child a sense of agency, as well. You will notice the examples stated are for essential tasks. So often parents who are overwhelmed give commands just for the sake of receiving help. Children have a robust inner world that is best cultivated through play. Asking them to grab the remote for us is not the best use of giving a directive. When children receive constant commands, they eventually tune us out and lose interest in engaging with us. Save the commands for times when it is important for your child to comply, and children are more likely to comply.[i] If you want to enter their world and you can designate the time to get down on the floor and play or engage in special one-on-one time with your child for at least 5 minutes a day, please do! It can be something as simple as doing what is already built it into your routine (i.e reading a book at bedtime, bath time, preparing dinner together, etc.). Again, make it work for you, and that will increase the chances of you being consistent and creating an enjoyable experience and memory.
Once a child follows a command, praise is due. “Thank you for putting your socks and shoes on the first time I told you to. It makes our transition to school go smoothly, ” or, “I’m so proud of you for setting the table so neatly so we can eat dinner together. I love spending time with you at the table. ” Doesn’t that just feel good?
You may be wondering how you will teach your child to respect you if they do not comply without an explanation. Relationships require that we earn respect in relationships including those with our children. We earn respect by communicating clearly, modeling the behavior we want to see, and by acknowledging and appreciating their physical abilities and emotional and mental capacity as they grow and learn. We do so by showing up consistently. We do so by offering ourselves as a supportive presence. Exasperating our children in our frustrations with adulting is an indicator we need to step back and take care of ourselves, not a sign to place more expectations on our children. And what a gift to model self-care to them.
By Jennifer J. Jones, LMFT, PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction) Certified Photos by Tiffany LeGrand
Finally, we circle back to this notion of being “ seen and not heard, ” and the oftenunspoken--or harshly spoken--rule around staying out of grown folks’ business. Back in the day, you just “knew ” to stay away. But I’ ve heard this new generation is children is different. I may know a thing or two about that a a millennial parent. Parents, we need to explain, and we must shift how we think about this to: It is best to explain. “We are having an adult conversation. Please go in your room and play with your dollhouse for 15 minutes, and then I will join you. Speak life into your children and over your children. It only takes a few moments to give an explanation that has endless potential in shaping the overall development of your child and how they will exist in and navigate relationships for a lifetime. Choose to explain. Choose to use language that prioritizes compassion and connection. That is what will give our children the courage to thrive.
"MENTAL HEALTH, MOTHERHOOD, AND SEEING THE MIRACLE IN THE MUNDANE" .
FOLLOW UP WITH ME
W E B S I T E :
shushyourshame.com
INSTAGRAM:
@shushyourshame
JENNIFER J. JONES
LMFT, PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction) Certified
Budgeting For The Holidays
Written by Andrea Walker Photo Credit: Studio Dores from Getty Images The holidays are a time to celebrate and give thanks, but they can also be a time when your bank account lets you down. Instead of going into debt or feeling like you don 't have enough money to spend on friends and family this holiday season, create a budget right for you with these 5 simple steps.
1: First, decide how much you want to spend in total. 2: Then, create a list of all the people who will be receiving gifts from you this year. 3: Next, Consider what each person on your list wants or needs. 4: Look for sales and discounts at stores like Target and Costco, which offer great deals on everything from toys to food. 5: Try to stay away from department stores. These places charge too much for clothing, jewelry, and home décor. Abonustip:Shop local, shop from small businesses, shop online, and take advantage of discount codes and offers. There ' s no better time to show your family and friends how much you care than during the holidays. You can show them your love by giving them gifts and spending time with them, but it doesn 't have to cost much money. What will you be shopping for today?
Andrea Walker Founder & CEO 247 CEO LLC.
HOW TO TURN YOUR HOBBY INTO A CREATIVE BUSINESS
WRITTEN BY ANDREA WALKER
PHOTO CREDIT: ARIANA SMITH FROM CORLENS
If you're the type who loves spending your free time tinkering with creative projects, you might have thought about turning your hobby into a business. After all, what could be better than getting paid to do something you love?
