Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Catherine Alling.
Jamie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My passion for the creative world of arts has led me in many different directions. Originally, I went to school for Cosmetology in my home state of New York. While holding onto my state license, moving to Atlanta in 2002, to my surprise New York and Georgia didn’t do reciprocity. With the intentions of putting my Cosmetology career on hold temporarily, I made a quick decision to get into the restaurant industry. Although, not a true passion of mine, it has allowed me the flexibility and freedom I do desire with work. I’ve been in and out of it, over the last twelve+ years. Real Estate was another avenue I took for a short period of time, in 2015. Thinking I would enjoy a new career path. That, unfortunately wasn’t the case.
In June 2018, I had a visionary dream to start designing and creating notebooks, journals, and planners with the specific name Heart Create Write, which was sparked through my own personal battle with anxiety and depression. By the end of the year, I was given my first Canon Rebel T6, as a gift. This will add another dimension to my line of work with stories I hope to tell, and images I get to produce.
Living in Atlanta, I’ve realized there is such a strong creative community here, with startup entrepreneurs. I know I’m in the right place to continue growing, networking, and building my ultimate dream and future. I love this city.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Overall, I think the line of our work and passion should feel effortless. As if this is what we are meant to be doing the entire time we’re here. Ultimately, we must grow to get to where we need to be. I think I needed all those years, learning from trial & error to understand that. You will have many bumps along the way, for sure. I’ve had plenty. Believing in myself, and fear have always been a huge struggle of mine. Along with not feeling adequate enough to live out the work I truly desire to do, and wish to be a part of. I’ve decided these self limiting beliefs will no longer have power over my mind. I know how much I’m capable of.
I think I heard someone say at one time, “the answer to your business success is to show up consistently for TWO years. The key is to show up strong, build that foundation, and then reap the rewards later.” Being patient is also key here.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a writer, and designer with intentions to have Journals and Planners manufactured in the near future. Looking at the calendar year with a clear vision and new hope. A Journal will eventually accompany the Notebook. The Planners and Journals will both be straightforward, yet contemporary. New Planners are coming out on the market all the time, I’ve noticed a trend of others making them more complicated as they try to differentiate. This one will definitely stand out from the rest. Notebooks with a storyline assuming to be relatable and helping those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Assume in the context of: Begin to take on a powerful affect.
Being a voice for those who are still left silently sitting in the dark. My goal one day is to reach millions of people all across the country, especially through these Notebooks. I hope to help end the stigma that comes with anxiety & depression. I’m putting something that’s been so negative, and shamed throughout my life, turning it into something bigger than myself.
I believe Andy Warhol said it best, “the idea is not to live forever, but to create something that will.”
Which women have inspired you in your life?
The first would be my Mother, Darlene. She has always been patient, loving and hard working. Ready to tackle any issue head on. She’s taught me that although things never come easy, to just be grateful through it all. Life is messy, our attitude during the storm will determine any lessons we may need to continue learning, in order for us to get to our final destination.
Recently— Hannah Brencher, who is a local Atlanta author. Through a tough time that I experienced in 2018, I purchased her book, Come Matter Here. I felt as if she wrote about my own personal story, in regards to battling anxiety and depression. Also, feeling disconnected from my Faith and what it truly means to matter in this world. She has inspired me through her own personal journey, and how we are meant to look back on the hard things we’ve gone through. Find small glints of good in them— how they prepared us, changed us and helped us grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: heartcreatewrite.com
- Email: jamie.alling554@gmail.com
- Instagram: heart_create_write
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