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It is with some sadness, but a bigger feeling of resolve and relief, that I announce that I have decided to close Instar Creations. I have not reached this decision lightly, as I’ve heavily contemplated this for more than a year.
While Instar was never my primary source of income, it has definitely been something into which I’ve poured my heart and countless hours. However, I have come to realize that as much as I love it, I don’t love it as much as I should. My passion lies with the craft of my work, the process and product, not the business side of things. Truthfully, I don’t enjoy–in any capacity–the legalities that come with owning and managing a business. As a child, people would have bet money on my being an entrepreneur, but I truly don’t think I am. I think I have the “spirit” of an entrepreneur in many ways, but I’m not sure I have the drive and dedication it takes to be a true entrepreneur…at least at this point in my life.
“To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business,
and your business in your heart.”
-Thomas Watson
A little over a year ago, someone said to me, “I think you’re complacent. You’ve just become comfortable. I haven’t heard you talk about your business at all.” At that point, I hadn’t updated the blog or any of the social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google +, YouTube) in almost a year. My last post (for Instar) was on July 24, 2012, which speaks volumes.
I also found that trying to keep Instar Creations separate from ME, Sharmaine Mitchell, was becoming too complicated, redundant in some ways, and unnecessary in many cases. At one point, I found myself devoting more time to building the business than to properly showcasing and archiving my own accomplishments. For all intents and purposes, they’re one in the same, but I was also maintaining an online portfolio, which showcased my work done as “Sharmaine Mitchell.” But I was neglecting it because of the time I was devoting to the business. I would like to pour more of myself into myself, into who I am and what I do, not necessarily to building a business.
Overall, I don’t experience the joy that I should, and I think joy is an important component needed to foster the growth of a business. I honestly feel that if it’s not going to be HUGE, I don’t see a point in having it. And my heart isn’t in it enough to make it huge. Go big or go home, right? So I’m going home. 🙂
While I will no longer operate under the name “Instar Creations,” I fully plan to continue working in this capacity as a freelancer (and I’m keeping the logo), and I hope you will continue to consider me should the need arise for any of the services I provide: web design, graphic design/adjustment, video production, etc. I’ve completed the process of shifting content from the Instar Creations website to my personal website/portfolio, and I invite you to visit: www.sharmainemitchell.com.
Thank you to all of my clients, family, and friends for your support through the years. I love you all!
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Sharmaine |
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When one chapter closes, another one is being written. ~ Aunt Janis
One day, your vocation will be the passion that lies in your heart. You won't feel as if you're working at all…Trust God and BELIEVE!!!
Very true! Thank you, Mom! Thanks, Aunt Janis!