Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindy Stockton.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lindy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I spent 20+ years in corporate America helping leaders and organizations move through transformational change and loved it. However, life is truly short and there are many things I love. I am a multipotentialite and wanted to find a way to connect my passion of helping people on a more personal level with my desire to explore and expand my creative endeavors. To that end, I opened The Collage Cafe two years ago, in 2015. I am able to pursue my love of color and creating all the while holding space for others to explore and expand their creative endeavors.
I believe that creating and being creative are truly the answers to what ails us as a world… and by opening up to the possibilities, we are able to make better decisions. Things are no longer simply black and white… through creativity we are able to push boundaries and see what is possible.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The challenge for me had more to do with experience… I did not really know much about owning a business. But I do have a strong drive and belief that I can do anything I set my mind to. My mantra was and is ‘she believed she could so she did.
It was also challenging learning something new daily, but also invigorating. I am lucky that I am quite fearless, and I am not afraid to change course, which actually is something I did with my business recently. I changed the model from where I began. I think it is critically important to continue to take a pulse check on your business and yourself to see if what you are doing daily is actually what you want to be doing. If it isn’t, it’s time to make a change.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Collage Cafe – what should we know?
I am an artist, coach, and entrepreneur. In my role as artist I recently signed my first licensing deal for 12 of my works of art to be used as inserts for a paper planner system. I am continuing to explore opportunities for expanding and growing my whimsical and bright line, as I do feel it brings happiness to those that receive it.
As a coach I work with people in transition or working through transformational change… I derive great pleasure in helping people uncover their true desires, but more importantly, setting actionable steps to achieving those goals.
And finally, as entrepreneur I have opened a creative space where we offer classes, workshops, play shops and events. It is the perfect place for those who haven’t created in years (or ever) and who do not see themselves as being creative… we quickly dispel that notion and make being creative very accessible and fun. And of course it is the perfect place for those who happily claim the title ‘artist’ or ‘maker’.
The energy in the space is unlike any other… I can practically guarantee that you will leave feeling better than when you arrived… even if you arrived feeling carefree and happy… the setting is happy, bright and welcoming. And in our new location, it feels as though you are walking into someone’s favorite cottage. You will definitely want to sit down and stay awhile.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My love and joy of collaborating and helping others be successful is definitely key to my own success.
Pricing:
- Most Classes only $49 & $59 and include all supplies, materials & nibbles
- Book your own private event with prices starting at only $40 per person
- Discovery Sessions for business/life coaching – Complimentary
Contact Info:
- Address: 1129 Florence Ave
Evanston IL 60202 - Website: TheCollageCafe.com
- Phone: 773.837.4433
- Email: Lindy@thecollagecafe.com
- Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/thecollagecafe
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thecollagecafe
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/the_collagecafe
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-collage-cafe-evanston
Image Credit:
Maike Van Wijk, Jill Norton, Lindy Stockton
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