We all have that one thing we're passionate about - that activity we enjoy so much we'd do it for free. But what if we could get paid to do our hobby? Would our lives be full of eternal sunshine, rainbows, and pots of gold? It may sound too good to be true, but it is possible to turn your passion into a creative business here are a few tips on how to get started:
HOW TO TURN YOUR HOBBY INTO A CREATIVE BUSINESS
WRITTEN BY ANDREA WALKER
1. FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU'RE GOOD AT.
We all have our talents and skills. Some of us are better at some things than others. And that's okay! Figure out what you're good at and use it to your advantage. If you're a natural motivator, use your charm to inspire others. If you have a green thumb, put it to good use in the garden. If cooking is your thing, whip up something special for your friends and family. We all have something to offer, so find your niche and make the most of it. You may even surprise yourself with what you're capable of!
2. START SMALL
Don't quit your day job just yet! It would be best if you had time to get comfortable taking your hobby seriously and professionally. You also want to earn more with your hobby than you would at your job before you can think about quitting and maintaining your current lifestyle.
Try selling your wares at local craft fairs, Etsy shops, or online on your social media page or website. Once you've established yourself and built up a clientele, then you can think about expanding.
3. BE PROFESSIONAL
When converting your hobby to a business, it's essential to be professional. After all, this is a business. It would help to create a brand identity, develop marketing materials, and set fair prices for your products or services. But what does it mean to be professional? Being professional means being organized. You need to have systems in place to track inventory, manage finances, and keep customers happy. It also means being responsive to customer feedback and always looking for ways to improve your products or services. Finally, it means treating your employees and contractors with respect and fairness. If you can do all of these things, you'll be well on your way to running a successful business.
"BEING PROFESSIONAL
MEANS BEING ORGANIZED.
4. HAVE FUN!
It's easy to forget why you're doing something when you're in the middle. Especially if it's something, you love and are passionate about. But remember, you're doing this because you enjoy it - so don't lose sight of that!
Let your creativity flow and enjoy the process. The more fun you have, the better your finished product will be. And who knows, maybe converting your hobby into a business will be !
With a little effort and perseverance, anyone can turn their hobby into a money-making venture. So go out there and start turning that passion into profit!
ANDREA WALKER FOUNDER & CEO 247 CEO LLC. INSTAGRAM: @THE247CEO
Meet Artist TIAN HARRIS
Affirmations, empowerment, and Melanated women are the design topic for Artist Tian Harris. The Haywood, CA Artist is known best for using pops color to highlight faceless Melanated illustrations representing all of us.
The Bacon Magazine had the opportunity to learn more about the artist behind the creations, which is what she had to say.
How long have you been in business, and who do you specialize in serving?
I started my Instagram Business page in January of 2022, specializing in serving women of color. My artwork celebrates the many beautiful shades of Black Women through words of encouragement, affirmations, and positive quotes.
What made you pursue your career? At what point did you know "this was it" for you?
My Instagram followers were one of the reasons that I decided to create items to sell. I had no idea that my Instagram page would take off how it did, and I would get messages and comments asking me where my artwork could be purchased. My mother was another inspiration. She told me to shoot for the stars and bought me an amazing printer. I felt so much love from so many people. That's when I knew that this was it for me. What has betting on yourself and your creativity taught you?
I was afraid to share my artwork at first. I'm an artist, and I can get sensitive about my sh@*! I had to tell myself that the only way I could get anything started was if I went out on a limb and had to go full out. Betting on myself has now taught me to not be afraid. If I just continue to create and do what I love, those who love what I do are what truly matter.
Tian Harris Creations
Shop Art Prints
How important is community to you? Who's voice do you advocate for?
Community is extremely important to me, and I get my energy through catering to the community. By being a Black Woman, I know what it feels like to search for images I can relate to. To feel like someone can hear my silent cry to be understood, I try to translate that into my artwork for others to feel that attention.
How do you overcome in business when you encounter dark moments in your personal life?
When there are dark moments in my personal life, I tend to play music more often while working. I read more, and I cook my favorite dish. These things help me stay positive and give me that fire to keep drawing. Are there any communities, memberships, events, pop-up shops, or conferences you're involved in? Where can we expect to see you next?
I will be in Oakland, California, at the Sip Shop Eat Holiday Pop-Up on Saturday, November 12, and Sunday, November 13, 2022.
Learn more about Tian Harris Creations:
https://www.redbubble.com/p eople/TianHarris/shop
Follow Tian on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ti anharriscreations/
