It never failed, in the past, something always seemed to come up preventing us from being able to make it to a doll show. Whether it was having car issues, needing to finish remodeling projects, starting new outdoor endeavors, helping family or friends, puppy emergencies, a new grand baby, or whatever… It never failed, just when I would think we could finally make go to a expo, something always came up! Honestly, I didn’t think I would ever make it to a show after a while lol! But, we finally made it to our first doll show!! 

I don’t even know how it all came together. Everything happened so fast. One second I’m updating my scheduling for work and home life. The next, I was chatting with my husband about flights and what hotel we wanted to stay in. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I happened to finish a ready-to-ship baby when I thought, “How cool would it be if I could enter her in the Yophi doll show!” The next thing I knew we were making it official!! One second it was a mere thought and the next we had booked the trip.  

Not long after booking our trip, I reached out to Esther Orlando. I wanted to chat with her about her IRHSP class. I wanted to learn more about her paint line in hopes of being able to carry it in our store. Well, that and the fact I wanted to start playing with more of the mediums. Before I knew it, I was fortunate enough to get one of the last spots in the class! I was so excited yet completely terrified. I kept thinking what am I doing? You see, I am extremely extroverted yet a complete introvert lol! Confusing I know. It’s so much easier to hide behind texts, emails, or social media than chat on the phone or worse, face to face with someone. It’s odd because I used to have no problem walking up to strangers and striking up a conversation with no fear. Now, my palms get sweaty, my heart races and I freeze with fear. I would keep hoping and praying I don’t do or say anything stupid.

I had no idea what to expect. I hadn’t ever met any of these people face to face. I didn’t know how the competitions worked or if my art would be good enough. I was so intimated by the thought of all the great sculptors and artist that may be there. But, I put away my fear and decided there was only one way to find out. Enter the contest, sign up for a class, and go! Yophi here we come!

The place was huge! I couldn’t find the classes, where I needed to be, or who to talk to. But, somehow it all worked out. And to my surprise, my doll won an award!! It was so much fun and not at all as I thought. Everyone was so easy to talk to. Being among other like-minded people who loved the art was so rewarding. I was so excited, energetic, eager to see everything and chat with as many people as I could. I hadn’t planned on bringing home anything yet ended up coming home with an entire suitcase full of art supplies, doll clothes, and babies. Thankfully I packed light enough to fit all my items in my small bag so I could use the larger bag for all the doll items. 

Now, I can hardly wait to sign up for more master classes, enter competitions, and attend the next doll show! I’m so excited to reconnect with friends and make some new ones! I gotta say, I left feeling a sense of reassurance, energy, and more determination than ever!

Next up, Dolls Of The World Expo!