You can't compare

I found myself drooling over Amy Butler's new fabric line, Soul Blossoms. I did not care for Ms. Butler's last line, Love, but Soul Blossoms? I can not stop thinking about it!

The timing of my discovery was a bit unfortunate as I was taking a brief brake from designing my own fabric line by surfing the web. Talk about intimidation! Not only that, but I found myself comparing her 9th line to my yet-to-be-born-line. I know better than to compare my work in progress to someones best work, but I did it anyway.

I felt SO unqualified to even have such a dream that would put my talent anywhere near the same industry as hers.

Then my best friend called. She is the best! I had just sent her some of my designs....before I had seen the Soul Blossom line....and she called to tell me she and just barely opened them and said, "Ooooooo! Pretty!"

Be. still. my. soul.

I expressed to her my feelings of inadequacy and she, as always, helped me game plan a few directions I can take my designs to get closer to the feeling I want them to convey.

So I now feel hopeful, talented enough to have big dreams, and excited to work my little tail off to make them come true.

I don't want to copy Amy Butler. She is incredible and a great inspiration. But the world already has one of her. What they don't have is a me and I happen to think that there is just enough room for the both of us......at least I hope so anyway.