Hello Lovely People <3
How are you doing? I hope you & and your family are healthy and safe during these crazy times. Today is my 46th day of the quarantine, just at home, no studio. I have been using this time to connect with our community, learn, grow & become a better version of myself every day. It's been challenging at times to stay motivated but it's getting easier and easier now, accepting it as it is the new normal.
On another note, I'm so excited to announce that this blog post is the first of many of a new series I'm doing to share the work, ideas, tips & tricks of our community! Every month I will share what the community has been up to, from business, to fashion, to health & wellness. Anything and everything that will bring you value. This will be a resource for you to make the most out of your life. My goal is to give you access to information & the people who might be able to help you achieve.
This week I wanted to introduce you to this amazing woman I gladly came across on the internet—ANIELA PARYS.
Aniela is a sustainable clothing/lingerie designer originally from Portland Oregon, now based in Barcelona since 2015. Immediately when I came across her work I was inspired by her for many reasons, but especially because she demonstrated to me that my/your dreams can come true! She carved out her own career path with success in the fashion industry and got to do it in a way that was sustainable, which is very admirable. Her pieces are proudly made in her studio in Barcelona with sustainable fiber such as organic cotton, linen, and recycled materials.
I was curious about her story and wanted to know more. I interviewed her(online) and here is what she had to say. I hope this can inspire you as much as it inspired me.
What was the process of taking your hobby into a business?
I always knew that I wanted to work in fashion from a young age. When I was little and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say I wanted to be a painter and a lingerie designer. In high school, I started an internship at a local clothing store where they made their own collection house. I learned a lot from these experiences. I made my first collection for a local fashion show at the age of 16, and I started to have people ask if they could buy my work.. so then I started selling my pieces in the shop I was working in. The process evolved organically.
What has happened in the process that you did not expect? What has surprised you?
I think the most beautiful & surprising thing I have realized is that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. From a young age I have been dreaming of doing the job I have now, and it's so powerful to realize your dreams are possible... as long as you take one step towards them each day.
What was the catalyst thing that was able to take you to a new level of success throughout the journey?
Definitely the support of my talented friends who have collaborated and helped me over the years!
What is your biggest challenge every day?
My biggest challenge has been the transformation from creative to businesswoman, learning about sales and spreadsheets while handling everything else has been my biggest challenge but also very enjoyable to watch my transformation.
What's your definition of success? Has it changed since you started?
My definition of success has changed over the years for sure, and more recently I feel it should be measured by following your dreams and doing something that makes you happy every day. I don't believe it should not be measured by numbers, graphs, or income.
What advice would you give to a young woman pursuing a creative career in today's age? Find an internship in your field and build connections with your colleges there! Honestly, the connections I have made over the years have been opening doors for me since I started my journey. Genuine kindness goes a very long way :)
What are you most grateful for?
I'm so grateful for my supportive family, boyfriend, friends, my team and my wonderful animal companions xx
Ahhhh, so exciting to share her story. If you are wanting to turn your hobby into a career for yourself, you know that it's possible. So many people have done it and many people will continue to do it. Let me quote her again:
It's so powerful to realize your dreams are possible.
I hope you loved her story as much as did. I hope you found a little inspiration to keep you going even during these hard times. You are strong. You are powerful. You are capable of anything. Don't forget it!
Thank you so much for reading the blog.
I appreciate you dearly,
Xx
Raphaella Santana
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