Cassie Bustamante

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Community over Competition: 3 Steps to a Positive Creative Fellowship

September 8, 2015 by Cassie 48 Comments

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Today we are going to stray a little from the projects and thrifty finds, and dig a little deeper talking about something that has been on my mind as a creative business owner both of this blog as well as Sweet Clover.  I want to address community over competition and share 3 steps to a positive creative fellowship.  I have always believed that there are enough consumers to go around and that we all win when creative business owners lift each other up and celebrate together.

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Recently, I became aware of the Rising Tide Society.  I started reading their blog, joined their group on facebook, and attend my local Tuesdays Together when my schedule allows.  This society’s foundation is community over competition and the name comes from a JFK quote, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

In my life I see competition and comparison overtake many and affect them negatively… I see this in the blog world, in the local shop community, and also within the walls of my own store sometimes.  And I am by no means innocent here…. I have fallen victim to the comparison game before.  And it’s not a fun place to be.  When I start to compare myself I start to feel unworthy.  I see myself as lesser and that makes me lesser.

Today I am going to talk about ways in which we can work together to create community, and also ways that we can work on our individual personal growth to quiet the voices of comparison in our heads.

1. The Bustling Downtown Effect

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What I refer to as the bustling downtown effect can be applied literally and metaphorically.  As a shop owner, I want to work together with local creative shop owners to create a region that is a huge draw.  I network with local vintage shop owners and in the past have created events with them as well.  When one business is succeeding, that is wonderful; but when all others around them fail and lose out to the competition, what is left to the downtown but one lonely store.  And one store is not enough to draw people to a downtown, is it?  If we work together and lift up each other’s shops and cross market, we create a haven for consumers and a great place to get away to.  For me personally, we all work together to put Frederick, Maryland on the map as a place to visit…. vintage shops like Sweet Clover, Chartreuse & Co, The Old Lucketts Store all within a short driving distance from the downtown Frederick which has a variety of great shops including my personal favorite, Silk & Burlap.

This effect applies to blogging and other creative businesses as well.  Think about all of the blog hops, especially this time of year as Fall home tour hops abound!  I will be participating in two over the next couple of weeks.  If I were to put a Fall home tour up one day by myself not as a part of a hop, I would think it would be lonely and not well attended.  However, if I work with a community of bloggers, and we share our homes together, linking to one another, we offer our readers a variety of creative homes to view and we share the love!

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Work with your creative community, celebrate their victories, their beautiful blogs, gorgeous storefronts and merchandise, and praise them!  Not only will you feel wonderful in doing so, but together as a community you will be much more powerful to your consumers and readers.

2. Celebrate Your Personal Journey

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It’s easy to look around and see successful creatives everywhere…. etsy shops that seem to be swimming in orders, local shops that have huge followings, blogs that are so big and beautiful and seem to be “in” on every blog hop, instagram follows, and more.  When we look at others in admiration of what they’ve created in their following and brand, sometimes that little niggle of jealousy creeps in and we tell ourselves, “I will never be that good.  I will never be enough.”

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Quiet those voices!  You are enough!  Remember that your journey will follow your own winding path and you cannot compare it to someone else’s.  You may have a similar goal, but a different way of achieving that goal and that is OK, because you are a unique individual.  And when you doubt that you will achieve those goals, look behind you.  See how far you have already come and appreciate the work you’ve put into your journey so far and keep on going!

And remember that the individual who may look like they have everything you want is no better of a human being than you are.  And you are no better than they are.  We are different people and you can not compare apples to oranges.  Do not let yourself feel inferior, but do not make others feel inferior either in order to make yourself feel superior.  We are all in this together.

3. Practice Gratitude

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This is one that I am working on right now personally.  I have decided to start a gratitude journal and create an entry each morning right when I wake up and each night immediately before bed so that I can start and end each day on a positive note, appreciating what I have.  In our busy lives, being grateful can be surpassed by to-dos, have-nots, and just plain utter fatigue!  If you don’t have time to write a journal, carve out just a minute to send up a little prayer of thanks, meditate, reflect… it can be in your car on your way to work and can be something so simple, like “I am grateful for this coffee which warms my belly, wakes me up, smells fabulous, and starts my day right!”  Or it can be something deeper…. stop and take time to appreciate all that you DO have.  Because when you look around and really think about it, you are truly blessed and have so much to be grateful.  When you appreciate your own small blessings, celebrating others and feeling adequate starts to come naturally.

