Lessons from a Girlfriend ... LISA SHEPARD STEWART

Previously I belonged to an organization that was almost 100% women. SCD (the Society of Creative Designers) was a group of professional designers who worked in the craft and hobby industry (as well as other industries). Being a group of almost all women (but we loved you Ed!), and, specifically, a group of CREATIVE women, it was a fabulous collection of women with talents in all areas - from painting to plastic canvas, sewing to stamping, beading to beadazzling! It was an organization of creative girlfriends who offered assistance, support, ideas and a willingness to help others.

Change happens and SCD transitioned into the CHA (Craft and Hobby Assn.). I don't get to see these women nearly as often as I'd like, but I know I can still call on them for ideas and assistance. I called on one recently after learning that she was holding creative girlfriend events. So, I did and I learned a lot.

That experience, as well as the lessons I've learned from so many of the 'girlfriend authors and experts' that I've interviewed previously inspired me to create "Lessons from a Girlfriend" - a blog to accompany each weekly podcast with a behind-the-scenes and/or revelations before/during/after the interview. After all, we learn SO MUCH from our girlfriends, that I feel it is my duty to share what each amazing woman on our podcast has to pass on to you!

A graduate of NYC's Fashion Institute of Technology, LISA SHEPARD STEWART is a designer, award-winning author, creative director, event leader, TV 'home/lifestyle' personality and successful creative woman! In her how-to project books African Accents, Global Expressions, and On The Go!, Lisa encourages others to express their creativity through culturally relevant techniques and materials. Her company, Cultured Expressions, Inc., offers her books, kits, imported fabrics & embellishments, lectures, workshops, projects and more. She also organizes retreats and special events internationally, combining her other personal interests of travel, holistic health and entertaining. Check out her upcoming Quilter's Retreat in Jamaica and Lisa's creative ideas on a TV show she did on creating a girlfriend spa night.

Okay, so what did I learn? (Since this is the first of weekly "Lessons from a Girlfriend.") I learned ...

* FOLLOW YOUR PASSION - Lisa visited West Africa in 1986 (when she was a young teen, no doubt!). She fell in love with their fabrics - especially Mudcloth. That, along with her creative talents and following those talents to the Fashion Institute of Technology, put her on the path to 'quilting together a career' - piecing together different aspects of her passion (like kits, projects, books, events, etc.) into a lifestyle living. She is very inspiring!

* BE SMART - Lisa mentioned that it is almost ten years since her first book was published, so she's preparing for ways to promote that as a way to continue the momentum for her creative business. (What things in your past should you celebrate and continue to use to further your business, career or dreams?)

* BE OPEN TO NEW IDEAS - Lisa is participating in an upcoming Natural Hair Care Expo in Baltimore, for her first time. Always learning and being open to trying new things is a great quality and, I believe, the sign of a successful, creative entrepreneur!

* HAVE FUN WITH IT! Organizing a retreat is hard work. There are preparation and planning, financial deposits and potential travel hassles. However, if you check out Lisa's Quilting Retreat in Jamaica, you'll see that she still has fun. She makes sure that everyone (including herself) gets to experience spaaaa treatments! (I think Lisa has some fun on this event too!)

I'm grateful to SCD for the opportunity to meet amazing women like LISA SHEPARD STEWART who continue to inspire me long after the organization is gone. Thanks Lisa for your time and inspiration! Listen in to Lisa's podcast interview for lessons that you may need to learn from this creative, inspiring girlfriend. Thanks Lisa!