thisisfika-blog

[thisisfika-blog]

It is August!! No big speeches - just mindfully enjoying this 'Ei - supplied by nature, handmade by Rima Tiller - A Cook Island cultural supervisor at my work. How many other creatively talented people are quietly working in office? Nothing is wrong making a living at a desk but don't take for granted your creative skills or dumb down what youre good at because others don't understand your dream - just live it and God will have your back. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! Ok that was a big speech lol Kia Orana August x

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THE AUCTION IS CLOSED!! Heart is overwhelmed still with ALL the support and happy it's going to new home - this has exceeded all my expectations - more importantly we raised an exceptional amount of money for the key to Life charitable trust - my God is awesome! #fikathriftrethinkproject #ktl #

#ktl #fikathriftrethinkproject

[thisisfika-blog]

Conquering non creative thoughts with Creative Mornings

A bit of background before i delve into what my morning was like - talking with Yush (barbarian boyf lol) as well as conversations of past with other creative minds in my life - I gathered if I was really serious about what i loved - then I had to go get it - not only in terms of actually physically making stuff and upskilling but also - getting myself surrounded regularly with the creative crowd.  It makes sense - how am i to bounce ideas and learn if I dont regularly surround myself with like minded people?  It wasnt going to happen at home or behind my computer.

Fast forward to this morning sitting in the carpark in the CBD trying to psych myself up to find this place - I had thoughts of what probably I got from Hollywood perceptions of what creative communities are like (I know I know lol) bear in mind - I didnt study arts and design so this kind of thing is a little out of my comfort zone even though I wanted to be in it? if that makes any sense haha i pictured it to be clusters of snobby clicky people who unless you were wearing something of a name or totally weird that you stood out - people would talk to you haha I am glad I was very wrong! 

Anyways I walk in - my guarded wall up - take my name tag, bottle of Antipodes water (posh for me) and some free coffee and grabbed a seat.  The first half hour was for connecting with people - but i was sooo nervous - i sat by myself looking at my phone and drinking my coffee way to fast.  However as the crowd settled in - I was able to bring my words together to coherently talk to my neighbour who to my comfort was exactly like me - her first talk to attend, something she had been putting off but decided to bite the bullet and come.

From here on in - there was stretching, dancing, laughter as well as the story telling of Sarah’s journeys (SewLove with Sarah Lancaster) in chasing what she loved to do.  I felt invigorated but also challenged to do more planning to really nut out what story I want FIKA to tell the world.

After the talk and some goodbyes, walking back to the car I encountered another attendee who was kind enough to share her umbrella with me and all though it flapped about in the blizzard (Auckland weather never fails to impress) and was only big enough for her - stories were being shared and i felt emancipated for a moment.  Attending this talk not only gave me something to think about - but i also felt for once i fit in.  I belong to many communities and groups, home, church, work and crossfit (dont hate lol) all of which i was comfortable in - however i didnt feel as confident - I know its my first talk but people got me - and unstood i wasnt a maven at what i did and were keen to know more.

Sitting back at the desk job - super excited for FIKA as well as working hard to make things come alive! Cannot wait :)

*that is my name tag that says “Thea” lol 

#fikathriftrethinkproject #sewlove #creativemornings #conqueringfears

[thisisfika-blog]

July Project up for Auction yay! msg me to bid or share on fb or Insta to help me raise money for "Key to Life" charity as the battle against Suicide #fikathriftrethinkproject #jamminjune #trihoodie #ktlcharity

#trihoodie #jamminjune #fikathriftrethinkproject #ktlcharity

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Yay! Just proof that you don't have to be in Auckland to help FIKA - my June champion Joziah from Windy Wellington has received his parcel - I think I got emotional seeing his face lit up like this x Heart full of gratitude right now - moments like these remind me why I started doing project :) all glory to you GOD! #fikathriftrethinkproject #joyousjune #repaidinfull #ihaveadreamcharitabletrust

#joyousjune #repaidinfull #fikathriftrethinkproject #ihaveadreamcharitabletrust

[thisisfika-blog]

Overcoming my own fears of inadequacy, having the faith that GOD will complete the good work in me has surely paid off. Putting into my 10,000 hours - so blessed to have someone who has the patience and the time to teach me after hours about the craft - also to share the love of the dream and see theirs too :) more to come on this soon! Notice they too have an inspiration/dream board too lol #FIKAupskill #10000hours #outliers #chasethedream #nomediocre

#10000hours #outliers #fikaupskill #nomediocre #chasethedream

[thisisfika-blog]

FRIDAY 29th JULY is when the latest project goes up for auction - all proceeds will go to KTL #keytolifecharitabletrust Big learnings with this jumper and taking photos at night but my trooper Maciano stuck through it with me (in the cold but he had fun lol) Please help me raise some funds for this awesome charity on Friday - 48hrs from 9am. Bid, Share and Like :) (at Silo Park)

#keytolifecharitabletrust

[thisisfika-blog]

Organising myself - an ongoing battle 

A couple of weeks back - I read a book about organising (KonMari method) and well my progress on it has been steadily improving - been some backward steps but my biggest triumph was something I had been putting off for a long time.

