I Started a YouTube Channel!

I started my YouTube channel yesterday and posted my first video! It’s about my 10 years of sewing and the journey it’s taken me on – from sewing my first tote bag to sewing my wedding dress.

I want this channel to be another space for creative expression. Lately, I’ve felt called to share more about the projects I’m making, my creative processes, and perhaps even some sewing tutorials down the track.

For a long time, I resisted doing more with my sewing – sharing behind-the-scenes details or creating tutorials – partly because of guilt, mixed with a bit of impostor syndrome…

How dare I sit in my room sewing all day, enjoying myself?

My work can’t be sewing-related…

I’m not a professional. Who’s going to be interested in my work?

These are just a few of the thoughts that have held me back from fully embracing my creativity and surrendering to what truly lights me up.

Then, last week, this YouTube idea came to me while I was in a deep creative flow. I had decided to make a handmade doll and a fabric dollhouse – mostly for fun, but also to help myself process and let go of a business opportunity I deeply wanted but sadly missed out on.

That creative flow pulled me out of my funk and reconnected me with my inner child and truth.

I’m meant to sew. I’m meant to create.

I don’t know why I resist it so much or talk myself out of it.

Making things out of fabric is life to me.

So, I started this YouTube project.

I knew I needed to say it out loud to someone so I could follow through. I told a couple of friends, and they encouraged me to go for it.

Then I sat down, opened my laptop, searched for a recording feature (no fancy software or setup), and hit record using my Mac’s built-in camera and mic.

When I watched it back, I couldn’t stop smiling. The process of taking action lit me up and reminded me how much I love creating videos, too. It’s been years since I’ve done it, and I had convinced myself I couldn’t anymore.

My big smile was a sign that this new creative outlet was an aligned decision for me.

I hit publish yesterday and received lovely feedback from friends.

I want to release the pressure to make it big or perfect.

I want to feel in flow rather than forcing anything.

That being said, it took a lot to sit down and write this and share the video with you.

Self-doubt makes it hard.

But maybe the self-doubt is a barrier that is best moved through by taking action.

I want to do these things. I just need to get over the hump of starting and the small steps involved.

Taking action and creating public accountability will hopefully support me in this new venture.

So, if you’re interested in:

✨ Sewing

♻️ Upcycling clothing

🌿 Sustainable fashion

🧵 Reducing textile waste

🎨 Creative projects that make you feel nurtured

💫 Women working on their dreams

Then head over to Sweet Smiling Soul on YouTube and subscribe! Click below to watch my first video. 🤗

A Decade Of Sewing: My Journey So Far

Here’s to embracing more of the things we love!

Take care,

Lauren x