Moving Past My Creative Slump

Hi, it's been a while since I last updated this blog, but I wanted to take the opportunity to share something that I think happens most often than not... and that is, the CREATIVE SLUMP.

For a few years now I've not only been developing textiles, swim designs, patterns, and coming up with new ideas to share with you, for which I think I've been successful, but I've also been finishing a doctoral degree, studying for the boards, and most recently, BUYING A HOUSE.

To give you a little backstory, in August I started the process of developing my 4th collection which I wanted to launch in November-Early December, however, nothing was working out. I was out of ideas and frustrated of spending money without getting the results I expected. This is when I decided to pause. I was tired, uninspired, unmotivated and sick of it all. I needed a break... add to all that the things I mentioned before and I was left feeling burned out.

As I was feeling this way, I tried to remember what I used to do in school when I needed to get some work done but had no inspiration. And it suddenly came to me... you need to move... and I mean, move my mind and body to places that do inspire me... to places that can offer me perspective and can somehow provoke change within me. So, I decided to buy a plane ticket to NYC... where it all began for me. And I left.

After a few good meals, walks throughout my old neighborhoods, the day finally came when I walked into one of my favorite fabric stores. I immediately felt happiness. I was excited and crazy to see what called my attention. I was ready to buy and after a few walkthroughs I saw something I liked, and then saw more things that combined with it... somehow, I got all I ever wanted... and a collection was born. 

I can't stress enough the importance of pausing when your business depends on your creativity. I somehow got carried away with the day-to-day of the business and my life and forgot how important it is for my wellbeing and company to stop in order to thrive. 

Creative slumps are common and the most important thing you can do to get pass through it is to acknowledge it's happening, stop, regroup and act. Whether it's taking a trip somewhere you love, somewhere new, visiting a museum, visiting a cool clothing store... whatever it is, just make sure it is something you'll enjoy regardless of what you can get out of it.