Have you ever had a dream that felt so big, so audacious, that it scared you? That's how it started for me. Stars and Myths wasn't just a business idea, it was a calling, a passion that burned bright even in the darkest moments.
Was Doubt a Roadblock or a Stepping Stone?
Self-doubt can be a formidable enemy, whispering lies about your worth and potential. But for the creation of Stars and Myths, doubt was just another obstacle to overcome. People will say "That's not a real job", or "You need to do something to make money". People I cared about did not support me. They did not care that I had this burning desire. I refused to let fear dictate my future, pushing through the uncertainty and emerging stronger on the other side.
How Did Companionship Shape the Journey?
Friends, pets, and partners are the stars that light our darkest nights, guiding us through the storms of life. Along the way, I found solace and support in the company of kindred spirits, other artists, dreamers, queers, trans people, among others. I fought to be able to keep my pets with me through thick and thin, and still do. The worst feeling I know of is the feeling that I failed them. I now have a partner who supports my goals and dreams. Together, we weathered the challenges and he proudly celebrated the victories with me, creating a bond that fueled our dreams.
Did Loss and Grief Dim the Spark?
Loss is a cruel companion, stealing our joy and testing our resilience. The journey of Stars and Myths was not without its share of heartbreak and sorrow. Losing my friend Tir in 2017 crushed me so deeply and people will abandon you as soon as you no longer serve them. When your grief runs so deeply that it affects everything in your life, you become nothing but a burden to those around you, and it's hard to love someone like that. These kinds of relationships became exhausting for me, and for a long time I put up a barrier to keep others out, especially after repeated failures of my 20s, and 6 pet losses that each ripped me apart more than the last. But instead of succumbing to despair, I channeled my pain into art, transforming darkness into light and loss into legacy. All of this grief built up a kind of familiarity with death, one I am at peace with.
How Does Persistence Pay Off?
Persistence is the key that unlocks the door to success. For nearly 20 years, the dream of Stars and Myths has stood the test of time, a testament to the power of dreams. Through every setback and every triumph, my desire to be free and unrestrained continued to burn.
In the end, Stars and Myths is more than just a shop or business idea. It is my way of life, it is how I plan to sustain my goal of never failing another loved one if I can help it.