BIG NEWS!!!! I Signed with a Licensing Agency

I am so excited to share this news with you! I am now being represented by MHS Licensing! Yes, I now have an agent and am so grateful and happy.

So many thoughts and emotions went into making this decision. I went back and forth so many times thinking "I should try to get an agent" to "maybe I can do it myself". There is a new trend in the industry of designers taking it into their own hands and getting their own licensing deals, which is amazing. There was a part of me that wanted to be a part of this movement, especially since I admire deeply this group of strong, independent, brave women that I love. Women that I have watched successfully grow their businesses on their own. But, as much as I wanted to be like them I had to think about what is best for me. What do I want for my life? What are my strengths and weaknesses? What are my challenges?

While I was trying to figure all of this out, I received a response from MHS Licensing letting me know that they loved my work and would like to talk with me. For a couple of months from the time MHS contacted me until about a week before signing the agreement my mind was racing trying to figure out what was best for me. Luckily, I have some pretty wonderful friends that sat patiently and listened to me run these thoughts over and over again to them and they gave me such impactful feedback. They too were split in their opinions of how I should proceed.

Then it happened, I had a moment of clarity, a stillness in the never ending noise inside my head. This is what I heard. " I don't want licensing my art to define my whole life, I want to make space for other things too."

I am not a licensing expert, I hate contracts, negotiating, and confrontation. Every time I started thinking about that side of the business I felt my energy drop. It is not what I am supposed to be doing. I decided then and there to hand that part of the business over to the experts and the time and energy I save can be used for things that will fill me up and make me happy, not stressed. So, what are these things? Along with licensing my art, I would love to write an inspirational book, get more involved with the blogging/design community, I would love to be involved in some outreach programs and someday start a NPO. Ultimately, I want to help inspire and heal others through my art. I'm not sure how or when or what any of this is yet but, I know it is what I am meant to do.

Signing with MHS Licesning marks a huge turning point in my small sweet steps journey. I am honored that such a knowledgeable and respected agency would want to partner with me. I am so grateful that I already have some licensing deals in the works and so humbled everyday for the twists and turns that have gotten me to this point in my long journey.  The ride is really starting to get interesting.

 

Comments

[Debbie Goode]

Bravo and congratulations! Isn't it amazing that the answer always comes in the quiet stillness.....

[mama bleu]

applause and congratulations!!

[E'Layne Koeingsberg]

So fantastic that you got really clear on what you wanted you life to look like...a huge congratulations

[Deborah Velasquez]

Such great news! Congrats!

[Jacqueline]

Dearest sweet Stephanie, such an AWESOME news!! Congratz sweet sweet friend! I am so very happy and excited for you. Have a beautiful day and love to you!

[Jennifer_StudioJRU]

That is so exciting!! Congratulations!

[Jeanne Winters]

Absolutely terrific!! It is the right choice for you - I can hear it in your words!! Enjoy the ride!!!!

[Jenna]

so wonderful! and good for you for listening to your internal whispers.

[wini]

Dear Stephanie, I saw your post in class. Congratulations!! How exciting to read that you made the right choice for you. I completely understand your decision to find an agent. Wishing you every success!

[Lila Cheekytree]

Congratulations Stephanie. That is wonderful news. I'm so happy for you.

[Cindy Silverstein]

I love that you were able to connect with a company that can take on aspects of the liscensing experience that you don't like. Great job meeting your needs so you can benefit your work and other interests as well.

[colleen attara]

It always feels so good to make the right decision....congratulations!

[Stephanie Ryan]

Thanks everyone for your comments! XO

[Jackie Von Tobel]

Congratulations! I've been working with my agent almost a year and so far so good. I am sure you will do amazingly well and with their help you can concentrate on whats important to you instead of the mundane stuff.

[Jenean]

Yay! Congratulations!! I'm so excited for you!

[Phil]

Really really well done!!