January 2017 has been a growing month for me as I've taken time off from the Studio to strategize and plan (and pray—lots of praying). It's been a process I'm really enjoying. I feel like I have a better vision for my studio.

In this process I have developed a mission statement for Whispering Oaks Studio--Growing creativity through art and fellowship. Seems like a small enough task, right? But, a mission statement can be the "North Star" of a business. I now know that through my studio I want to help people grow in their creativity through their art while fellowshipping with others. 

And now having a mission statement has made the process of developing a business plan so much easier. Here are five steps I took in developing the mission statement for my studio:

1. Unravel.
   Sounds silly but I had to "unravel" the knot I felt my studio was in. I had to find what was really at the core of my studio—the who and the what. 
   
2. Research.
   It was time I did a little homework. I looked at what other successful businesses were doing. What separated them apart from the rest? 
3. Brainstorm.
   I can't say enough about this step. I have so many little scribbles, sketches and notes where I kept jotting down ideas—many erased or scratched through.
   
4. Step Away.
   I know this sounds absurd but I think it may have been the pivotal step for me. After the first three steps I honestly stepped away from it all. I had a few days where I wouldn't let myself even think about the mission statement or the studio.
   
5. Write It Down.
   After these four steps I had a mission statement in mind and once I wrote it down on a piece of paper (photo above) I knew it fit. Up until then I had not written it down anywhere. Yeah, there were some of the words and scribbles written down here and there but it wasn't until I saw [it] written down together—all by itself—on a plain white piece of paper that it became the mission statement for my studio.
   

Let me add that these are mere steps I took to come up with a mission statement. I know there are better resources out there so please find what speaks to you best. If these are of help to you I'd love to hear in the comments below or if you have resources to share please do. 

Grace and Peace,
Kelly

Planning or having a plan hasn't always been my greatest quality. I like flexibility. But, what I've recently been uncovering is that a plan does not mean there can not be flexibility. A plan can be just that—a plan. But, a well-thought-out plan can be artfully wonderful.

In my previous blog post I touched a little on what I've been doing here in the studio—nothing. :-) Hahaha...it's true. I've laid aside the paint and brushes, pen and ink, and the paper and canvases have been neatly put away. And I've been planning (and dreaming BIG). 

I've reached a point with my studio that now requires a plan or more like a business plan. I've been blessed with wonderful supportive customers and clients and I want to continue servicing them in the best possible way. I want my customers to have the best art experience possible and I want my design and marketing clients to be serviced in the best way. A good business plan and a beautifully scheduled calendar will help me achieve the customer satisfaction I desire.

I've really enjoyed the proces of developing a business plan and filling my calendar—and you know what? There is flexibility in all of this for me, the creative flexible loving person that I am. I think it has even given me more flexibility.

At the beginning of February I'll be releasing lots of newness and I can't wait. Until then enjoy this FREE January calendar. I hope you have so much fun planning and filling it up.












​Grace and Peace,
​Kelly 

I recently read an amazing article over on startupcamp.com that discusses this very thing of "How to Differentiate Passion from Calling". Something I've been struggling with for months. Anyone else trying to figure this out? If so, I'd love to hear your comments below.

I'm challenged with trying to figure out if the studio is simply a passion or is it my calling. Is it time to walk away from a full-time professional position to give my studio the time and attention it needs? So, during the time I took off these are the questions I've asked myself.

• Would I be happy working from my studio each day?
• Would I really have more time with my family?
• Would I make enough financially to cover the loss of my salary?

These questions gave me the initiative to do a few things or take action. I began writing a business plan, a mission statement and reviewed past financial records so that within a couple weeks I'll know whether my studio is a viable business. A viable business that will give me the freedom to work around my family's schedule, spend less time away from home, but give my family more time for weekend getaways and vacations. 

If you have a success story to share about discerning passion from calling I'd love to hear. Or if you're stuck in the same boat as I am I'd love to hear from.

Grace and Peace,
Kelly