We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shane Farmer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shane below.
Shane, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your creative career?
I spent 20 years working in the restaurant business. At least 75% of that was in some level of management with the last 8 years in an upper management role. Through those years it was not uncommon to work 60 hours a week. Sometimes even 7 days a week. It was just the nature of the job. The sacrifice of any personal life, health, friends, holidays, as well as significate other was something that became very common for me. I was willing to do what ever it took to do the job and get it done. So, I had been raised and grew up always thinking that “The Harder You Work the Greater The Rewards”. You know in some cases I still feel this to be true. That being when you are talking about yourself personally. If there is anything I have learned from all my years of working is that loyalty to any job or workplace is a complete waste of time. Now let me explain. This does not mean that you should not work hard at your job be productive that is what your being paid to do. What I mean is that if there is any job or workplace regardless of your positions that you feel you have to be so loyal as to sacrifice your own wellbeing, the ability to have a personal life within reason, loss of friends, moments of happiness with your partner…. Then you need to find a new one. There must be a balance. We all for the most part must work. At that work there will be good days and bad days. You should always be able to step away have a moment to yourself and LIVE your life. Focus on you. Do something that is meaningful to you. I spent 20 years putting my life on the back burner it is hard to make anything in it a priority because of habit. Once you can break through that even if for just a little it is absolutely amazing what is waiting for you on the other side.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My business name is POWER TO CHANGE and I have currently been in business for little over 3 years. If you have not heard of me that’s totally understandable. I am truly a small business and really for me it is still a hobby. Now even though my business name really says nothing about what I do, it is in everything I do. So first I am a creator of chainmaille. My primary material is stainless steel, but I love to incorporate many materials into my work such as stone, glass, copper, brass, nuts & bolts, rubber, aluminum, etc. I have been making chainmaille for about 15 years and honestly feel that I am still an amateur in comparison to some of the amazing artist out there. So how does POWER TO CHANGE come in to the picture. The shorter story is “There was a time and place when I was not in a good place and I was quick to blame everything and everyone for why I was in that situation. Until I realized one day that I was the one that had made a lot of very small decisions that led me to that point in life. Meaning I could just make different choices and or decisions to but me in a better place. Now I know that is easier said that done, but it really is as easy as saying yes or no. When I realized that I had the Power To Change myself things in my life change drastically. It is a constant journey and there are times I get in a rut and I have to stop and take a step back and look at where I am, where I have been, and where I want to go and change the pattern of decisions, I am making to put myself back on track.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I still work a full-time job, but it is beyond important for me to know that my jewelry is for me and me alone. My chance to focus on something I love to do and create from my perspective. Also, to help remind me everyday of my abilities and that I have the Power To Change. With the plans to be able to retire and live off of the art I create. This helps me be loyal to me.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
The Power of Now – This book has been a life changing one for me. Simply put we as a society and individuals have been so attached to our past, and always focused and planning on the future that we forget that the only true moment you have in life is NOW. Yesterday has already happened, tomorrow may never come. Today is all you have; Now is all you have.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shanelfarmer.com
- Instagram: @powertochangeart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powertochangeart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-farmer-840396130
- Twitter: @power2changeart