Salon de Maria Blog

Getting My Creative Mojo Back

2010-09-16T18:06:32Z

Everyday this week I've set aside some time to make jewelry. Instead of thinking about the marketing, taking pictures, and creating listings at my Etsy shop, I've just focused on being creative.

I was thinking back to the days when I first started making jewelry. My nightly ritual was to stay up and watch the TV show, The Wayans Brothers, and make jewelry. It was just my way of relaxing and having fun and a day of work and classes. I bought seed beads and elastic from Joann's craft store because on my student budget that's all I could afford at the time. I would make bracelets for myself and my boyfriend. Good times.

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I definitely have Stephanie Tran to thank for helping me get my creative mojo back. Stephanie is an EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner who is helping me get rid of the psychological blocks that are stopping me from taking my jewelry business to the next level. I talk more in detail about this in a post at my other blog titled "Goals and Releasing Resistance".

Another way that I'm getting the creative mojo back is to do more things for myself like go for walks, exercising, and spending more time on this blog. Instead of waking up and immediately getting to work on client projects, I'm working on myself - like meditating...cooking a nice breakfast and enjoying it...even going to the early matinee!

New Camera, New Inspiration

2010-09-10T06:41:03Z

With new digital camera in hand (Sony Cyber-Shot H55), I've been taking pictures like crazy.

Here's the Utah landscape taken during a recent road trip:
]]> This is what my workspace looks like...

This was taken at the Lauritzen Botanical Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska...

I also came across some interesting photography quotes. Maybe they'll inspire you to take out the camera as well:

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” --Aaron Siskind

“To me, photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place... I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” --Elliott Erwitt

My Creative Mind at Work

2010-09-08T18:01:04Z

This past year I’ve been so focused on my writing business that all of my other artistic endeavors have been put on the back burner. I’ve made the intention to refocus my energy on my art, photography, jewelry making, and posting to this blog more often. I was browsing through the latest Artful Blogging and was really inspired by other artists. The creative energy was oozing from that magazine.

I went to a bead show a couple weekends ago, which really got my creative juices flowing. I would love to go back to jewelry making. I think I’m more relaxed when I’m making jewelry versus writing. But then, perhaps I’ve put too much pressure on myself when writing. After all, most of the writing I do is for clients, so the perfectionist in me comes out.

Another creative endeavor I want to get back into is graphic design. I’ve abandoned my CafePress shop, so I want to re-open it and create custom t-shirts that have positive affirmations or sayings. Even funny posters would be nice to create - because the world needs laughter right now :)

]]> One idea that came to me was to create a website devoted to humor, which would be similar to the site, Funny or Die. I won’t go into details now, but the more I think about it, the more I feel inspired to follow through with it.

If you know me, you know that my creative mind is always coming up with ideas. So many things I want to do! My Aries personality often takes over, so I’m very good at starting projects, but fall a little flat when it comes to finishing them. Oh, well. If it happens, it happens. If not, at least I had fun in the process, right?

The Nerd Comes Out

2010-04-12T17:35:27Z

Ok, I must come clean about who I really am. I consider myself to be a nerd and I'm proud of it. In high school I played in the band, I participated in student government, and I was the one people cheated off of in Physics.

You probably would have never known that by looking at me now. Although, when I do put on my glasses, I can sense that my nerdy tendencies do come out.

I think I may have regressed back to my old nerdy ways this morning because as I was browsing through this website of funny t shirts, I couldn't help but think that this "Reading is for awesome people" shirt is just way too cute.

Yes, I am a nerd.

]]> Some of these shirts are brilliant, which makes me want to start designing t-shirts. I'll have to add that to the long "To Do" list I was complaining about on one of my other blogs.

For those of you who liked that movie, "Adventureland", you might like this Adventureland T-shirt that is inspired from the ones the characters wore in the movie. Or how about the Business Time t-shirt inspired by "Flight of the Conchords"...

The Problem(?) With Being Creative

2010-04-08T06:30:50Z

I believe that we're all creative individuals. Some people use their creativity more than others. I'm one of those people who is constantly creating and coming up with ideas.

The problem, if you can call it a problem, is that if you're a constant creator and serial entrepreneur like me, you can become overwhelmed with all the things you like to do and want to do. You've got all this stuff going on and you love to do all of it, but there just isn't enough time in the day to do it.