Yesterday morning I started my labor day with a 5:15 run with friends.  I had a stressful weekend, but starting my day with people I love who were there to listen to me lifted my spirits.  When I returned home, I started my journal and expressed thanks that I have these ladies in my life and that I have legs that work.  And after that run and writing down my note of thanks, my own spirits were lifted and I felt once again capable of doing hard things.

This is not by any means a sponsored post, but I highly recommend to all of my creative business owning friends or those thinking of starting one to check out the Rising Tide Society.  I just truly believe in what they are doing.  I just love this quote from Muhammad Ali Jinnah, “There are two powers in the world. one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women.”  We women yield so much power and when we work together, lifting each other up and respecting one another’s journeys we can create something utterly amazing!

Ironically, today I am headed off to a local Tuesdays Together meeting.  These meetings often end up being loads of photographers, and a few other local creatives sprinkled in, but I love listening to everyone speak, share their thoughts, and open their hearts.  I leave feeling inspired and believing that together we can make Frederick a better place, and as they say at The Rising Tide, we can make waves… What we start here will spread across the globe.  It only takes one little ripple to set it off.

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Comments

  1. Sarah says

    September 8, 2015 at 7:23 am

    AMEN!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 9:08 am

      a to the men. so glad we have each other!

      Reply
  2. Emily @ 11gables.blogspot.com says

    September 8, 2015 at 7:32 am

    Cassie, what a beautiful post. You have always been a source of encouragement. I absolutely agree that we women need to work together!!! Just imagine how we could change the world. Love your heart!!! xox

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 9:08 am

      thank you so much, emily! right back at you!

      Reply
  3. Kristin says

    September 8, 2015 at 8:41 am

    Love this so much Cassie…I just kept reading and nodding yes to EVERYTHING! You are the best and thanks for sharing this today 🙂 xo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 9:07 am

      you are the best, to! 🙂 thank you!

      Reply
  4. Kimm at Reinvented says

    September 8, 2015 at 9:11 am

    Thank you so much for writing this, Cassie. I loved every word, and needed to hear them too. Every year I feel like the uncool middle school girl left out of the fun party with all of the beautiful seasonal tours. Crazy, I know. 🙂 I am so glad that you introduced us to the Rising Tide Society, I have subscribed and followed, and am hoping there is a local group close to me too. Have a wonderful day!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 9:02 am

      i am SOOOOO glad it helped! we are ALL cool and all unique so cool in our own ways.

      Reply
  5. Tanya says

    September 8, 2015 at 9:17 am

    I love this post Cassie!! When we seek to encourage and lift others up we naturally receive the blessing of those actions but create something powerful. What a great way to begin my week, thank you!! xo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 9:00 am

      thank you so much, tanya! i am so glad it resonated and i agree with you completely!

      Reply
  6. Gretchen says

    September 8, 2015 at 9:18 am

    lovely post! I think this is where not having enough time for blogging lately comes in handy: 1. no time to pay that much attention to what other people are doing 2. If I do start to feel jealous, I can just tell myself I’d totally be the best blogger in the whole world, if only I had unlimited time 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:59 am

      oh you are SO right!!! i hear you on that!

      Reply
  7. Michaela says

    September 8, 2015 at 9:59 am

    I love this post! I also love your idea of a gratitude journal. What a great way to keep the good stuff of life in front of you and to choose to dwell on that.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:59 am

      thank you so much, michaela! it really does help. it’s best to dwell on the good because the negative tends to stick anyway, ya know? you forget the positives, but you always recall the negatives… so focus on the positives and try to switch those around!

      Reply
  8. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    September 8, 2015 at 10:13 am

    What an awesome message Cassie!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:58 am

      thank you, sharon!

      Reply
  9. JoAnne says

    September 8, 2015 at 10:38 am

    Lovely, inspiring words Cassie 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:58 am

      thank you!

      Reply
  10. Shannon says

    September 8, 2015 at 10:58 am

    This is great, sweet friend! I am grateful for your encouragement and companionship. xoxo 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:58 am

      and right back at ya!

      Reply
  11. Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says

    September 8, 2015 at 11:00 am

    I’ve been thinking a lot about this kind of thing lately too. Sometimes I find it so hard to balance all the things you mentioned with the hustle and work. I think both are necessary but it’s a tough balance to strike!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:57 am

      it is a hard balance, but i think when we all communicate and work together it feels more “fun”, ya know? it’s nice to know we are not alone.

