Julie Gittemeier shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Julie , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Time spent with family has and will always bring me joy. My boys are getting older- and with that comes more activities, sports, and social lives. I am trying to hold onto what time we have together as much as I can. People tell you that children grow so fast, but I wasn’t prepared for just how quickly the shift comes. They are my peace, as well as my chaos. I want to spend our time together making the best of memories.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
During the Pandemic, when the world shut down, is actually the time that I grew deeper into my purpose. I have always loved to create, whether drawing or painting so discovering resin art- didn’t seem too far fetched. Since our schedules cleared entirely during the Pandemic, I practiced with different mediums, especially resin. I started with smaller items such as coasters and charcuterie board accents, and later grew more confident with larger pieces, such as wall art. I’ve done several gallery exhibits, as well as curated a couple shows. My creative side has shifted a bit though honestly. For the past year, I have started writing a lot more. I am currently working on a project that is very near and dear to my heart.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
As far back as I can remember, I have loved to create. When I got older, I just didn’t make as much time for it. The Pandemic pushed me closer to alignment when our schedules cleared completely. It brought me back to life. I finally realized why every other job and career I chose in the past always felt off. Creating fuels my soul and brings me happiness. I see things with a childlike wonder. I pay close attention to details and see beauty in things others may not notice at all.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
This one hits deep. I would say I stopped hiding my pain-when I became sober. I never identified as someone with a drinking problem, but I definitely used it for just about every aspect of life…there’s a celebration? I’ll drink to that. A horrific tragedy? I’ll have a couple glasses of wine. I’m stressed- I need a glass of wine. There seemed to always be a reason or excuse for me to drink and over time- it wasn’t doing anything for me anymore. It seemed to only be taking from me and my potential. Once I acknowledged this – it was a rude awakening. It was all I had known. When I removed alcohol, I realized that it never was about the alcohol. I drank because of insecurities, past trauma, and to cope with my chronic illness, Lyme…which alcohol only exercbated my symptoms.
I feel powerful in sobriety because I can experience life fully, without any filters. I see and feel very deeply and that’s okay. Not everyday is perfect being sober, but it is a life that I am very proud of. It’s a second chance at clarity and focus. It’s a rebirth. I love showing my boys that it is possible to live a life of joy without drinking . Society seems to tell us otherwise. I feel rebellious going against the “norm”.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
This one seems to come back to bite me more often than not. In my “drinking” days I used to perceive those that never drank at events, as being boring. My first thought would be, “how are they having any fun, if they aren’t drinking??!”
Oh how times have changed. Lol!! I am here to say that being sober and boring are farthest from the truth!! Some of the most incredible people that I have met and felt genuinely inspired by recently have been sober. They are goal oriented, disciplined, and some of the most empathetic individuals. To see that someone can evolve so much-is such a powerful reminder that we are not meant to stay stagnant. We are forever learning and changing. Sobriety has offered me an entirely different perspective on life. When I stopped drinking – I started believing I could do anything! It’s the closest feeling to being limitless.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in the mornings. I love waking up in a dimly lit home, in the quiet before my boys wake. It’s a time to sit in reflection and feel gratitude. I journal and read my devotional every morning. I can sit and be present with God. The world feels very heavy right now. If I consume more than I create, then I become part of the heaviness. I have to feel centered every morning so that I can prepare for what the day brings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.sapphireandiceart.com
- Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/sapphire_and_ice_art
Image Credits
Jenna Whitmore
