Carla Bisong, Owner of Bisong Gallery Houston, TX
While sitting on the bus heading to class for the long stretch across my universtiy campus I picked up an article that would forever change my thoughts. Until that point I had been taught to figure out (usually at the age of 5) "What you want to be when you grow up?" Find the path to that career that "pays well" and live happily ever after.
The article that shattered my misguided thinking was written by a former graduate to my college newspaper. I don't remember everything that he shared, or even his name, but I will never forget his overall message. He expressed how if he knew while attending school what he knew after graduating, he would have done things completely different.
He would not have wasted his time simply trying to fit in. He would not have chosen his major based on what he thought would make him money, but rather on what he most enjoyed. He would have thought more about his natural talents and what direction made the most sense to him based on what he was actually good at, not simply by what the market told him was in demand.
As a former history major who has worked in TV, marketing, ministry, coaching and many other areas that have NOTHING to do with my major but EVERYTHING to do with my natural gifts and passion, I can finally say, I get what he was saying!
There is no "one size fits all" path that you should go down. High School, College, your first job or wherever you begin is just a snapshot of life. Whether you went to school or not we are all "majoring" in something. Are you wasting precious time trying to fit in with someone else's criteria of success? Or are you willing to change "majors" and make the ABSOLUTE MOST of your life experience?
Carla Bisong, owner of Bisong Gallery based in Houston, Texas captures this message in an incredible way. She earned a bachelor’s degree and started her career in Finance and Marketing. In pursuit of a well needed balance she decided to incorporate art as well.
She recalls being enchanted by artists such as Max Ernst and feeling frozen in the beauty of post-impressionist masters. Her love for art has now taken the front seat.
Hundreds of people have now walked through her gallery where she has created a platform for local artists to connect with art enthusiasts. She has even made history in her community as the only for profit black owned gallery. Carla brings together organizations, community centers, small businesses and individuals who share one commonality, a love for art.
It is easy to get so focused on the destination that we overlook the power in our journey. If nothing else, I believe that the author of the article that I read, and Carla Bisong teaches us all that there is no such thing as a Life Box that you have to fit in. By stepping out you might find a much larger impact, more fulfillment and even income when you stop making decisions based on what someone else has deemed the "right path" .
Erica Latrice is an Empowerment Speaker, TV Host & Entrepreneur. She loves coffee, high fives and spending time with her family!
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More Inspiration: Get connected with Carla Bisong and the latest exhibits at Bisong Gallery. Visit online for upcoming events www.BisongGallery.com