Success Stories
Marlaine Deschamps says: I began working with Lesley as my creativity coach in the hopes that she would be able to help me find my “artistic voice”. I am in my mid-fifties and felt that it was high time that I spent whatever time and resources were necessary to do just that. In our sessions, Lesley has given me the tools and encouragement I need to go on this very important search. In our time together, I have made more progress in figuring out what I want to create, and more importantly, why I want to create, than I ever thought I would. The only downside to my work with Lesley is wishing I had more time to follow through on all the ideas that I now have!
Pat Sloan said, “Girl you have more Zen then all the universe!”
Sheila wrote in, “Thank you, Lesley! You are very inspiring in person, in teaching and in writing and philosophy.”
Patty O’Rourke shared, “Thank you for being an inspiration in my little world!”
You can read more success stories and personal stories below:
Six months after starting with Lesley, my retail shop has moved to a new and improved location and is thriving.
“My mom is a big fan of Lesley Riley, and has taken classes with her over the years at Quilting by the Lake.
This past summer, I was going through a discouraging period with my retail business and my personal artwork. My mom discovered Lesley Riley’s mentorship program, and hired her as my Artist Success Coach. At the same time, I began an apprenticeship with jeweler Holly Gage, so I got to a point where I had to tell my mom to stop manifesting mentors!
One of the biggest things Lesley did for me was to help me identify my goals. Once I saw them on paper, it was much easier to work towards them. She taught me that it’s ok to dream big and that you CAN make a living as an artist! I’ve learned to stop making excuses, and start making time. I’ve discovered that I need to be taking myself and my art more seriously! Lesley challenged and encouraged me, and I have grown as an artist because of it.
Six months after starting with Lesley, my retail shop has moved to a new and improved location and is thriving. Success is a double edged sword; with the success of the store, I’m finding less time to work on my own jewelry line. But through Lesley’s encouragement and guidance, and with the success of the shop, I was finally able to hire someone one day a week, which provides me with a solid day for ME!
THANK YOU!”
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I was skeptical at first, wondering how telephone conversations were going to make a substantial difference in my ability to juggle so many things and find even a moment to be the artist I wanted to be.
Lesley has continued to amaze me with her prolific art abilities, but most of all, with how her niche in the art world has evolved into the care and feeding of artists, so to speak. I signed on to have Lesley become my art coach when I was stalled in the midst of all that life throws at you while you are trying to do other things. After all our conversations and emails, the homework assignments, and the questionnaires, what I remember most and what has stayed in my mind all these years later are Lesley’s very simple instructions: find small chunks of time and build them like children’s building blocks into something bigger. Hmm, was it really as simple as that? Wasn’t there some bigger, more zen-like mystical key to all this yearning for a more creative life? Was it really just a question of finding the cracks between the bricks of work, errands, family, chores, etc? In fact it is. Lesley opened my eyes up to the very real fact that I wasn’t likely to win the lottery anytime soon and by postponing my creative life until the “lottery” kicked in, I was wasting time. From then on, I began to keep a place to work cleaned off and supplies at the ready and make myself count up the half hours and twenty minutes that I had frittered away in the past. Keeping my focus on those small blocks of time kept me more focused overall and soon I found that I could switch gears from work to artwork without a lot of angst. Thank you, Lesley, and I hope that you continue to mentor and coach other artistic types and keep on with the care and feeding of their souls! — Loretta Marvel, http://artjournaler.typepad.com |
“Lesley Riley was one of the first “friends” I made in the art world a very long time ago during the dinosaur days of Internet email lists. From the first post I read of hers, I was struck by her compassionate voice, her generous spirit, and her amazing ability to juggle a full time business, 7 children, and art, teaching, and publishing careers!
Lesley gave me the road map I needed to identify what areas of my artistic journey I need to work on, how to set my destinations, and how to get there
I had taken a workshop with Lesley Riley and she mentioned that she was going to be doing Creative Coaching. I was thrilled! I really enjoyed the energy I got from Lesley and felt that if anyone could get me on track she could! I contacted her and signed up for her 3 month coaching program. I have spent the last three months really looking at what it is that I want in my artistic journey. Lesley has guided me through the jungle of ideas, thoughts, and wants so that I now have a clearer idea of where I am going. I have set up a system to keep track of my work, finish lines coming up, and accomplishments. My website became a reality and I have been working in my studio on a more consistent basis. I have become more organized and feel I have a sense of purpose thanks to Lesley’s guidance and direction. Lesley gave me the road map I needed to identify what areas of my artistic journey I need to work on, how to set my destinations, and how to get there.” — Laura Ann Beehler, http://laurabeehler.com |
“Not too long ago I found my artistic life in a complete and total mess. I was missing deadlines (now called finish lines), I was disorganized, couldn’t find what I needed and I was totally overwhelmed with things that needed to be done.