I'll give you an example from my own life...

]]> I love to blog, make jewelry, make greeting cards, plus I help other people build their businesses. It's gotten to the point where my one of my businesses has taken up a great deal of my time. The other things I like to do have been put aside for now. I started to feel a little down the other day because I wanted to do some of those other things.

I think I started to feel overwhelmed because I felt like I had an obligation to do everything right now. Some of the projects I'm doing involve other people and I can feel the pressure from them to get things moving.

The bottom line is that sometimes I forget to say, "No, not right now. I've got too much on my plate."

I am learning to take some quiet, alone time for myself despite my busy-ness. I've been able to do a little painting - something I haven't done in months! The painting pictured here was a gift to my fiance for his birthday.

It's a challenge when you want to experience everything!

I recall the movie starring Jim Carrey called "Yes Man" in which his character challenges himself to experience more of life. Here's the trailer if you haven't watched the movie...

I think from now on I'm going to be a "Yes, Maybe" gal. I'll say, "Yes" to myself more and "Maybe" to others.

Exciting Projects: Internet Business Coaching and BlogTalk Radio Show Comeback

2010-02-06T02:00:48Z

2010 has started off with exciting ideas and projects in the works!

As an internet marketer by profession, I've decided that it's finally time to share my knowledge and connect with people to help them realize their dreams of starting an internet business.

I recently launched my internet business coaching program, so if you're interested in getting your business up and running, I'd love to help you out!

Click here to find out more about my internet business coaching program...

If you already have an internet business and just need help with marketing, I'm available to help you with that as well.

Also, I've decided to bring back my Studio 747 BlogTalk radio show for those of you who need inspiration and help with living a more successful life. Whether it be your business life or personal life, I cover various topics that hopefully will spark the fire that propels you to reach all of your goals.

So far I'm staying focused on my vision of helping people live their passion...I sometimes get overwhelmed because there are so many ideas floating around in my head! I want to do everything right now, but I'm still in the process of learning to slow down and just have fun with it all.

Listen to Studio747 on Blog Talk Radio

New Mini Works of Art

2009-11-07T22:58:09Z

Last weekend I needed to decompress from working on the computer all week, so I pulled out the trusty scrapbooking materials for a change of scenery. I realize that I haven't added anything to my greeting card collection in awhile, so I got in relaxation mode and created two new mini works of art.

I found a great deal on scrapbooking paper at Big Lots (my go-to place for bargains) and was drawn to a pattern with fairies on it. And because I love flowers, naturally I came up with this handmade birthday card with a fairy and flower theme...

Here's a Thank You card in a flower theme...

Check out more of my handmade greeting cards...

This weekend I'll probably work on adding more cards. I've been inspired after browsing through the latest Somerset Memories Magazine. I've come to realize just how much I love creating art using mixed media. Art journaling is something I think I'll start doing...

Taking Business and Life To the Next Level

2009-10-22T07:30:55Z

It's been a whirlwind summer. My writing business has really taken off with client projects coming in - one after another. This has been the first week in a couple months that I've actually had the time to just mellow out and catch up on blog readings and books.

Although I am very grateful for the business, I've come to realize that I prefer to have an internet business that is more automated - the kind of business that many experienced internet marketing entrepreneurs talk about. I'm aiming to create my own product and have a system set up so that I can have a stream of income that comes in without any real effort on my own part.

]]> If you're not familiar with internet marketing, all of this may go over your head. Believe me when I say that this is probably the best type of online sales system to have. You create a product and have everything set up so that all you have to do is log in and start collecting money ;) If having an internet business piques your interest, I recommend reading my blog, Online Business Resources.

Of course I want this business to also make an impact on other people's lives. I wouldn't be doing it if that wasn't the case. I'm just at the point now where I want more time and freedom to travel and RELAX. A whole year off to just enjoy life would be nice!! How nice would it be to wake up and not have a deadline for an article!

As much as I love writing and having clients to write for, I would prefer to just write on my own blogs whenever I want. I'm starting to feel like I'm at the beck and call of my clients. The idea of being able to create whenever and however without any time constraints is so much more appealing. However, having said that, I wouldn't mind the occasional writing project every now and then.

So, how am I going to take my business to the next level?

