A Tribute to Dad

I know later this week we celebrate Mother's day, but I wanted to take the time to dedicate this post my Father, Richard E. Ballard, Sr and for good reason. My Father had a profound impact on my sewing endeavors. No, we didn't discuss fabrics together and he definitely didn't help me pick out patterns but he did far more than that. He encouraged me to push myself and to believe I had it in me to do what only to me seemed so complicated.

You see, five years ago, after I'd only been sewing a year or so, I had the idea to start a sewing business. Somehow it came up in conversation and I told my father that I would undertake such a venture when I had more experience under my belt, like in the next 10 years or so. Although I was only a fledgling seamstress,  I'd advanced in skill a great degree. But not to the point where I think I'd be ready for my own business. My father liked the idea but was opposed to my delay in pursuing my plans. He suggested that I not wait and go ahead with starting my business . Almost immediately I became flooded with a million reasons why such a notion wouldn't work, but I found it hard to convince my Father it couldn't be done, especially since he started his successful side photography business by reading several photography book and tinkering with one camera. (BTW: He's responsible for my profile picture on my blog). He had no formal training and nor did I, just a lot of passion, a technical brain, and a drive to learn. Despite the reluctance I felt, something  happened in me after my conversation with my father. Somehow he managed to plant a seed of hope in my heart and mind that took root.

So I set out to start my business and needless to say it was one of the scariest undertakings of my life. I cried for the first 2 months while I got everything set up. No seriously I did. I would handle all of the paperwork and repeatedly rethink my decision. I mean what was I thinking? I hadn't had any major experience and hadn't really sewn for others. Who was I to think I had anything that I really could offer. Yes, all of these thoughts of fear and doubt bombarded my mind. But then I would begin to doubt my abilities a thought of "what if" would counteract it. What if I could do it? What if Dad was right? And all the while my Dad would tell me how much he believed in me and that I should keep moving along.  Slowly but surely business picked up.  I started off  doing alterations and a couple of pro-bono gowns for clients. Once people got a look at my work the clients started rolling in and I was regularly sewing for others, doing alterations and even teaching sewing classes. I learned alot more about sewing being that I had to work with others and I look forward to learning more in the future.


I often think back to my nervous beginnings and I think about how instrumental my Dad was in giving me the gentle push I needed to start pursuing my dream.  I especially am drawn to those thoughts since it was last year around this time that my Father passed away. I don't say that to cause any sadness but to speak of the lesson that my Father taught me then that still resonates now and brings me so much comfort. You see, you can wait your whole life to do something or you can begin now. Far too often we wait until we feel ready to pursue something but in truth you may not ever "feel" ready. Sometimes you've got to pursue your dream in the midst of your fears. Or as I like to say, "Do it, even if you have to do it scared". I know this can be tough and so intimidating. But do you really want to get to the end of your life and look back only to ask, "what if"? Life is truly short , make the most of it and pursue your dreams---sooner then later, that is. My Father definitely lived his life to fullest and I intend to do the same. The seed he planted still continues to grow.....

Who in your life was instrumental in giving you the push you needed to succeed in your sewing?