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Around 1999 I kept hearing guests on my favorite craft show (CAROL DUVALL, HGTV) talk about being a “craft designer.” Being creative and loving crafts, and knowing that I didn’t want another corporate job, I decided to join them – even without really knowing what that was! So, I joined an organization and packed up to go to my first craft/hobby industry trade show.

I wandered the aisles and aisles of craft manufacturers shy about presenting the little booklet I had of craft projects I’d made – my ‘portfolio.’ About an hour into the show, I noticed a little swarm of people nearby. In the center of them was the fabulous Carol Duvall! I was star-struck and tried not to stare. I discretely watched for a little bit then eventually moved on. I wandered a couple aisles and ran into the entourage again. More observing my creative idol (Hey! That should have been a show!) and I continued on my way.

I remember the exact location (the Fiskars booth) where later that morning I again encountered the Carol Duvall entourage. Still being shy, I remembered the fable about God sending along a tree limb, helicopter and boat to save a drowning man. (Who died and asked God in Heaven why He didn’t save him. And God answered, “Who do you think sent you the limb, helicopter and boat?!”) After three brief encounters, I mustered up the courage to approach one of Carol’s producers.

By making myself attend a tradeshow alone and then taking initiative to talk with Carol’s team, I changed the course of my career. I later appeared on The Carol Duvall Show on HGTV and DIY Network a dozen times and later taped with Carol on the “Shop At Home” network.

Having the experience of taping with Carol lead to over 250 on-camera demonstrations and sales (including QVC and A.C. Moore videos) and to giving me credibility in the craft/hobby industry. Plus, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with a professional, charming, sincerely nice and fun woman. I admire her for her creativity and her contribution to the craft/hobby industry by inspiring so many of us and teaching us new skills, etc.

Girlfriendology is definitely about inspiring each other and Carol has been a creative girlfriend to us all! So, next week I am going to tape a podcast interview with Carol and hear from her how she was able to achieve so much and the wonderful women who helped her do it all! (And, to these women – Cherryl, Kelly, Allison, Donna, Karen, Linda – and so many more – I know she worked with the best!)

Here’s where YOU come in! Would you like to leave a question for Carol? Call 206-202-9005 and tape a question for Carol and we’ll have her answer them on the podcast next week. Leave a message like, “This is (name) from (city) and I wanted to ask Carol … (question)” then at the end of the call, make sure and leave me your email address (and please spell it out slowly!) so I can enter you in the drawing below.

Carol generously shared with Girlfriendology three copies of her new craft book “Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall” to give away to creative girlfriends out there. (It’s a great girlfriend gift to give! ) Leave a comment on this blog with your email address or leave your email address on your phone message for Carol to be in the drawing.

Lesson: You have what it takes inside, you just have to step out of your comfort zone and go for your dreams. Go for it Creative Girlfriends!

p.s. Sign up now for Girlfriendology podcasts to hear Carol and other inspiring women! And don’t forget to call 206-202-9005. Thanks!