In this episode, Sara talks with Jaki McQuiston about her journey from the nonprofit world to owning and operating an art studio and coworking space. Jaki shares the story of losing her son when he was just 11 days old, a heart-wrenching experience that ultimately gave her a nudge her to "go for" a vision she'd been dreaming up since she was a child. Jaki also describes how she recognizes when she's "on her path," and how her idea of fear changed after "the worst that could ever happen, happened." Today, Jaki owns The Creativity Loft, a community space for artistic expression and healing in Shoreline, Washington, and she creates handmade leather jewelry through her business, Jacqueline LaBerge. Want to make your own career change?Download Sara's Seven Cs of Successful Career Change Chart. Sara and Jaki discuss: How they got connected
Sara's story about The Creativity Loft on her solo show, The Keys to Clarity
Jaki studying sociology and psychology in college
Her intention to be a counselor
Working with youth and art in after school programs
Working as a youth care counselor in a boys' home
Working as a director's assistant at a nonprofit for women in Oakland, CA
Applying for a Masters in Public Administration
Moving back to Seattle to care for her grandmother
Working for a nonprofit in Seattle
Getting out of a hostile work environment
Being unemployed for months
Getting into real estate
Working at an accounting firm whose clients were nonprofits
Considering pursuing a CPA
Training to be a life coach
Working in coaching on the side of accounting
A big question she received that led her to rethink her path forward
Letting go of the idea of "supposed to" be doing certain things
Sound advice that gave her the boost she needed
Getting her coaching business up and running
Supporting OTHER people to do what makes them happy
Her coaching business not taking off
Her consulting business, Mulika Project
How her vision of community, art, and inclusivity started in school
Traveling to Cuba and being inspired by the sense of community there
How the birth and death of her son proved to be a transformative experience
Walking into the space where The Creativity Loft it and seeing its potential
How the vision of The Loft came to life
What it feels like to Jaki to be "on the path"
Resources she recommends:
Martha Beck's Following Your Own North Star book
The body compass
How The Creativity Loft has been "survival" for Jaki
How Jaki accepted help to get her idea off the ground
The Loft's "hygge" style
How her idea of "fear" changed after the worst thing that could happen, happened
The advice she'd give herself at the beginning her Creativity Loft journey
Jaki's leather jewelry business, Jacqueline LaBerge
...and more!
Jaki's Full Bio: Jaki McQuiston’s love and practice of art started when she was very young, and she’s taken classes and practiced in many fine art mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, jewelry making, mosaics, sewing, knitting, and other crafts. Her desire is to bring the healing possibilities of art practice to those who may be suffering from loss, depression, anxiety, or stress. Jaki had dreamed of creating a community space for years, and remembers writing a paper in high school about the lack of community spaces. At that time, her concern was specifically for teenagers like herself. Her dream has always been to create a space for creatives that is both inspiring and supportive. A home away from home. A place that not only provides opportunities to expand one’s work, but empowers people to believe in themselves, take risks, and reach their success, whatever that looks like. Recently, Jaki experienced tragedy. Her son was born at the end of April 2018 and was not well, which Jaki and her husband had no indication of prior to his birth. He lived only 11 days. While Jaki’s experience was devastating and continues to be challenging in her grief, she experienced such beautiful moments with him and the people who've supported her, her husband and their daughter this journey. The light that her son has given her is about fully showing up to whatever life gives you. So, when a creativity space became available, Jaki saw its opportunity. Listening to her inner voice, she ran with it… one step at a time, and opened The Creativity Loft in Shoreline, Washington. Since opening the Loft, Jaki has also started her jewelry line, Jacqueline LaBerge, where she expresses herself creatively and shares her love for art. Connect with Jaki, The Creativity Loft and Jacqueline LaBerge Jewelry: The Loft's website: http://thecreativityloft.com The Loft's Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/TheCreativityLoft Jaki's email: info@thecreativityloft.com Jacqueline LaBerge jewelry: https://jacquelinelaberge.com Connect with Sara McArdle and Women Who Went for It: Facebook: www.facebook.com/womenwhowentforit Website: www.womenwhowentforit.com Nominate a Podcast Guest: www.saramcardle.com/podcast-guest Email: womenwhowentforit@gmail.com Phone: 503.893.2043 Want to make your own career change? Download Sara's Seven Cs of Successful Career Change Chart.
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