Although we have only been working together for three months I feel I have made significant changes in the way I feel and think about myself and my work
I hired Lesley Riley through Artist Success to help me do this. Although we have only been working together for three months I feel I have made significant changes in the way I feel and think about myself and my work. First of all, before I started on this process I would not have even called myself an artist. I may have told you I was a graphic artist (because I did that professionally-I had a business card for goodness sake!), or a journaler, or a crafty person…but I would not have told you that I was an artist. I did not think about future projects as “my work” and I did not see myself as a “teacher” in the future. Second of all, I did not work regularly. I did not think about art everyday, try to collect images for my work, or carry a “design” notebook in my purse to write down ideas in when I was so inspired. Lastly, I did not take my work or my space seriously as a studio. It was a place that I went to when I had some time on the weekends, or when someone was coming over and stuff needed to be hidden. Today I call myself an artist (still feels strange-like trying on new shoes) and I work regularly wherever I am, but many times actually in Vindicated Studios…without all the stuff laying around. The most significant changes that I have noticed since beginning coaching are:
I would be more than willing to speak to people about the experience that I am having working with Artist Success.” — Michelle Tompkins |
“‘Man’s main task in life is to give birth to himself, to become what he potentially is’ (Erich Fromm) This sounds like a simple task and perhaps for a long time I thought I could do this by myself. But finally, I realized I needed support and a guide. Especially as an artist, this “potentiality” is so hard to define. I needed someone to help me find my what to “what I potentially am.”
I’m much more focused and I feel like whatever goal I put in front of myself is reachable
— Lynn Krawczyk, http://www.fibraartysta.com |
“Before I started coaching with Lesley I had an idea of the direction I wanted my art career to head but really no idea of how to get there. Since I’ve been working with Lesley I’m much more focused and I feel like whatever goal I put in front of myself is reachable. The most significant improvements thanks to Artist Success coaching are a strong sense of confidence, organization that helps move me toward my goals and a much improved mindset that applies to all areas of my life.”
People ask, “Is she really helping you?” and I answer, “Like nobody else.” I’ve been working on it for years and look – in two months, look what I’ve done.“I have been seriously working on my art quilting for 5 years. Most of the work I have created I gave away, would exhibit in a show or keep in my house. I subscribed to the professional magazines, I went to workshops and classes but I never moved from that hobby phase to “professional” artist…until I met Lesley. I am the artist who sets goals and then there is dinner to cook or a friend needs my help. Distraction was my middle name until I met Lesley. Her advice has helped me focus on my artistic goals but allowed me to live my everyday life. She respects that there is an outside world but you are an artist that needs time too. Her coaching methods, weekly phone calls and encouraging emails are helping me achieve my goals. I have applied many of the organizational techniques to my daily life as well. The key to her approach is to dream big and step by step make the dream real. She works on pushing me out of my comfort zone and bad habits. Now, I can achieve my goals taking it step by step. As the expression says “Rome wasn’t built in a day” but it was built brick by brick. I am becoming the professional artist I want to be, day by day. I’m very excited about everything. People see it in my face. Because I’m proud. I’m really proud of what I’m doing, of what I’m becoming. I sing Lesley’s praises everywhere. People ask, “Is she really helping you?” and I answer, “Like nobody else.” I’ve been working on it for years and look – in two months, look what I’ve done. Thank you Lesley!” — Ellen Freidman, erfriedman@aol.com |
Her support has been what I needed as I established a new practice.
