The thought or idea of organizing a local art & design event came to me about a year ago. I wanted to create an engaging platform for the local creative community in my region so that artists and designers can come together, build a network and advocate the value of arts & design.
Then another idea came about. I wanted the event to be a little different; to have meaning and to be impactful. Of course, all these were just thoughts.
The Path To Entrepreneurship
Being an entrepreneur and running a social enterprise startup is never easy. It was even tougher for me as I had limited resources, no investor funding and seeing my team members quitting on me one by one. But there was no question why I chose this path.
Past experiences helped me realize my true life purpose. About three years ago before deciding to do startups, I was very proactive in attending entrepreneurial gatherings, conferences and exhibitions. I feel privileged to have crossed paths with so many people from different backgrounds and nationalities. It somehow felt as though I was meant to meet these people. Through my conversations with them I realized we share a common desire. A desire to make an impact. To be a leader.
My Passion and Desires
I meditate almost every night. As I spent time in solitude meditating, I began to pay attention to my heart’s desires. I gained a better understanding of myself, what I want to do and who I want to become moving forward.
My other portfolio of passion is to become a voice for the planet. I learned about global warming when I was 12 years old. I’m in my mid-thirties now and looking back, gosh…I wish I could have done something to help spark a climate movement like what Greta Thunberg is currently doing (I feelimg a little embarrassed as I’m writing this).
Visuals of plastic pollution, extreme weather, animals, wildlife and people’s livelihood being affected by climate change spreading on the Internet and social media, strike a chord in me.
Coming back to the event I wanted to organize, I knew I have to make it happen. I saw an opportunity to make an impact; to amplify the importance of taking greater climate action with the power of art, design and creativity.
Why was it torrential for me?
The only way out is through it.
From where I came from, climate change is a topic that is rarely talked about. The lack of awareness is evident when I pitched my idea to stakeholders. None of them showed any interest wanting to invest in this cause. The going got even tougher when my co-organizers quit.
Rejections upon rejections made me feel like I’m an outcast. I started questioning myself. Thoughts like why am I even doing this?, is it worth it?, how am I going to pull this off alone?, fear, doubt and worry started flooding through my mind at the prospect of actually making things happen.
In spite of the adversities faced, I chose to hang on to my dream and forged ahead anyways. Because the success of making an impact is what I really want!
Making things happen
“If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places.” — Les Brown.
Yes. Goals must be set, plans must be laid and commitments must be made. As the event date was fast approaching, I realized I have no time to question or doubt myself anymore. I guess the urgency of wanting to make things happen on time motivated me hence, I directed my energies and focus on being a good event organizer. I must give a good impression to the local art & design community considering this was my first ever attempt on creating an outreach program.
Holding a successful event requires a lot of work. In order to accomplish the goals I’ve set, I realized I needed help..lots of them! So I dared myself to ask for help. Do you know that the act of asking can immediately bring you closer to success? Being an introvert, I never feel comfortable or deserving enough to ask for help. But knowing what I want and how important my work is, I braved myself to ask outright and openly for the help that I need. I then unexpectedly found amazing support from wonderful people, even strangers!
Finally, the event took place.
To be able to create awareness and appreciation from the general public towards art & design, to be able contribute towards better climate action and see the wonderful smiles from the faces of these people who came, is an experience I will never forget. I’m profoundly touched by the new friendships and loving relationships garnered from holding this event. Thank you all for coming!
I have accomplished something worthwhile with the one life I have and will continue to do so. This experience helped me become someone and I’m happy to chronicle and share my story with you.
An excerpt from the book Becoming Steve Jobs — The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader by Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli resonates well with me:
“Steve Jobs gave his particular restlessness real depth. The things he was trying to do were always hard. Sometimes, those things beat him up. But the response to fighting through that suffering can be tremendous personal growth”.
When you have a dream…
This might sound harsh but don’t be dead before you’re dead. If you have a dream, don’t ever let it die. Your dream is the best gift you can give yourself, your family and to the world.
Develop the courage to turn your dream into reality. Reach for your own stars. When you do that, serendipitous opportunities will present itself to you. Your life will be filled with joy and you will never miss out on anything. This I can promise you!
Are you ready to let your dreams see the light of day?
About Me
I’m Hazel Lee, a digital designer and founder of YDJ and startup hustler who loves to inspire.
P.S: To my fellow exhibitors who have paid for a booth, you will be getting a free one in the next event. Stay tuned!
