creative highlight
MEMBER from our community
OLIVIA BRIDGES
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Hey, y’all! My name is Olivia Bridges. I am a Christian, wife, mother, future special education teacher, and painter. My faith in Jesus Christ is the most paramount aspect of my life. I was born and raised in the Church of Christ, with a familial line of over five generations of faithful servants. My husband, Jacob, and I currently live in Oxford, Mississippi, where I am a senior at Ole Miss studying special education. I absolutely adore my field and believe that the Lord has equipped me with the fruits necessary to do this good work. We call the Batesville Church of Christ in Batesville, Mississippi, our home congregation. I start each and every day with a few cups of black coffee and thoroughly enjoy baking (gluten free for me!). I also love caring for my little garden and find joy in striving to live a simple life that is pleasing in His sight.
Instagram: @bridgescreative
Facebook: @bridgescreative
Email: [email protected]
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/bridgescreative
Instagram: @bridgescreative
Facebook: @bridgescreative
Email: [email protected]
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/bridgescreative
Can you tell us about your introduction to art? How did you know you had a creative gift?
Ever since I was a little girl, I enjoyed being creative in any way possible. I started dabbling into painting and calligraphy during my senior year of high school. I painted little gifts for my track teammates, teachers, family members, and friends. Holding the paintbrush in my hand was therapeutic during a stressful time of preparing to move away from all I had ever known. When I left for college in Mississippi without knowing a single soul, my father saw potential in me and set up my Etsy shop while I clung to the time I was able to spend with my paint. During this time, I talked to the Lord, sang songs of praise, and reflected on His work in my life. Within a few months, He answered my prayers to use me as a vessel through my artwork and Bridges Creative began booming!
Did you ever think you’d be selling your art, or teaching art?
I never thought people would want my creations! In my opinion, homemade gifts are the best gifts, so that was my main intention when I began painting. Ultimately, when I offered up this talent to the Lord, I realized that sharing His word and His love with others would fill me with more joy than painting for Bridges Creative ever would- and it still does!
How do you encounter the Lord in your creativity?
During my creative time, I often find myself lost in thought with God- simply telling Him about the day that I had, discussing something on my heart, or asking Him questions. I always paint with my window open, so I can feel the breeze or listen to the birds chirping, which remind me of His goodness and presence. These times are my favorites, and the hours seem to pass swiftly and sweetly!
Ever since I was a little girl, I enjoyed being creative in any way possible. I started dabbling into painting and calligraphy during my senior year of high school. I painted little gifts for my track teammates, teachers, family members, and friends. Holding the paintbrush in my hand was therapeutic during a stressful time of preparing to move away from all I had ever known. When I left for college in Mississippi without knowing a single soul, my father saw potential in me and set up my Etsy shop while I clung to the time I was able to spend with my paint. During this time, I talked to the Lord, sang songs of praise, and reflected on His work in my life. Within a few months, He answered my prayers to use me as a vessel through my artwork and Bridges Creative began booming!
Did you ever think you’d be selling your art, or teaching art?
I never thought people would want my creations! In my opinion, homemade gifts are the best gifts, so that was my main intention when I began painting. Ultimately, when I offered up this talent to the Lord, I realized that sharing His word and His love with others would fill me with more joy than painting for Bridges Creative ever would- and it still does!
How do you encounter the Lord in your creativity?
During my creative time, I often find myself lost in thought with God- simply telling Him about the day that I had, discussing something on my heart, or asking Him questions. I always paint with my window open, so I can feel the breeze or listen to the birds chirping, which remind me of His goodness and presence. These times are my favorites, and the hours seem to pass swiftly and sweetly!
What are some of the biggest challenges you have in explaining what you do to others who don't find themselves in a creative background or field?
Explaining my business to someone who doesn’t have a creative or entrepreneurial background can sometimes be intimidating. After all, faceless portrait ornaments and hand-painted Bible covers can seem a little odd and frilly at first. When I hear the words come out of my mouth, sometimes it sounds silly! But, I always make sure to pull up pictures and show them my Etsy or Instagram page to look at. I always receive bountiful encouragement from those I share with!
Are others in your family creative too?
My father has always been creative! When he was younger, he sketched with pencil and paper. He won’t tell you this, but he was the Home Economics Student of the Year in high school for cross-stitching! Now, he is a project manager where he designs buildings and plans other architectural work. His mother, my grandmother, is a talented seamstress and sewed many dresses for me and my sister when we were younger! I learned to sew from my great-grandmother, who taught me while sitting in her living room floor. She will be 98 this month! My sister is also very creative. She enjoys theater where she choreographs musical numbers, practices makeup, and she has even started dabbling in watercolor!
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
My husband and I are in a busy season of life. I am graduating in a month and we are relocating to Tennessee this summer. I’m student teaching full-time along with taking university classes, taking tests to receive my teaching license, and running Bridges Creative. Right now, more than ever, I am relying on the Lord’s provision and following where He leads. That means limited products on the Etsy site and ensuring that I’m not spreading myself too thin. Although I obviously want paint more, I am trusting in His guidance and His plan for Bridges Creative in the future!
