Hey everyone,
So, here I am, finally about to start sharing my little corner of the internet, Walls and Time, with the world. Honestly, it's a mix of excitement and pure, unadulterated *what-am-I-doing?!*
For a year and a half, I've been tucked away, designing, creating, building... a whole website from scratch, from scratch with Shopify that is! But actually, it was quite the learning experience...Coming from a financial admin background where numbers and spreadsheets were my best friends, diving into the world of e-commerce and print-on-demand has been a WILD ride and a full time job. Coding? Product design? SEO? These were foreign languages! But I was determined to learn, to create something that truly reflects what I believe in. I also had to learn how to not let perfectionism creep in, and not compare ,myself to others...that was a big one. Oh and how can I forget...sleep is important! And so is my boyfriend, thank you for supporting me!
You see, my love for art runs deep. I doodle, I paint (mostly portraits and landscapes, inspired by the gteat outdoors and this city I live in, Victoria BC). But the thought of actually *sharing* my own artwork? That's still terrifying. It’s too personal I think. Maybe one day I'll have the courage, but for now, it's a private joy.
That's where Walls and Time comes in. It’s my way of bringing art into the world, a way to share beauty and spark joy, even if it's not *my* paintings on the wall (yet!). And honestly, this whole endeavor has become so much more than just selling wall art. Because I know what it's like to not have a place called home at all, for an extended period of time, I feel grateful for each and every day that I do. The sense of confusion and hoplessness that experiencing homelessness brought me is immeasurable and I can't even begin to describe the damage that it did to my semse of self-worth and the way I saw the world at the time. Thankfully, that is in the past but I will never forget those days or what it took to get back up and on my feet again for good. So, my little shop means a lot to me - and It’s not only become my freelancing portfolio in disguise, it has been a way for me to see something through even when I wanted to quit.
It's pretty amazing: I've learned website design, graphic design, product creation, digital marketing, photo and video editing, AI this and that, and even a bit of affiliate marketing along the way. All of this will allow me to be able to apply for almost any job in the digital world, or be able to learn the requirements almost instantaneously. This is absolutely amazing! (Did I say that already? It is also why I could never bring myself to quit the vision. It’s proof to myself that I can learn, adapt, and create. It's a testament to the power of passion, faith, and the internet! But beyond the practical skills, it's about the impact it can have.
The biggest hurdle in this journey of mine has to be that year and a half of building and designing before even starting to think about marketing! It's a little daunting to finally put myself out there. Another thing that worries me is pricing. I know some of the pieces are a bit more expensive than I'd like, thanks to print-on-demand costs. But I promise, I'm working on finding ways to bring those prices down so that beautiful art can be accessible to everyone. I already have a few tricks up my sleeve!
Because here’s the thing…
We all deserve to live in spaces that make us feel good. Think about it: How many times have you walked into a room and just felt...blah? Like the walls were closing in, the energy was heavy, the place was just lacking *something*?
It could be the harsh fluorescent lights, the uncomfortable furniture, but a lot of times, it's the walls. They're blank, sterile, devoid of personality. And that emptiness seeps into *you*. It affects your mood, your creativity, your overall well-being. It's like your space is telling you, "You're generic, unremarkable, just another face in the crowd." And who wants to feel that way?!
Imagine you’ve just landed your dream job in a new city. You find a cute apartment, but the walls are painted a dull beige. You unpack, set up your furniture, but the place still feels… empty. You invite a friend over, and the first thing they say is, "It's... nice. But it needs something!" That "something" is YOU. Your style, your story, your personality. And that's where art and decorating comes in.
Or picture this: You're a busy mom trying to create a haven for your family. You want a space where everyone can relax, connect, and feel inspired. But the walls are covered in outdated, mass-produced prints that your aunt gave you years ago. They don't reflect your family's values, your interests, or your dreams. They're just…there. And every time you look at them, you feel a pang of disappointment.
That's the pain I want to help solve. I don't want anyone to feel like their walls are a reflection of someone else's taste or worse, a reflection of a personality still not found by its owner. I hope that your walls serve to be a canvas for *your* unique story. Let the art you choose and/or make to be more than just a decoration; let it be a source of joy, inspiration, and connection.
So, that's why I created Walls and Time. To me, it's more than just an online shop; it's a belief that everyone deserves to live in a space that feels like home, a space that reflects their soul! Cheesy...I know. But I'm just getting started. Which piece or collection will it be that gets that inner you to sparkle?
I really hope you will join me on this journey, and find somehing that speaks to *you.* I cannot wait to connect with you, my future customer!
With love,
Dionne N.
Walls and Time 2:58 AM