Before working with Lesley, I was led by the project. Not realistic about expectations. Angry and resentful of my day job taking so much of my time and energy that I would like to use toward creative activities. I wanted guidance and am happy that Lesley was willing to work with me. Lesley is confident and sincere in her efforts to want to help. Her suggestions are wise and grounded in solid knowledge of the creative process and human nature. She guided me in looking at my values, setting realistic goals, and working on them. She had me establish a structure by prioritizing things I want to do and suggested I schedule times to work on the creative work that is “harder for me”. Her support has been what I needed as I established a new practice. It has been good to have somebody to be accountable to. Although there has been some rebellious feelings and not wanting to do the work, I’ve been proud that I have got my butt in the chair and done it. This is really what I want to do and I think the adventure will be interesting. The most significant improvements in my art/life thanks to Lesley’s coaching are: Overall, I’m more positive. I have a solid, scheduled routine of doing “hard” creative work. I realize that creating requires commitment and discipline. Out of necessity I have learned to work even if “I don’t feel like it.” She’s supported me as I’ve dealt with my rebellion and inner temper tantrums and forced myself to do the work anyway. Lesley helped me to realize how unfocused I was. I’ve made a decision to be intentional and really look at how I choose to spend my time. I’ve done some good, deep work on goal setting and feel that I am prepared to continue the creative journey. This would be the equivalent of trip preparation by establishing the travel itinerary, getting the maps, packing for the trip, and other similar activities. If you would like to discuss the value of Lesley’s coaching program, please e-mail me at debbiestudio@yahoo.com.” — Debbie Hoskins |
“Creativity coaching has been a lot more serious and more work than I imagined it would be when I signed up. For me the word creativity conjures up visions of dancing, blowing bubbles, drawing on the sidewalk with lots of pretty colored chalk, and throwing cut up pieces of pantyhose dipped in paint off a ladder onto paper. Creativity is all of those things but there’s lots more to think about. In creativity training I’ve learned that expression is one of my values, so of course expressing myself would be important.
Lesley’s coaching was very helpful and gave me the
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In 2 short but very intense months I was back to making art.“Before I started working with Lesley my life was more focused on work than on my art yet I knew Art was my Spiritual practice – I had lost sight of that. Then just as we got going there was a major change in my life, a relationship that had just started ended suddenly due to a major health event and I was in a tailspin. Lesley was patient and stuck with me through all the trauma and drama and gently persuaded me to return to my artwork using my feelings to guide me. At first I was more talk/text than doing but in 2 short but very intense months I was back to making art. I was also able to see this event as a catalyst for me to deal with some of my personal baggage that was interfering with my life. I suspect my circumstances were unusual and hope Lesley does not have to go through what she went through with me with many others but I am sure I would not have righted myself so quickly if it had not been for her steady hand. I am back on track not only with art but my meditation practice has settled down and I have recognized my need for community and am actively looking for one that meets my needs. I have discovered new artwork in me; one series deals with the impact of war and military experience on relationships and the other the importance of “keeping one foot on the ground” – literally, meaning we need to physically stay in “touch” with nature whether we garden, walk outdoors, however we do it, we need to spend time connecting with nature in order to maintain a balanced life. The most significant improvements as a result of working with Lesley are healing not only from the most recent events but some historical ones, identifying some personal needs I must meet in order to balance my life, and not only re-discovering art but finding inspiration in my personal history. If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding the value of coaching or Lesley’s program in particular please know that they can email me and I would be happy to talk to them about it.” — Sue Scott, http://www.cafiberartists.com |
You are so awesome! A true artist, leader and mentor in this field.
— Jen Cushman, www.jencushman.com, http://objectsandelements.typepad.com/jencushman |
“You are so awesome! A true artist, leader and mentor in this field. I am learning, as I pursue my own voice as an artist, how truly amazing it is that I have most definitely learned at the feet of masters. I hope my art will resonate with people and that my spirit/words/writing will one day be as helpful to others as yours have been thus far. Thank you for being one of my mentors on this journey.”
You changed my life!“Several years ago I took my first class from you here in Houston at the Quilt Festival. You changed my life! I began to grow bolder in my exploration of fabrics and all the wonderful things that can be done. You gave me permission to “sew out of the lines” and do whatever I wanted. I continued taking classes from you whenever you came to Houston, subscribed to Cloth, Paper, Scissors and bought your books. You are my Muse and I thank you every time I play with photos, fabrics, and etc. All my friends and acquaintances “know” you through my works!” — Elaine Stephens |
I truly appreciate your short little e-mails that instantly
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I am finding what I love and thanks to your book, you have shown me and told me I am not too late at this.“I am a late bloomer. Later then even yourself. With no art background or education. I started painting furniture and opened a shop 10 years ago. I am now 68. But 3 years ago got interested in embellishing the furniture and one step then another and here I am with mixed media and no furniture!!! But I am finding what I love and thanks to your book, you have shown me and told me I am not too late at this.” — Judy S. |
She made it simple.
— Debbie Bates, http://www.stitchtress.com |
“In 2005 Lesley rocked my world when it came to creating stitched art. She made it simple. She used luxe fabrics and “crooked” stitches, and she dared to call it “quilted.” For me, Lesley redefined quilting, broke open the mold and let the inmates out of the asylum! (Put another way, Lesley was one of the influential stitchers in my life who helped to make sewing fun again.)”
