Finding My Creative Outlet

Established in 2008, Silver Earth Designs offers unique, handcrafted designer jewelry. 

When my first child was born, I took time off from corporate America to focus on family. It was the right decision for me, and one I have never regretted. The time spent with my son was life-changing for the both of us, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I loved being a new mom, but coming from a busy marketing career, I quickly found that I needed a creative outlet. So, I began working with metal and eventually offered my jewelry designs to family and friends. This was the foundation that led to the creation of my side hustle, silverearthdesigns.com.

Learning to Balance Life

When I returned to corporate America in 2011, I pulled back the throttle on Silver Earth Designs. I thought I needed to focus on only one endeavor at a time. Wow, was I wrong. Common wisdom has us believing that if one has a successful corporate career, they need not entertain a side hustle and that somehow the two passions should not mix. Based upon my experience, this isn’t true across the board. Sacrificing one passion for the other isn’t always necessary. Think about it. If there is a way to do both well, then doesn’t that foster a better experience for both human and corporation? If I’m living a happy and fulfilled life, then I will be a happier and healthier employee. Right?

According to a recent study by San Francisco State University organizational psychologist Kevin Eschleman, employees who pursue creative activities outside of work boost their performance on the job. A creative outlet helps reduce stress, improve brain activity and function, increase empathy, and boost self-confidence.

Lack of a meaningful outlet for expression in our culture of consumption—politics, news, media, and social—can weigh heavily on people’s souls and actually lead to expectations of “receiving” rather than “giving.”

Some Motivation

A part of our soul that is meant to create, give, and give meaning to a chaotic world is strangled when we are consumed by consumption. I’ve been able to investigate how my interests in marketing and design intersect thanks to Silver Earth Designs. Through creative, sympathetic expression, the entire process has improved me as a person. You might find a life alignment you weren’t even thinking about thanks to your own creative outlet. It might give you a fresh perspective on the world and open up new avenues for you to explore.

Therefore, I urge you to find your passion. Take a cooking class, begin the garden project you’ve been eyeing, or try your hand at painting or another art form to start with something you enjoy. Don’t let the daily grind overwhelm you, no matter what. And if you’re a corporate America leader, I challenge you to figure out how to encourage your staff to be creative both inside and outside the workplace. You will undoubtedly have a happier, more engaged team member who is more productive. And everyone’s bottom line benefits from that.

I’d love to hear from you. How have you fostered creativity on and off the job? What’s your creative outlet?

To learn more about this subject or marketing & communications consulting, feel free to reach out and contact me.