Before I tell you about how I feel working at Rhetorical Factory, I have to share with you a little bit of myself prior to Rhetorical Factory. I moved to Asheville 3 years ago from living only blocks away from Time Square, NY City. I have been a freelance portrait and magazine photographer for 15 years. I was hired to photograph numerous personalities, many interesting people and my work has been published in dozen of different countries. Then my daughter Lulu was born! I took a break from work to raise Lulu. Now my daughter is 9.
We are in a new environment, if I decided to return to being a commercial photographer, I would have to establish myself all over again and spend a lot of time on promotion which was not my favorite. I appreciated the art of photography but deep inside I love working with my hands even more. During my years of working as a photographer, I neglected all my other interest such as drawing and painting. After a short time in Asheville, I reestablish my love for painting again and I acquire even more skills such as sewing, playing the violin, crochet collecting feathers and making them in hair accessories and the list goes on.
In the meantime, I know I need to return to work but I will not settle on any job just to pay my bills. I want a position that I can learn and grow but also allow me to be my own individual rather than a sheep and drown in boredom.
Last Christmas, I met Bethany at her old studio on Lyman st for a Holiday Cards making party. I was immediately captivated by her drive and ambitions. I said to myself that I can learn a lot from this vivacious individual. Within minutes of meeting her, I inquired if she needs a part time worker and told her that I am really good at using the X-acto knife as one of my many skills. Over a month passed, I got a email from Bethany to get together for coffee. I was running late and had to leave my house in pajamas. Turned out it was not a coffee date but a job interview. How comical and wonderful that I was hired in my pajamas.
Now I have worked at Rhetorical Factory the past 4 months. Mostly, I help Bethany in production. There is never a dull moment. I am working with my hands and learning something new everyday. Bethany always reminds me that my inputs and presence are valued. Sometimes I don’t even want to leave after my shift is over. This is indeed my perfect job, not to mention that I am big on recycling.
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At Rhetorical Factory we sell Joanne's headbands and an ever-changing collection of her work!
This is very nice to read and even better because I experience this in real Life by knowing and working with Joanne! What Fun. Very nicely done, indeed!
Joanne is awesome! Lulu is the sweetest little girl. While at the shop she played me a song on her violin and drew me a picture inspired by a poem.
Bethany Adams
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