      Reply
  12. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    September 8, 2015 at 11:31 am

    **FIST PUMP** **DOUBLE HIGH FIVES** **HUGE THUMBS UP** Awesome post Cassie!!! I love your philosophy and couldn’t agree more!! That’s the part of blogging that I love, the idea sharing, building each other up, and creating a community where all are welcome and we celebrate each other’s gifts. You are such a positive part of the blogging world and the creative community!! So lucky to know you!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:56 am

      YES on the fist bump and double high fives and all of it!!!! and you know i feel the same way about you, sister!

      Reply
  13. Krystine @www.KrystineEdwards.com/blog says

    September 8, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    Cassie- this is fabulous. I agree with so much. I hope to keep myself positive in the and uplift others as I figure out my path in life and my career. You’re amazing and keep doing what you’re doing!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:55 am

      i think you are already doing a great job of it my friend…. you are so positive and that is what i love about you.

      Reply
  14. Jessica @ Dear Emmeline says

    September 8, 2015 at 1:08 pm

    yes, yes! Hopefully I’ll be able to make it to the next meeting. Day time doesn’t work for me. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:55 am

      they just changed them to all daytime. 🙁 maybe talk to anna about alternating- i think that would be great so everyone gets a chance.

      Reply
  15. Laurie Jones says

    September 8, 2015 at 2:00 pm

    Thank you so much for this positive post and the information about this group! I am excited to learn there is an Indianapolis group and I’m for sure going to check it out next month!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:55 am

      yay! yes, let me know how you like it!

      Reply
  16. Brynne@TheGatheredHome says

    September 8, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    Yes! YES! Preach it!
    And just go ahead and send me this post once a week so I’m continually reminded, okay? 🙂

    And thank you for introducing me to The Rising Tide Society… I’m considering joining the local FB group for Dallas… And actually going to meet ups… So hard for introverted me though… But I’m thinking about it…

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:54 am

      haha! maybe save it so you can always come bacj when you need it. i know it’s hard for introverts, but try to find someone to go with. sarah went with me tuesday and you know she is team introvert, but i was there to help put her at ease. 🙂

      Reply
  17. Coco says

    September 8, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    Cassie, you make me proud to be in the GIRLS ROCK club and proud to be a small business owner too! Count me in your cheerleaders squad. Hugs, Coco

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:53 am

      girls do rock!

      Reply
  18. Julia@Cuckoo4Design says

    September 8, 2015 at 6:37 pm

    So beautifully said and I couldn’t agree more. I think a gratitude journal could help me a lot right now as well. As I’m overwhelmed and struggle with feelings. Looking at what I have and is functioning in my life is what I need to do.
    Thank you for reminding me.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:53 am

      it totally does make you stop and realize all you do have to be thankful for. last night was terrible and i was told i was hated and i wanted to cry and just go to bed and i didn’t write anything down. i wish i did because i didn’t go to bed peacefully and woke up a couple times. if i had i know it would have been a better night.

      Reply
  19. Rita says

    September 8, 2015 at 9:53 pm

    you are so AWESOME Cassie! I always love the way you think and am always on board with your way of thinking. not to mention support you in all you do!! You inspire me everyday!! Heading over to Rising Tide Society for more inspiration! Thanks again 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:52 am

      yay! you are awesome, too!

      Reply
  20. Rachel, aka Queen Patina says

    September 9, 2015 at 12:26 am

    Such a good reminder. We. have. so. much. It’s a luxury to blog, to celebrate personal growth, albeit spiritually, artistically, intellectually, or emotionally. Especially in light of the all-too-real suffering–the crisis in Syria comes to mind–in the world. Thanks for the thoughts, Cassie!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:50 am

      yes, you are SO right. we are very blessed.

      Reply
  21. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    September 9, 2015 at 6:59 am

    I always love hearing your encouraging words!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:50 am

      aaaw, good! i think we all need them sometimes!

      Reply
  22. Danielle says

    September 9, 2015 at 10:04 pm

    Awesome, awesome post, Cassie. xx

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2015 at 8:44 am

      thank you so much for reading, my friend!

      Reply
  23. Fiona, Lilyfield Life says

    September 14, 2015 at 12:00 am

    If I could write like you I would have penned this myself. Spot on Cassie and so wise xx

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 16, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      aaaaw, thank you so much, fiona!

      Reply
  24. Haley says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    Well said! You were one of the first bloggers I started following and I’ve always loved that you share things from you’re ‘competitors’. I’ve found so many great bloggers through you. Thanks for being you!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 16, 2015 at 5:49 pm

      thank you right back, my sweet friend! i always appreciate your comments and am glad i have sorta gotten to know you through instagram. 🙂

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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