We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laura Van Buskirk a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Taking a risk is very loaded. It is often said that the greatest risk is doing nothing. In my experience taking risks represents confronting your feelings. I am going through that right now.

I was the pedestrian in a hit and run car accident at the end of March. Currently I have a broken ankle, that left me re-evaluating my work-life. Because what I planned and what I am physically able to do differ greatly. Long backstory short I am back at putting in the work for my jewelry business. Confronting all the fears and insecurities I have racked up over the years… So day, by day I am doing it. Putting myself out there. Asking God for help and working for the success.

Because the greater risk is staying stagnant and not doing what God wants you to do. Letting the feelings and fears get in the way.

I know it will turn out well. When God wants you to do something you have to do it. When He ordains what’s meant to be, it will work.

Laura, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a custom jewelry designer. I work one-one-one with clients to create jewelry that speaks to thier soul. Jewelry captures how you feel and it makes great gifts to those near and dear. All my jewelry is made by my hands out of semi-precious and precious gemstones using various besding methods.

Teaching jewelry and sewing is another service I offer. These creative making experiences they give someone the chance to try out the creative work,
without having to invest in a all the things needed to make beading or sewing thier hobby. I’ve seen students take up jewelry making as a hobby and that was a very rewarding outcome.

Lastly, I have a side business which is balloon artistry and party decor. I help my clients bring the party with balloons by designing a space that pops.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I have read many many many books and essays at one point it was too much.

The books that gave so much:
1) The Bible especially in Proverbs there is so much wisdom. Lots of insight on successful behaviour and the nonsuccessful behaviour.
2)The Power of Habit by Jason Duhigg, this book opened my eyes on the neurology & psychology of habits the ingrained nature of them.
3) Atomic Habits by James Clear, the greatest principle is the compounding nature of what we do.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I left corporate retail I had to unlearn the whole corporate way of thinking. The mindset of doing your own thing versus doing it for a company is very different.

One big shift has been that of going to people not having people come to me. I’m a bit shy at times so it has been so worthwhile to redirect my mind and tell myself I will get good.

The second shift has been taking responsibility for my career trajectory. I have noticed that work as we know ot is fundamentally changing. Being responsible and taking ownership of your career future is the only way to get out on top.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.lauraclarke.co
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-van-buskirk?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lauraclarkeco?si=lA82EcUwVQvjWmZz
• Other: https://substack.com/@lauravanbuskirk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3ooz1

Image Credits

Laura Van Buskirk