Episode 78: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Launching with Ashley Paggi, Genna Blackburn, and Rebecca Woolbright

Written By Shirlee Fisher

In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of launching! We have three amazing guests who share their experiences, insights, and tips for navigating the ups and downs of launching. Join us as we explore the mental and emotional aspects of preparing for, managing, and reflecting on launches in the creative industry.

Preparation Before Launching
Veteran educators Rebecca Woolbright, Genna Blackburn, and Ashley from Ash Cascade Design discuss the mental and emotional work they do to prepare themselves for launching. Rebecca shares her experience of launching product-based and education programs, highlighting the importance of pushing past negative thoughts and embracing positive ones. Genna talks about dealing with self-doubt and turning it into motivation, while Ashley emphasizes the value of witnessing others' launches to learn and adapt strategies.

Handling Challenges During a Launch
The conversation shifts to the challenges faced during a launch, including moments of self-doubt, slow initial responses, and feedback from the audience. We discuss strategies for staying resilient, such as brainstorming actionable steps, pivoting during the launch, and involving a support network to maintain energy and focus. They also touch on the importance of setting boundaries and staying true to the vision amidst external suggestions.

Self-Care and Reflection After a Launch
After the adrenaline rush of a launch, our guests emphasized the need for self-care and reflection. They share personal practices like booking a massage, celebrating achievements, and taking time to assess what worked and what could be improved for future launches. Rebecca mentioned the challenge of celebrating achievements and the importance of giving herself space for reflection and planning after expending a lot of energy on a launch. Genna highlights the significance of collecting data and analytics to inform future strategies, while Ashley emphasizes the balance between celebration and strategic planning.

I hope this episode encourages you continue on your own creative journey. Remember to embrace the highs and lows, prioritize self-care, and celebrate every step forward in your artistic endeavors.

Rebecca Woolbright is a self-taught surface pattern designer and illustrator with a passion for color and creativity. Her artistic journey began in a gold rush town in Northern California, where she was inspired by her surroundings and her friend's stationery store. After a transformative honeymoon in Japan, Rebecca returned to Hawai'i and started creating unique washi tape designs, leading to a successful wholesale line and collaborations with renowned companies. She also founded "Manufacture: Awesome," empowering other artists to bring their ideas to life. Rebecca finds inspiration in adventures and now resides in the Columbia River Gorge, embracing a world without limits in her artistic journey.

Genna is an illustrator, surface designer, and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. She received her BFA in Graphic Design in 2006 and worked at a design studio until 2014 when she took the leap to work for herself. Genna started a stationery company that included a successful Etsy shop and over 100 wholesale clients. It was during this time that she discovered her love for illustration and surface design while creating designs for greeting cards and wrapping paper. Genna loves drawing with bright colors, seeing her work on fun products out in the world, and teaching other artists what she knows about creating artwork and presenting it in a beautiful portfolio.

Ashley is an illustrator and surface designer specializing in fabric, home decor and apparel. Her love for color and design is evident in every aspect of her work, drawing inspiration from nature, including mountains, farms, oceans, rivers, and the awe-inspiring moments with her children. Influenced by her grandmother's attention to detail, particularly in food presentation and gift wrapping, Ashley values the magic found in special details.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Launching can be very vulnerable. Protect yourself emotionally during and after a launch, as feedback and suggestions can be overwhelming. Having someone to filter communications can be beneficial.

  • Surround yourself with people who understand the challenges of launching and can offer support and encouragement. Share your experiences and seek advice from others who have gone through similar processes.

  • It’s important to maintain boundaries to get sidetracked by suggestions and feedback. Stay focused on your vision and goals, and don't let external opinions derail your plans.

  • Take time after the launch to reflect on what worked and what could be improved. Write down your observations and analyze the data to inform your next steps.

  • Lastly, celebrate your achievements. Acknowledge your hard work and celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small. You can even treat yourself to something special, like a massage or a fun activity, to mark the end of the launch.

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Shirlee Fisher
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