Hello there!

I’m Coline, and as I sit here typing this first blog post, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and… well, a little bit of nervousness. But I suppose that’s to be expected when you’re diving into something new, right? After all, I’m not just starting a blog—I’m starting a whole new chapter of my life.

You see, just a few months ago, I was an engineer. Yes, I know, it probably sounds like a 180-degree turn from what I’m about to talk about, but here we are. In December 2024, I made the decision to leave my engineering career behind and take the leap into the world of art and entrepreneurship—cue dramatic music.

Why, you ask? Well, if I’m being honest, I just couldn’t ignore the pull anymore. For years, I lived in a world of steel, grease, and endless problem-solving, which, mind you, was intellectually satisfying in its own, right. But, deep down, I knew something was missing. What was missing was me—the creative, expressive, and daring version of myself that I had shoved aside to meet deadlines and solve puzzles.

And that’s where this blog comes in.

You see, this space is going to be a little corner of the internet where I explore my passions, share my journey, and open up about everything I’m experiencing as I embark on this new adventure.

So, let me give you a sneak peek into what you can expect from this blog. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be a fun, rollercoaster ride filled with art, personal growth, and the unfiltered truth about building a business from the ground up.

Art: The Heart of My Journey

Let’s talk about art. For me, art isn’t just a career—it’s an expression of everything I am and everything I want to be. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or creating something new, the process of making art brings me an unparalleled sense of peace and excitement.

Leaving my job as an engineer was a huge leap, and it meant turning my back on the security of a stable paycheck and the comfortable predictability of corporate life. But here’s the thing: the art was calling me. I couldn’t ignore it any longer.

In this blog, I’ll share my artistic process with you. The highs, the lows, the masterpieces, and the mess-ups. (Spoiler: there will be a lot of those.) I’ll talk about the techniques I’m exploring, the mediums I’m playing with, and the pieces that are either totally finished or still sitting in the “maybe one day” pile.

And let me tell you, it’s not always glamorous. Some days, I stare at a blank canvas for hours, wondering if I’m just going to stare at it forever, paralyzed by self-doubt. But then there are other days where everything just clicks, and I can’t seem to put the brush down. I’ll share all of that with you—the struggles and the triumphs. And hopefully, it will inspire you to pick up your own brush, or whatever your creative outlet is.

Personal Development: The Inner Work

Let’s talk about the inner work. If you’re planning on quitting your well-paid engineering job to follow your passion, you better believe that there’s a whole lot of personal development that needs to happen.

I didn’t just leave my job one day because I felt like it (though, honestly, there were moments where I was ready to throw in the towel and walk out the door with my head held high). No, it was a process. A long, sometimes grueling process of getting clear on what I wanted, why I wanted it, and how I was going to make it happen.

There were many moments of self-doubt. There were days when I wondered if I was crazy. But there were also moments of clarity. I realized that in order to build the life I wanted, I had to become the person who was capable of building it. This meant working on my mindset, confronting fears, and addressing all the limiting beliefs I had carried around for years.

If I’m being completely honest, this journey has required a lot of patience with myself. I’ve had to learn to stop being so hard on myself and accept that the journey to success isn’t linear. Some days are great, and others… well, not so much. But that’s the beauty of growth, right?

In this blog, I’ll share tips and insights on personal development. I’ll talk about the mindset shifts I’m working on, the books I’m reading, the podcasts that keep me motivated, and the strategies that help me navigate the ups and downs. And if you’re on a similar path, I’d love for you to join the conversation. Let’s support each other in becoming the best versions of ourselves!

The Business Journey: Real Talk, No Filter

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of it all: starting my business.

I know what you’re thinking—starting a business sounds glamorous! But the reality? Well, it’s more like running a marathon in flip-flops while juggling flaming torches. Or at least, that’s what it feels like some days.

Building a business is HARD. There are so many decisions to make, so many unknowns to navigate, and so many moments when you question if you’re doing the right thing. But there are also the small victories—when you sign your first client, when you hit a milestone, when you look back and realize how far you’ve come.

In this blog, I’ll be sharing my entrepreneurial journey, warts and all. I’ll talk about the mistakes I make (and trust me, there will be plenty of those), the things I get right, and the lessons I’m learning along the way. I want to be real with you about the challenges and the wins, because I think that’s where the magic happens: in the messiness and the imperfections.

And while I’m at it, I want to hear from YOU. I want this space to be interactive. I want to hear about your challenges, your wins, and the things that keep you up at night. Let’s create a community of people who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and share the real, messy parts of entrepreneurship.

Why This Blog Matters to Me

You might be wondering, why start a blog about all this? Why share the highs and lows of your artistic journey, your personal growth, and your entrepreneurial struggles?

The answer is simple: because I want to connect with people like you.

This isn’t just about me. It’s about us. It’s about creating a space where we can learn from each other, support each other, and be real with each other. Because the truth is, no one has it all figured out, and that’s perfectly okay. We’re all just doing our best, figuring it out as we go along.

As I write these posts, I want you to feel like you’re right there with me. I want to create a space where we can laugh, cry, and share our stories. So, please—feel free to leave a comment, ask a question, or just share your own experiences. I promise I’ll respond. Let’s make this blog a conversation, not just a monologue.

Wrapping Up (for Now)

So, there you have it—a little glimpse into what this blog will be about. Art, personal growth, and entrepreneurship. But above all, this space is about realness. I’m here to share the full spectrum of my journey, and I hope it resonates with you in some way.

I don’t have all the answers, but I’m excited to figure it out alongside you. So, buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride. And remember: we’re in this together.

Coline