Mariska and I worked together for a year and a half, off an on. She is an artist and mom. Her work bursts with joy and humor. See what she says about coaching….

TELL EVERYONE WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU’RE UP TO RIGHT NOW...

Mariska here — I am a sketcher and stitcher. Originally I am from Berlin, West-Berlin that is. The wall came down when I was 18. The place definitely left its mark on me in terms of what I find appealing. Quirky, a little gritty, and also the whimsical that came via growing up with eastern-European and Russian tv fairytales. I am just getting back into my studio routine after a long summer break. I have a fun idea for a yoga calendar, yeah not your regular kinda yoga calendar...Momentarily I am totally obsessed with Grayson Perry, British potter extraordinaire. Go check out his interviews/shows on YouTube.

WHAT MADE YOU INITIALLY SEEK OUT COACHING?

I really felt stuck in my mom routine and wanted to figure out what is next. Also I felt there was no more space for me to create in our home. I am a creative person who likes to express her ideas in either a sketch or textiles. I have a background in fashion/costume design. But I was also very hung up on the “I should earn money” whatever I do next. I didn’t see the path ahead at all, so I contacted you after I started following you [on instagram] during #the100dayproject three years ago or so.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS CHANGED FOR YOU AS A RESULT OF WORKING WITH A COACH?

Wow, actually quite a bit — I have a studio now (one mile from my home). It’s like the diamond of studios for me. I couldn’t see myself in a lonely studio, creating by myself. So I found a space to share with a lovely woman and awesome quilter. To top it off this studio is in a bigger quilting/sewing studio called Hello Stitch Studio where classes are being held and people are working on their own projects. There is always somebody there if you feel like a chat. Most of the time our studio door is open so folks who walk by can take peek. Since having a studio I am able to work more on my textile ideas (for now they are stitched cartoon style heads and I love making them).

I also always thought I might enjoy teaching sewing and this summer I had the opportunity to teach summer sewing camp to nine kids. We made stuffies based on their own ideas mostly. It was really fun!

WHAT ABOUT INTERNAL SHIFTS?

Since coaching with you I really listen more to what bubbles up idea-wise and try to manifest it into a real project. I try to write down my ideas and will revisit them often if I find myself in a creative lull and need a little kickstart. Like an idea bank, but I like to think of it more as a treasure trove. One always sticks out and wants to be made into a real thing.

I definitely pay more attention to what gives me joy and try to head into that direction, whether it’s an idea that should be further explored, a subject that sounds interesting or just saying ‘yes’ to hanging out with friends. More ‘yes’, more joy and a lot less perfection and judging.

I was really hung up on the idea of only pursuing something if it’s financially worthwhile. Constantly thinking I have to turn what I would do “creatively” into money. But in reality there is not very much joy for me in making a numerous amount of the same item. Coaching helped me to step away from that way of thinking and really has and still is allowing me to just explore my own vision or artistry which in return brings joy to other people who see my stuff and that makes me pretty happy.

IT MAKES ME PRETTY HAPPY TOO! I LOVE WHAT YOU’RE UP TO BECAUSE IT IS SO YOU. WHEN I SEE YOUR WORK I FEEL IT’S LIKE SEEING INSIDE YOUR PERSONALITY. WHICH IS LIKE THE MOST FUN PARTY EVER. PARTY ON, MARISKA!

This originally appeared in my September 2018 email newsletter. To get on the list, sign up at pamdaghlian.com/newsletter

Meet My Client: Mariska Miller

Mariska and I worked together for a year and a half, off an on. She is an artist and mom. Her work bursts with joy and humor. See what she says about coaching….