Is it actually possible to enjoy what you do for a living? Many people would agree that it can be a challenge to find a happy relationship with an occupation. However, Joyce Hethcox, Columbus State University Continuing Education’s knitting and photography instructor was able to do just that. Before this blog was conceived, I was doing a little research on Joyce, and I discovered her business website. I was surprised to find that she owns a yarn spinning shop where she hand spins yarn and sells beautifully crafted accessories and clothing.
It only took a couple of minutes to see the passion she has for her business. The photos, craftsmanship of her work, and the wording she uses to describe herself and her business all point to the fact that she is doing what she loves.
I immediately wanted to know what motivated her to pursue knitting in the first place. Joyce explained that she had an urge to do something repetitive and soothing with her hands. She gave pottery a try but that didn’t quite work out. She also thought about needle work, but that seemed too tedious. However, after her friend taught her the basics of knitting, Joyce found her balance. Shortly afterwards, she started spinning her own yarn. She has been knitting for a total of five years now.
Joyce made the decision to go into business in October 2010. This is still a fairly new venture for her. Joyce realized that she needed to develop a niche in this market. Most yarn is considered novelty yarn or “art yarn,” so she wanted to create yarn with better functionality that would appeal to a more traditional knitter. She started using low-impact dyes with unique colors, letting the color combinations be the wild/expressive side while maintaining an understated rustic texture. After receiving rave reviews, the Flying Kettle Dyeworks and Fiber Company was born!
I also asked Joyce why she would say it is important for others to do what they love. She told me if you are doing something you love, there is a restorative element to the work. It is still work. Running your own business is a lot of work and there can be quite a bit of sacrifice, especially at the beginning, but if there is joy in it, that joy can keep you replenished mentally, physically and spiritually, even when you are struggling. The feeling of living more purposefully through your daily job is incredibly satisfying and energizing!
In Joyce’s opinion, if you have a passion to do something, whether or not it is your sole breadwinning occupation, do it. You are not here without passions; you are only lacking the means or ability to realize them. Usually, those passions, especially the ones that frighten us, also contain the key to our greatest realizations about ourselves and our purpose. Joyce suggests that you do whatever you can to honor and feed your dreams and passions. It is not a selfish luxury. It is part of why you are here.
For information on Continuing Education classes, http://continuinged.columbusstate.edu/ or call 706.507.8070.
– Kindra Hunter
I had no idea that Joyce had a yarn spinning business. I am completely blown away. This is such a specialized art form. I once watched a yarn spinner working during a visit to the Foxfire Heritage Center in North Georgia, and it was truly beautiful to watch her create the rainbows of colored yarn. I am very impressed!
I definitely agree that doing something you love can re-enforce you with the spirit, will and energy to do the things that you don’t necessarily love. This is the thing that I have always loved about Continuing Education classes. They give you a chance find out what excites and rejuvenates you. It may not be as specialized as yarn spinning, but it can give you something to look forward to every day.
Wow! That is really cool. You can never go wrong when you do what you love!