My Origami Owl Story -- What's yours?

Many of you may be wondering why I've decided to sell Origami Owl Jewelry... or maybe many of you think you know why due to recent circumstances. It's really a lot of things, actually.

Within the last year, I have looked into becoming an Independent Designer for Origami Owl quite a few times. Not just to earn a little bit of cash on the side, but because I absolutely LOVE their jewelry and the concept of creating a special locket that shares my story. If I could join and help others to share their story, earn a little bit of cash, and FREE Origami Owl jewelry, why wouldn't I sign up?

Many of you know that about 9 months ago, I started a new job in the pet medicine career and was learning A LOT of new things. It was also somewhat emotionally and mentally draining and this took a toll on my free time. Instead of blogging and making cards when I got home or taking care of responsibilities, I just wanted to lay on the couch, watch TV, eat and call it a night. This led to feeing l a lot of loneliness.

Despite my 9 months of hard work, going above and beyond to learn new things, and trying to improve my abilities to be successful, I was laid off... 3 days prior to my 31st birthday. There I was, 31 years old, no job, no money, no life. What an awesome way to begin another year of life :(

I believe there are a lot of factors that led to my termination, but what I got from it was that even though I tried MY very best, I wasn't "good enough" for them. Yes, I sometimes made mistakes, but who doesn't? Also, who is really expected to be perfect in a new career in less than a year without any schooling or official training... just learning on the job as I needed to do things?

At first I was really heartbroken. I felt like a failure, like someone was telling me that the career I longed to have -- I was incapable to do. Then I was angry. All of my hard work, time, effort... wasn't appreciated, or else they would have found some other way to help me. It was obvious for a while I wasn't wanted there, more so with management. I did meet a few coworkers who made it obvious that they really cared - they actually took the time out of their day to check in on me when I got laid off, and even wished me a happy birthday 3 days later. It meant the world to me to know that someone actually cared. Then I was concerned. I had a mountain of debt to pay, recently bought a new car, had bills to pay, and doctor appointments to make. I couldn't afford to lose my job, but I did. And now, 2 weeks after the fact and after receiving my last paycheck, I don't even know what I will do to pay bills if I don't get a job or a paycheck in the next two weeks.

Of course I began applying right away for new vet assistant/technician jobs. It was pretty inspiring to see the amount of people who accepted my application, invited me to interview, or even sought ME out to have an interview. Everything right now is still up in the air, but I'm just doing what I can to get by and take it one day at a time.

This is when I turned to Origami Owl. Yes, I enjoy making cards, video tutorials, and blog posts... but it doesn't pay the bills. Even if I sell my cards, there's very little profit to be gained. Like I told one of the Doctors when I get laid off, "Creativity doesn't pay the bills." And really... I just don't have the inspiration right now to "create."

However, with Origami Owl, the product is already made. I just have to network and sell the product to make money. Of course, there are start up fees in order to set myself up for success. But there's nothing like "owning" my own business, working my own hours, using my creativity and organization to my advantage, and not having someone looking over my shoulder waiting for me to make a mistake.

Of course, I still want a job as a veterinary technician, but in the meantime while I'm looking for jobs and going on interviews, I have Origami Owl to lean on. I signed up on a great team with a great mentor and there's lots of support available to be successful. I've already hosted my first successful jewelry bar, have planned another, and have signed up for a vendor fair next month :) There is no profit to be made at this time as I am building up my inventory and making back the money I put into the business so far, but I do hope to continue this even when I DO get a job. It's a great part-time thing to make some extra cash and meet lots of new people.

In fact, I realized the other day when hosting my first FB jewelry bar how cool it is to see what people create with their lockets and hear the stories that come along with them. I found out things I might have otherwise never known about people I know, found more commonalities with friends and family, and got to feel good about helping them share their story.

So here I am, taking one day at a time, just praying everything will work out for the best.

That's my story, what's yours?