i love what i do // 07.
"Trusting was the one most important thing I did to begin loving what I do. Trusting my heart and letting it guide me."
Jen Lashua, 41
OCCUPATION: Mama to 4 kiddos under the age of 10, Founder of Love & Tea Co, and artist!
COLLEGE MAJOR: Occupational Therapy & Botany
Ruth: Welcome, Jen! How long have you loved what you do?
Jen: I've always loved creating and making things as long as I can remember. As a little girl I loved making gifts, in fact for every holiday or birthday gift.
R: How did you feel and what did you do before now?
J: I feel complete joy, an inner joy... my heart's true calling when I'm creating.
I spent many years unable to create fully, in a way that was fueling me. I have four small children to raise, leaving little or no time and energy for my creative side. I had to push these feelings aside -- that was a very, very hard for me.....silencing the creative urge. I had no warning when it would strike, besides the tug at my heart strings, the need to paint. Leaving me feeling very empty, I was withering inside and feeling very un-rooted. Until one day I decided "enough". I will make time for me!
R: When was the first time you realized that you love what you do?
J: Every time I pick up a paint brush, it's like a magic force, that lights me up.
R: Describe what you do now and what a typical day looks like.
J: I don't have a "typical" day! My days change so much I must go with the flow and seize every moment I can. Being a mom is my first job, then comes my art. I often have to stay up late into the wee hours being able to paint. I rarely get to paint during the day. My day dances back and forth from tending to children to working on my art. When I'm not physically painting, I can be found uploading new work to my web site, coordinating my next art exhibit, working with clients on art commissions, checking in with my wholesale accounts, and scheduling meetings with new stores to show my products.
R: What were the steps you took that got you to loving what you do?
J: I demanded time for my creative side, I had to listen to the inner calling tugging at my heart. I've loved painting from the very first time I picked up a brush, it was so freeing, just being.
R: Is there something about your work that makes you feel like you're contributing to a greater good?
J: A big part of my work is Color Therapy & Mantras, the power of colors and words. I enjoy teaching people how using color energetics and mantras can affect us physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually.
R: Do you have any advice for others on their way to loving what they do?
J: If you can dream it, you can do it.
R: If you could whittle it down, what was the ONE most important thing you did to begin loving what you do?
J: TRUSTING. Trusting my heart and letting it guide me.
