How attending a creative conference is important for personal development

Finding my passion took years of soul searching, but finding Haven Conference lit my soul on fire.

This past July I attended my fifth Haven Conference. Haven Conference is geared towards DIY and home decor influencers just like me, to connect, learn, and grow on our journeys.

Just like every year that I have come to Haven, I have been in a different season of my life, this year my toughest one yet. After losing my mom unexpectedly in April, I felt completely lost and not sure what I wanted to do, what my goals should be, everything just felt numb. I stuck to my plan and went to the conference. It’s just what my soul needed. Honestly, I think everyone could benefit from a creative conference.

I love seeing the booths that the brands display during the conference. The Behr booth was designed by Katie and Jeremy Bower of Bower Power.

Community and relationships

Each year that I have come to Haven, not only do I get to spend time with friends I have made along my blogging journey, but I make new connections too.

There’s something amazing about finding people who get your passions, who understand your struggles both creative and personal, and who want to see you succeed. Building this community and making connections has pushed me so much further than had I just done it on my own.

Continued Learning

To truly grow as a person, we have to open our minds and take in new information. What better way to gain this knowledge than through your peers. Being able to learn helpful tips and tricks from someone who has tried things out and knows what works, is invaluable. Every year that I go to Haven I try to balance the classroom learning with hands on fun. I took a scroll saw class with Jaime Costiglio and Lizzy of The House of Timber. Needless to say I’ll be adding another tool to my collection.

**Jaime Costiglio** and I showing off some scroll saw work!

Stepping out of comfort zones

In a world where social media has become an accepted from of communication, having face to face interaction is still very necessary. Yet at the same time, a little terrifying. Stepping out of the comforts of my own home has allowed me to be an actual spokesperson for what it is that I’m trying to do.

Dinner with Home Depot and Pinterest, loved our place card which is a piece of art to take home.

Putting myself out there in front of the brands and the people I’m trying to connect with is way more meaningful than an email or a Google Doc ever will be. But y’all at times, I’m the most socially awkward person out there and I’m so afraid I’m going to say something weird because of my nerves. As the kids like to say, YOLO!

Even though I ambushed them, Kim and Penn, of the famous **Holderness Family**, were kind enough to take a picture.

That being said, every time I’ve taken a chance and stepped outside of my comfort zone, it’s led to some pretty amazing things. Playing it safe got me absolutely no where.

A chance to see how much you’ve grown

Like I said earlier, every year I’ve gone to Haven, I’ve been in a different season of my life, but even still I’ve grown.

Gillian and Holly from the **Homes.Com** social team have become like family to me!

Having something to gauge your growth is important to see if you’re making any progress. Typically on the drive to the hotel I reflect over the past year and figure out what I need to focus on in the sessions for the current conference.

I was extremely blessed to work with **Sinkology** this year.

This is where it’s super important to not compare your journey to anyone else. I’ve witnessed lots of influencers pass me by leaps and bounds, but that doesn’t mean I should give up. I know how much work I’ve done and what I’ve chosen to do or not to do. I’m on the path that is for me and no one else. Which is another reason to be a part of a community like this, because you gain some instant cheerleaders. Believe it or not, there are people out here who want to see you succeed.

It’s fun!!

This year at Haven they brought back the last night dance party and this girl was beyond excited!

AND it was an 80’s themed party and I was totally there for that and may have made a few people chuckle.

Amy **Always Never Done** and Yuni **Love Your Abode**

If you’re not having fun with what you’re doing, then why are you doing it to begin with? I left my government job to pursue my passions. I’m not quite sure that I would be where I am had I not attended Haven each year. Just when I wonder if I’m doing what I’m meant to do, I come to Haven and walk away with my soul cup refilled and ready to go. This year, I needed a Costco sized refill and Haven Conference did not disappoint.