A story about how by reviving the creative energy you can heal and feel inspired to pursue the life of your dreams.
how it started: the sun began to rise
Having courage in the moments of darkness is hard — still I want to think about the creation of my sweaters line as a moment of courage.
I wasn’t in the most cheerful mood when I started the project. I was struggling a lot with fear, self-doubt, feelings of loneliness. The creative process turned to be like a dream come true for me. It was an escape to a world just for me — of colors, illustrations, and encouraging messages.
Having to do something we are passionate about can help a lot our mental health. It takes us away from thinking. It heals. Nothing is more healing than the warmth and soothing feeling of the creative energy flowing through the body.
I remember the moment when the idea came to me — to create a sweater that would feel like a cozy embrace. I wanted it to be like a healing balm for my inner child — colorful, supportive, comfortable. And I started experimenting with colors, quotes, writing a lot of supportive messages as drafts to be embroidered on the sweaters — meanwhile experiencing more and more feelings of hope.
the process: being present for every step
All the sweaters are done from scratch, so I had to find the fabric, to make the design, and find a team of talented seamstresses to help me combine it all together.
I did it for many reasons: the project felt more personal when participating in every step of it. Also, it is beneficial for the environment, as each sweater is made to order, created from natural long-lasting cotton.
I loved selecting the fabric, traveling all around the city for finding the best one. I loved the chat I had with the woman I ended up purchasing the fabric from. As she told me about her business, I told her about mine, we connected. I went with warm, pastel colors, as they bring up a happy state of mind.
I loved creating the designs, sitting down with the girls in the studio for selecting the threads for embroidery. Sometimes took more than a half an hour to select the perfect color combination for one sweater. We laughed and we told stories.
Participating wholly in the creative process is an unique experience. Sometimes it felt like the fabric “spoke” to me about what message and theme would be perfect for it. For example, when I found the mustard fabric, I knew it has to be something about the sun.
the final result: reaping the fruits
After all the work, one day, there it was: the long expected moment of dressing myself up in the first sweater. It was finally ready. I went to the studio and put it on — and let me tell youuu, it felt exactly as I imagined it.
The sweaters felt cozy and kept me warm when I was wearing them at home, and they made me feel confident and proud of myself when I would go out, as I was wearing something that expressed myself and what I stand for.
I enjoyed so much the experience of creating and wearing the sweaters, so I wanted to share the happy feelings with others. It started with friends and family that got really excited when seeing the sweaters. It encouraged me to expand my circle and bring them to more and more inspired people. So here it is: the sweaters line by Sandina.
I hope this story encourages you to believe in yourself and follow your dream. Start with a small step. Start by doing it for yourself. Connect to your inner child and bring your creativity to light.
The bright and wonderful ideas and aspirations you silently have now are needed and awaiting to be seen. Just remember that the beauty you have within was made to radiate.