I'm actually not worried so much about how I'm going to take my business to the next level. I'm learning to trust my inner guide and intuition to take me to the next step. A couple of opporunities have already showed up, so now it's just a matter of taking action. I'm also currently working on an ebook that will help people launch their own internet business. I hope to be finished with it by the end of the year.

So, that's where I stand right now. I'm just going to enjoy every moment of the journey! This paragraph from the book, "Living in the Light" by Shakti Gawain pretty much sums up how I'm living my life right now:

"We are now learning to live in accordance with the true laws of the universe. Living in harmony with the universe is living totally alive, full of vitality, joy, power, love, and abundance on every level. So, although letting go of the old world may seem difficult at times, it is well worth whatever it takes to make the transition into the new world.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Phoon

What To Do With Big Ideas

2009-08-06T21:49:07Z

I’m currently working on a project with my best friend that, in my mind, is the “next best thing”. I’m thrilled and very excited about this project because it is very much in line with my vision in life…to bring people together in peace and unity.

That’s all I can say right now about this project as my friend and I have decided to keep it hush hush until we finalize everything and get a concrete business plan in place.

Have you ever had an idea come to you that made you jump up with electrified excitement? That’s how I felt when this idea came to me. Now, I have many ideas that come to me throughout the day, but this particular idea really sent a surge through me. It’s a BIG idea.

Right after the idea came to me, another thought came: Wow, this is big. Do you want to invest the time? It’s going to take a lot of work. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one that this has happened to. That little voice of doubt and fear creeps up.

I’ve learned, though, to counter-act those questions of doubt with one single question:

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If the answer is no, I let the idea go and file it in the file cabinet of my mind. I may need the idea for future reference or perhaps I may need it share with someone else who could take it and run with it.

And if the answer is a heartfelt, “Yes!”, well, I simply push away those seeds of doubt and start planting seeds of action.

Now, mind you, it’s taken awhile to get this point in which I’ve been able to stand up and face those fears and doubts. I know it’s much easier said than done. For me, it’s been a matter of being conscious of those doubtful thoughts and then turning around that energy into something positive. I’m developing the faith and “knowingness” that the idea came to me for a reason.

Now I’m just taken things step by step…moment by moment. As I do this I’m starting to take notice of all the different things that show up in my life - the people or resources who may be the link that will help put all the pieces of this life-changing project together.

I’m excited!!

Photo Credit: Gabriel S. Delgado

I Love San Francisco

2009-07-27T04:52:53Z

I've lived in San Diego for fifteen years, and although I do love this city, there another city that's at the top of the list of favorite cities in California...

San Francisco...

Call me weird if you want, but I love San Francisco's cool, overcast weather! I love walking through China Town and finding bargains...and I love hanging out in Union Square - especially the multi-level Borders bookstore.

Here is a mosaic of pictures I took during a recent trip to the city...

Setting Priorities

2009-07-22T23:46:03Z

Between spending time with my family in Lemoore, chugging away at my ebook, and working on client's projects, a month has passed and I haven't updated this blog. All I can say is that there is never a dull second in my life. But don't take this as a complaint, I am surely grateful for having a very busy and productive life. That's the lifestyle choice I made.

For the past couple weeks I've been getting my life organized, revisiting my visions and dreams, and making sure my priorities are straight. I must give a big shout-out and thank you to my business coach, Maureen Orey, for helping me stay on track. If you ever need someone to help keep you mentally focused on what needs to be done to get your business going, then you should check out Maureen's website or follow her on Twitter.

]]> needs to be done versus what I want to get done. I write down a long list of things to do, and most of the time the list of too long. (It's the overachiever in me). I think that everything has to get done that day and then beat myself up for not getting everything done. Actually, I've gotten alot better at not beating myself up ;) I've shortened the To Do lists and have worked on being productive at being unproductive.

My current priority is finishing the ebook that I started a couple years ago. So from this day forward I have put "Work on ebook" at the top of the everyday To Do list. Even before I check email (which is usually the first thing I do every morning), I will work on that ebook for at least 30 minutes per day. Pinky swear!

If you need help getting your own priorities straight, Brian Tracy, one of my favorite authors, wrote an article about Setting Priorities.

Mission: Get Out of the Rat Race

2009-06-14T00:23:54Z

Being the entrepreneur that I am, my mind is non-stop when it comes to business ideas. I also have friends who are realizing the skills that I have and are asking me to help them with their businesses.

