Pink Wedding flowers

I used to think that learning should take place in school.  I thought that to get a good education, you needed to attend a good school or college.  At least that’s what was always preached to me, so why shouldn’t I believe it?  I was taught that in order to succeed in life, you needed a bachelor’s degree and possibly more.  And if you didn’t invest in your education, you were destine for failure.

My thinking has shifted away from what my 18 year old self once thought.  I definitely had those “why do I need to know this?” moments in school, but for the most part just sucked it up and went to class every day believing that this is what would help me achieve my goals and get a good job.   In fact, the thought never occurred to me that perhaps I could teach myself a thing or two, or I could learn from other business people or attend small workshops.

I now think that it’s determination more than anything that will help you succeed in life.  I learned language skills, basic business principles and various other things in college which I’m sure impact me more than I realize.  I believe that college teaches you how to interact in the “real world”.  However pushing yourself and being open to new ideas and learning from one another is HUGE.  Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and people who inspire you – you will absorb so much.

About a month ago I was able to play a small role in bringing Bloom the Workshop to West Michigan.  I supplied some super pretty blooms and did a little behind the scenes work for Ashley and Michaela and helped bring their creative vision to life.  They are the type of people I like to surround myself with.  And the best part is, they want to inspire, they want to teach and they want to see you succeed.  I was able to watch them teach 30 ladies about business, blogging, social media, styling, design, photography and life.  And I left inspired.  I wasn’t even an attendee!

So while I want to share with you some of the pretty that took place that day, I also want you to consider investing in yourself, your creative side and your business.  There’s always something more to learn.

One of my favorite parts of the workshop was how interactive it was.  Ashley and Michaela didn’t give give the attendees a bunch a information and send them on their merry ways, but they also planned a time to put that information and new skills to the test.  The afternoon consisted of a styled shoot portion, which believe it or not, is a great way showcase work in many industries, not just the wedding inspiration shoots we’re so accustom to seeing.  From styling papers to models to flowers and beyond, participants photographed and played with different designs, poses, locations and lighting.

Photography: Ashley Slater Photography  /  Styling:  Michaela Noelle Designs  /  Floral Design:  The Day’s Design  /  Venue:  Hydrangea Blu Barn  /  Wedding Dresses:  Bridal Gallery  /  Chalkboard signage: Add {Vintage}  /  Mugs:  Ashley & Malone  /  Calligraphy:  Jessica Albers  /  Tassel Garland:  One Stylish Party  /  Place Setting & Chair Rentals:  The Rental Company

Want to attend a creative workshop?  Bloom is coming back to West Michigan this September and rumor has it registration opens tomorrow.  More info here.