Thank you so much for making an art form not appear so scary.“I have been looking again at your book “Quilted Memories” (it’s by my bed and I look at some of it every night). I have taken the plunge into sewing and am really enjoying it-It’s been a big step-I have been terrified of trying to sew by machine and hand for so many years. When I picked up your book again this time, it was if something really started to sink in about the possibilities–and your site and your writing are so inspiring. Thank you so much for making an art form not appear so scary.” — Meg Malvasi |
You were inspirational in me getting back into my art“I just have to tell you that you were inspirational in me getting back into my art about 7 years ago. You were so kind in sending me an e-mail and nudging me to come to Art and Soul and take your class. I did and it was wonderful. Thank you.” — Darcy Ritzau |
I enjoy your newsletter.“I enjoy your newsletter. The writing is just great and I enjoy it so much. It was good to hear your thoughts. I want you to know that at 81, I still have several major goals for the coming year. Nothing changes… but it gets easier.” — Jean Ray Laury, http://www.jeanraylaury.com |
Thank you for continuing to create and for sharing your thoughts with all of us on the web.“I have a few pieces of your art work in my studio and in my office. I look to them often for inspiration, sometimes artistically and sometimes just to move me through the day. These pieces will join that collection and I will treasure them. Thank you for continuing to create and for sharing your thoughts with all of us on the web. Your writing is as eloquent as your artwork.” — Chris Smith |
You’re on the leading edge… You who say late bloomers are just fine.“You’re on the leading edge. My sixth grade art teacher told me, “you have no talent and you’ll never be an artist.” There were other words, harsher as I remember, but that’s the gist. It’s taken me decades to quieten her voice, to become a knitter, quilter and now, fledgling, fiber/textile artist. Although as a competent professional in the corporate arena, it’s only now, at this late age I’m pushing her voice to the background and listening to other voices who are supportive, your voice. You who say late bloomers are just fine.” — Sandra Bennett |
Thank you! so much, Lesley, for your continual encouragement.“Thank you! so much, Lesley, for your continual encouragement. I am, I think, supposed to be past middle age but I can’t describe how energized I became when I began putting my own ideas into my fiber art pieces. And when my “real artist” friend introduced me casually to another artist as a fiber artist — that was the day I began to see myself as an artist.” — Carmen McGee |
You always speak from the heart and with that give so much.“I think you spoke very eloquently about what most women do, we nurture others and forget to listen to the little voice inside us that says to stop and nurture thyself. The other day I was looking at art magazines and had this revelation of how many people have been influenced by your artistic style and your books. I saw so many works where I thought Lesley Riley was doing that years ago or that looks like they read Lesley Riley’s book or even this is influenced heavily by Lesley Riley. You have indeed reached many women who never stop to say thank you or tell you of your influence, inspiration and help in their creative journey and not because they don’t want to but because they are rushing around trying to do it all too! I don’t have confidence to be the artist I’ve always wanted to be. I am however starting to hear others calling me an artist. Once you told me, many years ago in a Yahoo group that I was a mixed media artist and just didn’t know it yet. Those words ring so true in my mind now as if you planted a seed and the roots are beginning to sprout. So I am going to sign off with a thank you! You always speak from the heart and with that give so much.” — Laura Lea |
Thank You!“It is thanks to people like yourself who unselfishly pass on the benefits of your experience to the rest of us that may never do any thing fantastic, but have a heck of a lot of fun trying — and how good it is!!!!!” — Lois Wadsworth |
Thank you for putting your thoughts into words. They definitely gave me that “aha” moment.Thank you for putting your thoughts into words. They definitely gave me that “aha” moment. I am still a novice traveler on my art journey and so many of these “roadblocks” have been slowing me down and discouraging me. I’ve been getting frustrated because I feel like I am losing sight of why I started creating in the first place… Reading your post makes me realize that I am not alone. I truly appreciate all you share as “our Buddha.” — Diane |
Your blog is one of my daily check-ins!“Your blog is one of my daily check-ins and not entirely to do with your artistic endeavors. I find food for thought in your heartfelt writings and a sense of community from your honest expression of the ups and downs inherent in life.” — Cheryl Doran-Girard |
I enjoy your work so much and admire your productivity.“Soooo, thanks again for being real. I enjoy your work so much and admire your productivity. I am pondering your statement about allowing a small, loaded space to be an excuse for not following one’s heart. That one made me sit up straight.” — Judy Ireland |