Yes, people are beginning to feel the power of the internet and social networking. What used to be thought of as frivolous activities (i.e. blogging or hanging out on Twitter and Facebook) have become opportunities to make money.

My friend told me the other day, "If I had listened to you three years ago and started my own blog, I would probably be making alot of money right now and spending more time with my kids!"

Well, it's definitely not too late to make money on the internet! If you've come across this blog looking for tips and ideas on starting an internet business, check out my online business blog.

I read about people who are losing their jobs due to the economy and it's motivating me to get my ebook finished. I know that there many people waking up to this idea of having their own internet business. If I could help even one person get away from the rat race, I will be happy. People have to stop relying on a 9-5 job for their income and start taking charge of their abundance!
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Right now my sources of income are:

SEO/Web Content clients - I currently have a few clients that I write blog posts and articles for
Ad revenue on my blogs
Affiliate programs - I've written about the affiliate programs that do well for me here.
Handcrafted greeting card business
Handmade beaded jewelry business

My main focus lately has been keeping my blogs updated and utilizing social networking websites like Twitter and Facebook to market those blogs. However, that's not to say that next week I may be focused on making jewelry. My creative energy is moody like that.

Would you like to get out of the rat race and start creating multiple sources of income for yourself? I suggest subscribing to my Online Business Resources blog because I will soon be launching my ebook that will help you get your internet business started!

The Power of Flowers

2009-05-18T06:00:08Z

As an artist with a great deal of creative energy, I often have moments when I'm focused on my writing...then I'll switch to making jewelry or greeting cards. Recently I've started to feel a little burned out from blogging and writing, so to mix it up I've started making greeting cards again.

I took inventory of all the cards I have and realized that many of them were never added to my online greeting card shop, so I spent most of the weekend uploading cards and making new ones as well.

I still have one of the first greeting cards that ever made. I've titled it, "The Power of Flowers"...

Flowers are one of my favorite themes. Flowers really do have a great deal of power. They teach me that there is beauty in everything...and flowers bring so much happiness to people.

As the famous painter Claude Monet once said, "I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers."

Less Work, More Play (And Money!)

2009-04-09T18:49:19Z

That's been my mantra since the beginning of the year. I've set the intention that I'm going to work on my business versus working in my business. I'm referring to my blog network, Studio 747.

I want to take Studio 747 to the next level...and in order for me to do that, I'm going to have to get help. I love writing and blogging, but having to write on 10+ blogs does take a great deal of time! I have taken one step towards my goals and outsourced a small portion of my blog writing.

Today I came across Leo Babauta's post, Don't Have Time For Your Goals? Simplify Your Commitments. Of course, it was a timely post as I have been thinking of ways that I can cut the things that I feel obligated to. (Really? I don't have to post to my blogs every week?) I've noticed that I've been watching more TV and spending more time on Twitter than usual, so I'm going to work on spending less time on unproductive activities. Not to say that Twitter is unproductive because I think connecting with others is beneficial to my business. I'll spend 30 minutes on Twitter from now on versus 1 or 2 hours.

]]> Yaro Starak's Secrets (And Mine!) to a 2-Hour Work Day".

It's a challenge because my "work" is my passion. I don't think of it as work, so I could spend all day doing it. However, I'm learning to be more harmonious with other parts of my life by spending more time with friends, family, and the community.

The ultimate goal is to take my business on the road and start traveling to far distance places! First stop: Dubai!

Making a Mark

2009-03-30T06:16:33Z

Yesterday I celebrated my 35th birthday! For some women turning one year older is just horrible. They start checking out their face for wrinkles and lines...

Sure, it was a special day, but for me the "Big 35" is just another year. My life philosophy has always been to celebrate each day like it's a birthday!

The fiance treated me out to lunch and afterwards we headed to beautiful Balboa Park to check out the Museum of Man and enjoy the absolutely gorgeous weather we are currently having in San Diego. It's hard not to have a good day when you live in a city like San Diego ;)

As I was looking at the exhibits in the Museum of Man, I was awestruck by the fact that many of these pieces survived thousands of years buried underground before they were discovered by archaeologists. Just think, one day thousands of years from now people will be looking at our computers, digital cameras, and works of art as if they are foreign objects!

I started to think about the mark I wanted to make in the world. What could I leave behind that would tell people from the future about this day and age?