Our Stick Of The Week! is Anita Ashfield-Salter. Anita is in the NOW as owner and designer of Monkey Mind Design, a handmade greeting card and design company based in Denver, Colorado. Anita's designs are positive, fun, and inspiring.
Anita is originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico but now lives in Colorado with her loving husband and her 9 year old daughter, Stella Rae. Anita loves the mountains and all that comes with it. ie: camping, hiking and snowboarding.
I pledge to... be bold, be happy, be myself, be kind, be honest, and be inspired.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall)
Monkey Mind Design is a creative company designing paper goods and gifts to brighten your day. I design greeting cards, inspiration prints, invitations, and calendars.
Monkey Mind Design is a creative company designing paper goods and gifts to brighten your day. I design greeting cards, inspiration prints, invitations, and calendars.
I also just started to explore the world of screen-printing. I am now offering tea towels and totes. It's been three years of creative bliss!
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
I'm happy to say my NOW is actually bubbling over and needs a bigger pot. I still have so much I want to do. Some days the possibilities are overwhelming. So this monkey mind needs focus and more hours in the day. I've seen my business grow each year and it's so rewarding to see all of your hard work pay off. Not only that, I'm truly living the dream. I'm in this for the long run, heart and soul!
I'm happy to say my NOW is actually bubbling over and needs a bigger pot. I still have so much I want to do. Some days the possibilities are overwhelming. So this monkey mind needs focus and more hours in the day. I've seen my business grow each year and it's so rewarding to see all of your hard work pay off. Not only that, I'm truly living the dream. I'm in this for the long run, heart and soul!
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
Creative moms get to share their inner-child with their kids. The one full of imagination and possibilities. These are priceless moments. And I'm not just talking about making a craft or coloring. My daughter Stella loves to see what I come up with and we even brainstorm card ideas together. It makes my heart happy to see her take such an interest in what I do. Well, I guess because…darn it, it's fun! She loves to talk about color and design. Priceless moments.
Creative moms get to share their inner-child with their kids. The one full of imagination and possibilities. These are priceless moments. And I'm not just talking about making a craft or coloring. My daughter Stella loves to see what I come up with and we even brainstorm card ideas together. It makes my heart happy to see her take such an interest in what I do. Well, I guess because…darn it, it's fun! She loves to talk about color and design. Priceless moments.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
I had 14 years of graphic design under my belt and I found myself lost in a world of client revisions and work that just didn't speak to me anymore. It was time to make a change. My creative spirit was yearning to be set free. Three years ago, I took a big risk and left my position as an Art Director, started Monkey Mind Design and embraced the Etsy community. Best decision ever! It was inspiring to see so many creative souls pursuing their dream and having a go at their own business. One of the biggest perks is working from home. I'm one happy mama with one happy family!
I had 14 years of graphic design under my belt and I found myself lost in a world of client revisions and work that just didn't speak to me anymore. It was time to make a change. My creative spirit was yearning to be set free. Three years ago, I took a big risk and left my position as an Art Director, started Monkey Mind Design and embraced the Etsy community. Best decision ever! It was inspiring to see so many creative souls pursuing their dream and having a go at their own business. One of the biggest perks is working from home. I'm one happy mama with one happy family!
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
I've always had an optimistic outlook on life. It takes a lot of courage to make big changes, but you know what? I've done it all without any regrets. No dream is ever too big. Remember to breathe and take it one step at a time. My husband has been there every step of the way with tremendous support and encouragement. My daughter reminds me not to be too serious and enjoy the ride. And my dogs make me smile everyday.
I've always had an optimistic outlook on life. It takes a lot of courage to make big changes, but you know what? I've done it all without any regrets. No dream is ever too big. Remember to breathe and take it one step at a time. My husband has been there every step of the way with tremendous support and encouragement. My daughter reminds me not to be too serious and enjoy the ride. And my dogs make me smile everyday.
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
Working on my own terms has been such a blessing. I am an early bird, so I can get in a full day's work before the bus comes in the afternoon. My daughter is nine and understands that sometimes I have to keep on going. I am fortunate to have my mom living near by too. Stella gets special grandma time and I get a few more hours in the day.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
To keep adding to the awesomeness. I hope to inspire and be inspired. Life is short. So, I will do my best to make the most of the opportunities that come my way. Live for today and never give up. I will keep reaching for the stars and enjoy each and every moment with my family and friends.
Working on my own terms has been such a blessing. I am an early bird, so I can get in a full day's work before the bus comes in the afternoon. My daughter is nine and understands that sometimes I have to keep on going. I am fortunate to have my mom living near by too. Stella gets special grandma time and I get a few more hours in the day.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
To keep adding to the awesomeness. I hope to inspire and be inspired. Life is short. So, I will do my best to make the most of the opportunities that come my way. Live for today and never give up. I will keep reaching for the stars and enjoy each and every moment with my family and friends.