Getting out and meeting people who do what you do, well there is nothing like it, especially when your work is largely solo. We love hearing from you about the conferences and workshops you attend because we know we can't attend them all (and because you might want to catch them the next time around). Today #ahasmember Maddie Spoto shares here experience at the Texas Style Council (TxSC) a few weeks ago. Here's what she learned!
Maddie's headshot taken at TxSC. Photo credit: Chelsea Laine Francis
Q: Introduce yourself!
A: Hi, I am Maddie Spoto of Folk Dreams Studio. I offer graphic design and community management for small business. I also make nature inspired jewelry that I sell on Etsy!
Q: How did you hear about the camp?
A: I heard about it through a few of my favorite bloggers, Moorea Seal and Maiedae, who have been involved in it from the early years of this conference.
Q: Why did you decide to apply?
A: Since this was the final year, I just had to go check it out and see what it was all about. I had always wanted to go, so it was an easy decision once I knew I could afford it and take the time off.
Q: What surprising information did you learn?
A: I don’t know if this is surprising, but I wasn’t expecting to connect with so many women so quickly. There was instant acceptance and warmth from everyone. The community this conference attracted was so on point and focused. Keeping it focused and intimate is what I think made this conference so successful.
Q: What was the conference like?
A: This conference was like finding a home away from home. I didn’t feel out of place or alone, even though I was in a state I have never been to with no one I knew. It was something magical and I think you might find a lot of the attendees saying that. It is hard to put this conference into words.
They had great keynotes at breakfast and dinner all 3 days. On Saturday we broke out into small discussion groups throughout the day and you got to choose which ones you wanted to attend. They had craft nights and mixers on Friday and Saturday for mingling too! All the speakers were so involved in the event, which I thought was really cool and helped break down any barriers that may have been felt.
photo credit: Chelsea Laine Francis
A lot of discussions were happening. It wasn’t like hey I am here to speak and tell you what to do, it was more about lets have a discussion on a bigger topic, how we can make it our own and use it is business. If you wanted to come here for hard business advice, sure you would get tidbits, but this conference was much more about “creating a meaningful presence” on and offline. I came home feeling refreshed in where my path was going rather than overwhelmed about what to do next.
Q: What was the most valuable piece of information?
A: Here are some key notes that I took away from the conference!
Bethany Joy of Toms - Friendtors, Mentors and Champions
Friendtors - Friends who are at the same place as you in business can still be mentors, someone you can call or talk to about your business on a regular basis.
Mentors - Friends/Acquaintances who are a little bit farther along in business than you. Seek them out and invite them into your journey.
Champions - Those who are there for you, backing you 100%, someone you look up to in business, in your field or in life! We need these kinds of people in your life.
What it comes down to is that you need to surround yourself with supportive people on a similar journey, that have goals that resonate with you and your path. This is how you create your legacy.
Toms - A mission with a business rather than a business with a mission. I love this idea of always coming to why you started in the first place.
photo credit: Chelsea Laine Francis
Kirsten of Raven and Lily - Your business and life should always reflect your why, your purpose. What is burning on you heart? What am I providing the world? Mostly this is about staying authenticity in your business and connecting with your why in all that you do.
Jessie of Style and Pepper - Confidence is the catalyst for your purpose.
The common thread with all of these, and the core value behind TxSC is that we all have a voice and a purpose to share with this world. There is room for us all, and through community, sisterhood, and authenticity we can make this world a better place.
Q: Where can people find your stuff?
Services: www.maddiespoto.com
Jewelry: www.folkdreamsjewelry.etsy.com
FB: www.facebook.com/folkdreams
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/folkdreams
IG/Twitter: @folkdreams
