Oh Creative Lady: Meet Sian from Teach. Investigate. Play.
Through blogging and Instagramming, I’ve been introduced to an amazing Virtual Sisterhood of Creative Ladies.
The Oh Creative Lady series is your chance to meet these incredible, kind-hearted, inspiring <insert ALL the happy, positive adjectives HERE> women.
I know I sound like a broken record, but let’s all channel our inner-Oprahs and say a big “PRAISE BE” for the way Instagram connects people. The lovely and talented Sian from Teach. Investigate. Play is a part of my Insty Girl Squad. She’s an expat mum of 3 who shares playful learning experiences. There is always something fun and colourful happening at her place. We’ve collaborated on such creative ventures as Hopfest and Craftmas and she was a super-duper supportive cheerleader when I launched my Christmas eBook. Sian happens to be launching her own eBook later in the year- and it’s the second baby she has birthed this year. She also welcomed baby Elliot into the world in April. The lady is a powerhouse. It’s such a pleasure to introduce Sian!
I am… Sian from Teach. Investigate. Play. I’m a British expat currently living in Canberra, Australia.
I live with my patient husband, Greg and our three children. We’ve got Harrison aged 9, Zoey aged 2.5 and baby Elliott who was born in April this year. Life is busy, chaotic even but I really wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s hard to exactly pin down what I do right now. I’m a full-time mamma and education blogger who loves getting creative (read messy) with the kiddos. My career has been a bit random so far, I originally worked as a media researcher in London, before retraining as a primary school teacher when Harrison was tiny. I guess right now my job is somewhere between educator and blogger?
I find inspiration… The fellow mammas that I meet both in real life and in the little squares of Instagram inspire me on a daily basis. Moving countries and having young children soon after meant that I’ve often felt isolated so being able to connect with people and instantly find an idea to try is pretty comforting. It’s like a global mum’s group!
I guess my general outlook on life is to go with the flow and only put energy into the things that really matter. Having three small humans to care for has taught me that. Do I care that the house is a mess 90% of the time? Nope. I’m more focused on creating a happy childhood for all three. Spending time playing with the kids, reading to them and making messy art projects is far more important than keeping the house spotless!
I am excited about … I’m both super excited and completely terrified about launching Teach. Investigate. Play as a proper business venture. Before baby Elliott was born, I was working on my very first e-book the ‘Creative Play A-Z’ which will now launch in July.
When we first moved to Australia I felt pretty adrift. I had no idea how to make a career work with all of the travelling we do, but now I’ve finally found my way – thanks mainly to the awesome community I’ve met on Instagram.
Later in the year, I’ll be launching an online workshop, so look out for that too!
When I’m in a creative slump, I… There’s a few things that seem to work wonders when I find my creativity ebbing away.
I often just take some time out. Forcing myself to be creative when I’m just not in the mood makes matters worse, I find. I’ll go out for a walk or do a workout and wait until inspiration hits.
I’m also extremely fortunate to live close to The National Gallery of Australia. Its an endless source of artistic inspiration and I often find that creativity returns again after a visit.
I’m really proud of…
Gah! This is probably the most difficult question to answer because the achievement I’m most proud of changes. My Britishness also means that I feel slightly embarrassed to celebrate my achievements!
Professionally, would it be weird to say I’m proud of my ability to adapt? Having children and moving continents has meant that I’m constantly looking for a way to forge a career and lifestyle that works.
Someone once told me…
‘Spend your money on experiences not things.’
The best advice I have ever been given is to spend money on experiences rather than things. It’s actually something I’ve learnt from my husband who is something of a travel expert.
When I was fresh out of university in the early noughties, I made the decision to become a fashion journalist. For a while I was really caught up in that lifestyle, constantly fretting about outfits and spending more money that I should have on the latest trend.
After having children that all changed. The stuff that seemed important before became insignificant. Nowadays, I’m happiest spending time at the beach with my family or going on a road trip as they are memories that will last a lifetime.
My advice to you is …
Don’t get caught up in the idea that you have to be talented in order to be creative. In fact, this advice goes for anything, not just creativity! I always think that so long as you are enjoying what you are doing, then that’s all that matters. I received a distinctively average ‘B’ grade at GCSE art but this doesn’t put me off getting the paints out with the kids because we all have an absolute blast!
You can find me at …
Want to meet some other Oh Creative Ladies?
Meet Karla from Blastastic Day
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