Is it costly to be a creative/maker?
It is definitely costly to get a handmade shop up-and-running. Like the good saying goes, sometimes you have to spend money to make money. Once you find a rhythm of stocking, making, selling, and shipping, the cost will be more manageable. Perhaps the most expensive part of running a small business is the cost of time. Ultimately, you have to weigh how much time you are willing to spend on a product to still consider yourself profitable. It’s all about balance!
Some practical steps you'd encourage other creatives to take to become productive and learn business skills etc.?
The most important aspect of running a small business, in my opinion, is loving what you do. I would encourage all creatives and makers to always seek joy in their work. When I am having fun with my artwork, the end result is exponentially more beautiful than when it feels like a hassle. Set healthy boundaries for time, cost, and the amount of work you produce. This will help you maintain your creativity for the long haul! Celebrate every sell, every product, every small step you take to make your dream a reality.
How do you juggle your business/family/social time?
As a full-time student teacher, college student, and wife, finding a “work time” balance has been difficult. This semester, I ultimately decided that I would paint one evening during the week and during the weekend. This schedule has worked wonderfully for me because it allows me to focus on school and homework during the week, spend time with my somewhat-new husband when he gets home from work, and get my creative juices flowing with solid blocks of time wholly devoted to Bridges Creative on the weekends.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
To my fellow creatives, makers, small business owners, and dreamers: surrender your talents wholly and completely to the One who gave them to you. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:6, “There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” He has blessed you with a spiritual gift that is unique and beautiful. Use it for His glory and to grow His kingdom here on earth. Use it to encourage other Christians and perhaps share the Lord’s love with those who don’t know Him. Our style, our medium, our approach to arts and crafts is exclusively our own, given to us by the Lord to use to bring others closer to Him.
Explaining my business to someone who doesn’t have a creative or entrepreneurial background can sometimes be intimidating. After all, faceless portrait ornaments and hand-painted Bible covers can seem a little odd and frilly at first. When I hear the words come out of my mouth, sometimes it sounds silly! But, I always make sure to pull up pictures and show them my Etsy or Instagram page to look at. I always receive bountiful encouragement from those I share with!
Are others in your family creative too?
My father has always been creative! When he was younger, he sketched with pencil and paper. He won’t tell you this, but he was the Home Economics Student of the Year in high school for cross-stitching! Now, he is a project manager where he designs buildings and plans other architectural work. His mother, my grandmother, is a talented seamstress and sewed many dresses for me and my sister when we were younger! I learned to sew from my great-grandmother, who taught me while sitting in her living room floor. She will be 98 this month! My sister is also very creative. She enjoys theater where she choreographs musical numbers, practices makeup, and she has even started dabbling in watercolor!
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
My husband and I are in a busy season of life. I am graduating in a month and we are relocating to Tennessee this summer. I’m student teaching full-time along with taking university classes, taking tests to receive my teaching license, and running Bridges Creative. Right now, more than ever, I am relying on the Lord’s provision and following where He leads. That means limited products on the Etsy site and ensuring that I’m not spreading myself too thin. Although I obviously want paint more, I am trusting in His guidance and His plan for Bridges Creative in the future!
Is it costly to be a creative/maker?
It is definitely costly to get a handmade shop up-and-running. Like the good saying goes, sometimes you have to spend money to make money. Once you find a rhythm of stocking, making, selling, and shipping, the cost will be more manageable. Perhaps the most expensive part of running a small business is the cost of time. Ultimately, you have to weigh how much time you are willing to spend on a product to still consider yourself profitable. It’s all about balance!
Some practical steps you'd encourage other creatives to take to become productive and learn business skills etc.?
The most important aspect of running a small business, in my opinion, is loving what you do. I would encourage all creatives and makers to always seek joy in their work. When I am having fun with my artwork, the end result is exponentially more beautiful than when it feels like a hassle. Set healthy boundaries for time, cost, and the amount of work you produce. This will help you maintain your creativity for the long haul! Celebrate every sell, every product, every small step you take to make your dream a reality.
How do you juggle your business/family/social time?
As a full-time student teacher, college student, and wife, finding a “work time” balance has been difficult. This semester, I ultimately decided that I would paint one evening during the week and during the weekend. This schedule has worked wonderfully for me because it allows me to focus on school and homework during the week, spend time with my somewhat-new husband when he gets home from work, and get my creative juices flowing with solid blocks of time wholly devoted to Bridges Creative on the weekends.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
To my fellow creatives, makers, small business owners, and dreamers: surrender your talents wholly and completely to the One who gave them to you. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:6, “There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” He has blessed you with a spiritual gift that is unique and beautiful. Use it for His glory and to grow His kingdom here on earth. Use it to encourage other Christians and perhaps share the Lord’s love with those who don’t know Him. Our style, our medium, our approach to arts and crafts is exclusively our own, given to us by the Lord to use to bring others closer to Him.