Meet Lissie Teehee
I have such a story to tell, and I don't know how better to sum it all up except to say that two years ago, I was navigating my way being a single mom of three, determined to find a way to support my family - and now, I can say with confidence that my artwork supports us. I can also say with confidence that meeting Bonnie and taking Immersion gave me the foundation I needed to actually DO what I dreamt of doing!
There was a truly defining moment in my life where I knew that I was meant to do this. I dove in with no abandon. I couldn't fight against it any longer - I sat down and made plans for the business: I had an art degree, I had a few clients from previous years, and I knew I could really work hard to find new clients. All I needed to do was just start making work and get a portfolio out. That was about all I knew, but soon I had a LOT of questions!
Around the time that I'd begun making artwork and designing again, I began making patterns. I started to realize the endless potential for our art in the world. I realized that those possibilities would be what gave me more time with my family, more freedom to create what I wanted to create, and to give us the stability that we needed... if only I could figure out how it all worked. I needed to become a student again. By some miracle, I found Bonnie and this course soon after. The intensive, interactive, generous Immersion course was everything I had been looking for, and I knew that I would leave the course with experience and a plan to move forward. Guess what? I did!
In Immersion, I acquired business and licensing knowledge, industry experience, positive mindset for creatives, a BEAUTIFUL community, peers and colleagues, many of whom I can now call best friends - two years later I have best friends that came from the Immersion course. We work together, talk about our families, and we hold our "why's" so close. We get to make art and our work not only makes a difference in the world but makes a difference in our lives. Two years later and I'm able to say that I've been able to create a business for myself that allows me time at home with my kids. As a single mom, I can't describe the gift that is to me. I am able to make money from the artwork I've done and I've learned how to work with companies so that one piece of artwork can support our family for years... this is so supportive and creates the stability we needed financially, so that I can make more time for us, and I have been gifted back time to be the mom that I want to be.
Since Immersion, I've created four collections and launched a wallpaper shop on my website. I am so excited to say that I have my first fabric collection coming out in August 2022 and have more collections coming soon after. My plan for the upcoming year is to reach out to more companies and release a few products and art print collections. I have been writing classes and teaching art + design as well, which is so fulfilling. I cannot wait to teach more classes in the coming years.
I want to tell everyone, you can do this too. Being able to lean in to the experience of industry leaders like Bonnie is truly priceless. Being able to take your creativity and make a living with it is priceless. I'm so thankful for Immersion and for the people I've met along the way for their encouragement and support.
