Never in my Wildest Dreams • by Rashida Coleman-Hale

I used to think I was strange, since it seemed like I was the only person who was into making art and creating. I always excelled in art class and the like. None of my peers were really into the same things as I was. I took private violin lessons after school because I loved classical music so much. I even had private painting lessons during the summer. None of my friends ever knew about those things, because, well ... it wasn’t “cool.” I look back at those times and laugh now, because you know what, it really was pretty damn cool!

Always Creating
Growing up as an only child, I spent many hours entertaining myself and having to find creative ways to keep myself busy. I’m thinking that’s where the creative side of me really started to develop. I was always making something, drawing, painting, making clothes for my dolls, creating little handmade books complete with stories and illustrations or origami, painting, beading jewelry — I even used to make my own envelopes. Anything you could make by hand, I was quietly making in my room. I wasn’t exactly your average little girl. Sure, I liked dolls and playing dress up, but I always wanted to know how the dolls where made or how the clothes were constructed. The first thing I’d do when I got a new toy that made noise or lit up? Grab my grandpa’s screwdriver and crack that baby open! You could find me in my room taking things apart and then putting them back together again. My grandfather always had to hide his tools from me!

My mother decided that she was going to teach me how to sew. “Why would I want to do that?” is the first thing that popped in my head and she basically had to drag me over to the sewing machine. I was miserable and I’m pretty sure I pouted and rolled my eyes every step of the way, never realizing how sewing would eventually change my life. I discovered a new world and learned that sewing is in my blood. My mother and her oldest sister learned to sew from my grandfather who was a tailor, and my grandmother and great-grandmother used to sew as well.

A Not-So-Natural Fit
I really became interested in Fashion Design in my teens because of my mother and her work in the industry. My mother was a model in Japan and I spent many, many years there growing up. I decided that Fashion was what I wanted to study once I graduated high school. I mean it seemed only natural that I would take up fashion design. I loved to draw, I knew how to sew, I knew a lot about the industry from my exposure to it over the years. Perfect fit, right? So off to FIT in NYC I went!

My college years were difficult. When I finally got into my studies, I really felt my art was restricted. I hated being told what to do! And all of that sewing! Ugh! Who wants to do that all day? So I dropped out.

My life went from being so into my art and creating to sitting at someone’s desk pushing papers all day. I floated from meaningless job to meaningless job. My résumé became the story of the really awesome administrative assistant with a specialty in human resources. Yawn. I mean I still dabbled in my art here and there. I was doing freelance work as a graphic designer for some extra money. I completely turned my back on my roots and what I really and truly in my heart and soul knew that I loved to do.

Doing What I Love
On the plus side, I did meet the man of my dreams at one of those yawn-tastic jobs and he really pushed and encouraged me to try to get back to my true love. Creating. We were married and had our first child, daughter Isabella. I started sewing things for her and realized how much I really did enjoy it. Why did I stop doing this again? I can’t live without sewing now and I do it every chance I get.

It’s funny how life can bring you full circle. My love for crafting has enabled me with the most wonderful opportunities in life. I’m writing books, creating projects for magazines, designing fabric lines. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would be where I am today, doing what I love and inspiring others to do the same. Embrace your talents and don’t be afraid of them. Make the most of the time we have here. Share with others what you can do and just enjoy life. Art Saves.

To learn more about Rashida Coleman-Hale, visit iheartlinen.typepad.com.

Comments

[Cheryl Arkison]

"Embrace your talents and don't be afraid of them." Yes! (I'm on that path right now) Thanks for the great interview.

[Nicole Maki]

I really love your work and it was a treat to hear about the path that brought you to where you are today. Thanks so much for inspiring me with your projects.

Warmly,
Nicole