I remember a morning about two years ago when my friend Bec was visiting me at home. Hugo was about 4 months old and as he bounced happily in his 'jolly jumper', Bec started telling me, with some shyness, about the business she was starting and hoped to grow.
Her idea was to flatten and stamp silver spoons with lovely messages and little sayings. She would then sell those at markets and online. We then discussed prices and where she might sell them and so on. Although she seemed like she was figuring it all out as we spoke, I realise now that the vision was all there and only the logistical details were still missing.
This came at a time in her life that was throwing one challenge after another at her. We later walked along the beach as she told me about the difficult relations she was having with her soon to be ex-husband, the challenges of finding her feet as a single mum, living in an unfinished house, and of course, doing it all while her family was on the other side of the world, probably worried sick about their beautiful girl.
All these challenges she faced with resilience and optimism but above all, a determination not to get dragged down into the mud. She wouldn't compromise her honesty, her integrity and her openness. After all, her 4 year old son was watching her every move and she would lead by example.
So it's in this context that 'House of Bec' was born. A fresh start, a way to sustain her little family of two, a creative outlet and a door into the flourishing creative community of Newcastle. She knew where she wanted to be so she went there, silver spoon in hand.
As her business grew, I kept watching and, and I kept feeling in awe of this pint sized bubble of energy, honesty and optimism.
The spoons themselves (and the range of jewellery that keeps expanding) are lovely objects. Using silver spoons, they have a nice weight in the hand and feel solid. The messages, with their charming hand-stamped irregularities, sing of all the loveliest and simplest things in life: love, friendship, laughter, growth...
Then, they are lovingly photographed surrounded by fresh flowers, succulents, weathered wood, creating an experience that is so enduring and appealing to all the senses, each spoon holding the memories of its past life, the careful process it went through and the loving hands it will go to.
Now Bec has just started promoting a new project which she has been working on for months and which she told me about breathless with excitement a few weeks ago.
She is launching a monthly night shopping event which will bring together market stalls, music, art, food and more. She called it "The Impossible" to celebrate all the makers and doers who were brave enough to turn their 'impossible' dreams into a reality, starting with herself.
I have no doubt this new project will be fantastic and a beautiful addition to the thriving Newcastle market scene. Bec has made a home for herself amongst the stalls and gazebos, where people dare to dream big even if it means starting small.
When I see Bec now, a little over two years down the track and I think back about those discussions we had, I see what boundless optimism can do. I see the power of saying yes, of taking chances, of pinning your hopes on something others can't quite see yet.
It's impressive to see the road my dear friend has travelled already and I am convinced that her steely resolve not to let the shitty stuff in her life define her at that time has a lot to do with it.
Bec, if you read this, you are an inspiration and I, as always, wish you only the very best of luck with 'The Impossible'. You are doing it and no one can stop you now.
Her idea was to flatten and stamp silver spoons with lovely messages and little sayings. She would then sell those at markets and online. We then discussed prices and where she might sell them and so on. Although she seemed like she was figuring it all out as we spoke, I realise now that the vision was all there and only the logistical details were still missing.
This came at a time in her life that was throwing one challenge after another at her. We later walked along the beach as she told me about the difficult relations she was having with her soon to be ex-husband, the challenges of finding her feet as a single mum, living in an unfinished house, and of course, doing it all while her family was on the other side of the world, probably worried sick about their beautiful girl.
All these challenges she faced with resilience and optimism but above all, a determination not to get dragged down into the mud. She wouldn't compromise her honesty, her integrity and her openness. After all, her 4 year old son was watching her every move and she would lead by example.
So it's in this context that 'House of Bec' was born. A fresh start, a way to sustain her little family of two, a creative outlet and a door into the flourishing creative community of Newcastle. She knew where she wanted to be so she went there, silver spoon in hand.
As her business grew, I kept watching and, and I kept feeling in awe of this pint sized bubble of energy, honesty and optimism.
The spoons themselves (and the range of jewellery that keeps expanding) are lovely objects. Using silver spoons, they have a nice weight in the hand and feel solid. The messages, with their charming hand-stamped irregularities, sing of all the loveliest and simplest things in life: love, friendship, laughter, growth...
Then, they are lovingly photographed surrounded by fresh flowers, succulents, weathered wood, creating an experience that is so enduring and appealing to all the senses, each spoon holding the memories of its past life, the careful process it went through and the loving hands it will go to.
Now Bec has just started promoting a new project which she has been working on for months and which she told me about breathless with excitement a few weeks ago.
She is launching a monthly night shopping event which will bring together market stalls, music, art, food and more. She called it "The Impossible" to celebrate all the makers and doers who were brave enough to turn their 'impossible' dreams into a reality, starting with herself.
I have no doubt this new project will be fantastic and a beautiful addition to the thriving Newcastle market scene. Bec has made a home for herself amongst the stalls and gazebos, where people dare to dream big even if it means starting small.
When I see Bec now, a little over two years down the track and I think back about those discussions we had, I see what boundless optimism can do. I see the power of saying yes, of taking chances, of pinning your hopes on something others can't quite see yet.
It's impressive to see the road my dear friend has travelled already and I am convinced that her steely resolve not to let the shitty stuff in her life define her at that time has a lot to do with it.
Bec, if you read this, you are an inspiration and I, as always, wish you only the very best of luck with 'The Impossible'. You are doing it and no one can stop you now.
It's always worth an energetic try! How about setting up a stall with felt sardine tins and toast, teepees, animal broomsticks, woolen booties, collages and more?
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