I truly admire you in more than one way, and I am so glad I had the chance to take those classes with you.“I truly enjoy reading your posts . I just subscribed to your blog on FeedBlitz so I won’t miss your entries. I also want to tell you that if you did not know it already, you are very talented in art, also in writing, as well as in knowing about the importance of people, relationships and the meaning of family. I truly admire you in more than one way, and I am so glad I had the chance to take those classes with you.” — Lenna Andrews, http://www.creativelenna.com |
Your style inspires freedom and fun and creativity…“Your style inspires freedom and fun and creativity and reminds me that it’s OK to break away from the ‘rules’ & let go. It also makes me think about the basic things that are important to me, making me sum up my philosophy in a simple statement. I also love that your ideas don’t overwhelm me.” — Linda Winner |
It’s always eye opening to get a glimpse at how you go about feeding the creative well.“I’m one of your many blog readers who stops by on a regular basis, yet doesn’t leave a comment. I should, though, because as a writer, I know, too, how nice it is to get feedback. I first started reading your blog for the quilt content, but I really enjoy getting an insight to your creative process; not all artists are willing to share on the level that you do. Like so many worthwhile things in life, writing and quilting are multi-layered processes, and it’s always eye opening to get a glimpse at how you go about feeding the creative well. Thanks for sharing.” — Mary C-D |
Lesley is a gifted teacher with considerable expertise.“Lesley is a gifted teacher with considerable expertise. The class was very well organized, her technique and tips were wonderful, her demonstrations were clear and inspirational. Best of all, Lesley has a lovely way of being with people. She is open and warm, supportive and encouraging; the studio feels very comfortable under her care. A delightful sense of humor keeps things lively, too. There is a beautiful spirit which Lesley brings to her teaching, a kind of grace with which she hold the entire process….and it is as rare as it is valuable.” — Susan Settle |
I’ve found your words so very encouraging, enlightening & inspiring“I’ve been drawn to your work of late so have been doing a bit of reading of yours & I want to thank you for putting your experiences/play time, thoughts & passion into words. I’ve found your words so very encouraging, enlightening & inspiring – especially on how to squeeze ever precious second outta your day for art – so very very true… great stuff. Please continue to inspire us…” — Bethel. www.bethelofbethania.blogspot.com |
I appreciate you for putting aids to living a joyful life out into the ether for the rest of us to find“I will be 60 on 1/22/10. I have many goals and experiences I long for. I want to grow as an artist. I want to develop my true work and do it. I appreciate you for putting aids to living a joyful life out into the ether for the rest of us to find.” — Maggie Mackenzie |
I see you as VERY INNOVATIVE“I see you as VERY INNOVATIVE. You were/are able to nurture your creative side in gaps of time and in doing so create a SENSE OF HOPE for other creative people.” — Lynn Powers, www.CCPvideos.com |
Thank you for sharing your gifts!“Just wanted to say that you inspire me as I work and have two smaller children and can’t find time to create, I know I can make time to do it. Thank you for sharing your gifts!” — Mary Bingeman |
I am a new subscriber to your newsletter and the synchronicities in the latest one have given me a little chill“I am a new subscriber to your newsletter and the synchronicities in the latest one have given me a little chill. I love it when these little synchronistic things occur and just wanted to share it with you.” — Bonnie Young |
You are a moment of calm reflection for me that I count on more than you know“Don’t change the “you” part. My sea is still turbulent and my vision without focus. You are a moment of calm reflection for me that I count on more than you know. I am grateful that you put so much of you here without bells and whistles to distract from the quiet. — Kathy in Farmington |
I love your blog“I love your blog. It is so generous, and rare to find a place that gives us something that is both valuable for the mind and spirit AND practical ponderings.” — Alex Shur |
You are an inspiration to me“You have a literal talent combined with a writing style and accompanying talent that makes you an inspiration to me along the line of very, very few others.” — Corrine Appleton |
I am ‘breathing easier’ since I discovered your blog“Emerson wrote that “to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived…is to have succeeded,” and I am ‘breathing easier’ since I discovered your blog.” — Roberta Ruark |
Your work has really been an inspiration to me“I feel a little silly — like some kind of “groupie” at age 60 — but your work has really been an inspiration to me.” — Barbara McCauley |
I feel like I have found the motherlode of inspiration!“This is my first visit to your blog, and I feel like I have found the motherlode of inspiration! Thank you for sharing yourself and your talent with us.” — Anonymous |
I also found my way to me, to the heart of art“When I found your work online years ago, I also found my way to me, to the heart of art. Thank you many times over!” — Sonja |
Lesley Riley is an internationally known artist, author, and instructor who is now transforming lives by helping artists achieve the success they desire.
