Embracing Creativity and Entrepreneurship: The Evolution of T.H.E. and Hone

The last four years have been hugely transformational for me. I began this story months ago when I published Learning to Pivot. I have been doing my best to persevere through the pivot ever since.

“Warriors don’t retreat, they reload…”

I read this line on a You Version bible reading plan, and I knew that was is the beginning.

The beginning of learning to pivot.

In 2020 I battled back from major depression and had my first real relationship all at the same time.

It was beautiful and tough. I grew so much from both experiences that I can’t imagine one without the other. My battle with depression and anxiety was at its peak in 2018 and 2019. By the end of 2019 I was finally in a place of grace. I felt grateful and joyful and more resilient than I ever had. In 2020 that inward transformation began to manifest on the outside. I had a glow that seemed to draw everyone toward me. To be honest, that was disconcerting. But I knew that I had prayed and had been doing the work. I was mentally and emotionally ready for a relationship if one happened.

Well one happened. It was the perfect first relationship. I learned more about myself and what I wanted. I also learned what I didn’t want. And when it ended, I could only be grateful for the experience.

Leaning in

2021 brought my 30^th birthday. It also brought what I thought would lead to my dream job. For four years I had gone to school to become a strength coach. When I became one, I realized that it didn’t fit. It wasn’t until I really sat down and asked myself why it seemed so hard. Then I realized that this wasn’t my first job as a coach. The ones before this one had been hard too.

In my second year at this job, I was given the opportunity to create the flyers for the summer special. These flyers were for all the locations. I loved it. I had so much fun creating flyers and social media posts. I started to wonder if I had studied the wrong thing in school.

I decided to take a career interest survey. The results came back, and nothing that I was interested in and enjoyed was reflected in my current career. I knew I had to do something about it.

The career coach I saw told me to try on some careers. She said to research them to see what they entail and try to imagine myself in them. The main ones that felt like they fit were creative ones, Author, creative director, graphic designer etc. and front office athletic positions like, president of operations or general manager.

The Pivot

I realized this; It felt weird to not have a creative outlet because I had been creative my entire life. I’ve been writing since age 10. I played the violin from 3rd grade through high school. My notebooks are filled with color and outfit ideas and quotes about travel and creating and books. Spending time on Pinterest and social media was fun for me. It didn’t feel like the waste of time that it was “supposed” to feel like. Being creative was a passion of mine that had been so constant. I didn’t realize it was one until it was taken away. I wanted it back.

How did I end up in sports as a coach, and not in a more creative career?  Not on track to be in the front office positions that I want.

Now is my chance to figure that out. I have to get to work.

The Introduction

In 2023 I graduated with a master’s degree in leadership and human resource development.

Will I go back for a PhD? Time will tell. For now, it’s time to acknowledge the goals that God has given me the desire to achieve. I need to walk like I deserve all the things He has for me.

It’s time to flex my creativity like never before and trust that I can do the hard things.

It’s time to introduce another side of me to the world. Not just the coach, and creative.

But also, the business owner.

In 2023, I created The Honing Experience (T.H.E.) – a consulting company with a focus toward graphic design and marketing.

My main focus was logo creation and graphic design. Two things that I thoroughly enjoy and even when it is hard I still end my day fulfilled. I have had the opportunity to create graphics for global companies like Shell USA. It has also been amazing to work with local companies like New U Fitness in Jacksonville, FL.

In 2024, I introduce to you the next phase of T.H.E.

I love sports, writing, fashion and creating. I also want to take more chances and bet on myself more so here we go. Young Stasia would be proud of me.

Introducing Hone.

To Hone means to refine or perfect over a period of time.

Get 10% off when you spend $50 by using the code HONE10 during checkout at https://etsy.me/3AI2RZv starting from Sept 1st to celebrate the newest phase of T.H.E.

Perfection isn’t realistic but the chase for excellence is.

The process never ends.

Warriors don’t retreat, they reload… Cheers to the pivot

How have you learned to pivot in your life? What has been the most life-changing thing that has come from it or because of it?