I was asked by someone whether I have a workshop I work from to do my projects - and well to be honest - I dont.  Im limited in space at home (house packed to capacity as you do in Pacific living lol) and my working space is pretty much the dining room table.  Also with limited cashflow - im running a tight ship haha 

I read this book with the intent to make myself some room so that I will have a little “workshop”.  I’ve pretty much have been on the rampage on to use what I have first then building on it.

I was able to cull my wardrobe down - I still intend to after summer comes back around - and I was able to repaint and patch up a wall in the room to start my dream and inspiration wall - I hope to slowly work my way around the room making more room for things.

Looking at these photos - I was quite proud - because I know where I’m going and I know these photos will stand as a testiment to the beginnings of FIKA.  

Next I hope to (I am very fortunate my father is an avid DIYer so he has tonnes of things to use around the house lol)

Build a portable sewing desk with the help of my awesome bro Freddy who doesnt know Ive enlisted his services lol

Paint more of the bedroom and put up more inspiring things

Cull more of the wardrobe I have and build shelves for clothes and extra bedding.

Find or build storage for materials for FIKA

Definately exciting times ahead - the more I work on building FIKA with what I got - the more I am convinced its not about the money - but about doing what I love to benefit others.  Dont get me wrong if I can make a profit its great - but even though I’m not making anything at the moment - the growing and giving aspects are far more rewarding than I could have imagined.

Stay curious guys - dont be mediocre

#fikathoughts fikathriftrethinkproject nomediocre fashion payitforward staycurious konmari organising sewing

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I try regularly to upskill for FIKA playing around with Photoshop - caught @guru_of_gainz yesterday multiplying himself during one of his quick but punishing workouts #nomediocre #FIKAupskill #crossfit #zealouscrossfit (at Zealous CrossFit)

#zealouscrossfit #fikaupskill #nomediocre #crossfit

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Blog Catchup: May Shapeshifter Top with Sweet Louise Charity

May was another successful remake of a tshirt dress into a dress top - this was bought by Manz for his lovely wife Jenny

Sweet Louise helps women diagnosed with Breast Cancer to enjoy life to the fullest!

#fikathriftrethinkproject magnificentmay shapeshiftertop sweetlouise

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June Project: The Boss Jersey

Just a catch up on the blog about my projects - last month was the boss sweater which was successful sold and 100% proceeds went straight to “I have a Dream” Charitable Trust - mentoring for disadvantaged kids from primary through to school finish - helping them live out their dreams!

Thanks Leka and her son Joziah for supporting this great cause!

#fikathriftrethinkproject #joyousjune Bossjersey

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For the first time I can kind of see my sewing is getting better than it was when I first started yay! I was impatient when I first started off, I had ideas that I just wanted instantly made - through the months my pieces I was happy with but a lot of the time - it didnt entirely look as accurate as I thought them up in my head and it did frustrate me - however I had to learn - and still learning that I have to be patient and practice more. Heres a short timelapse clip of me doing a bit of what I love - I cant say how many times I cracked up at this because I had no idea of my little habits while I concentrate haha Inspiring message behind my blabber - Never stop being curious :) Sidenote: Next week my June project is up for sale supporting the "I Have a Dream" Charitable Trust so help me help them lol #fikathriftrethinkproject #joyousjune #ihaveadreamcharitabletrust

#joyousjune #ihaveadreamcharitabletrust #fikathriftrethinkproject

[thisisfika-blog]

Another Love Poem

LOVE It's what we need in this world today. It has many definitions Mainly romanticised now. Stripped down to superficial. Expectation to be reciprocated But its not this kind That we need in this world today

LOVE It's what we need in this world today. It's become a cliche phrase now. Just words How? A lot of talk and no action.

LOVE Is an action too. Not buying things. It's a hug A visit It's being there. Present Wholeheartedly Regardless.

LOVE It's what we need in this world TODAY

#fikathoughts fikaoriginal healtheworld loveistheanswer

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I have now got a fully functional smartphone lol I am now playing catch up on my instagram and blog I thought itl be good to cover what FIKA has done in the last 6 months.  Looking back on it (and this doesnt even show behind the scenes) how awesome the journey has been so far and the different charities we have helped already :) from the donation of resources like the fabric and camera to the people and their time, the likes, shares and of course the bidding and purchasing haha.  Thankyou to all the supporters and followers I was able to stretch my creativity and be able to encourage giving in a time where the struggle is real - only God can work miracles like this :) Looking forward Im thinking - we gonna have another 6 pictures of garments and 6 more charities we are able to give to.  Key word "We" not "I" Follow me >> @thisisfika  #fikathriftrethinkproject #halfwaymark #payitforward  #thankyou

#halfwaymark #thankyou #payitforward #fikathriftrethinkproject

[thisisfika-blog]

FIKA THANKYOUS for APRIL

I made a very rookie mistake in not checking whether I had saved my photos and I deleted a nice photo of my models in May for my thank you note lol however I want to say a MASSIVE THANKYOU to Joey and Erykah for following me on this journey and doing what I told them to do - also thank you Nari - Joeys lil sis who came along and was my tshirt model in a previous post. I could never get things done without people such as yourselves helping me (and for a chocolate shake & love! lol). Thankyou for trusting me xx your photos helped me sell the project and for that I am also grateful

Also shout out to Ranui Library and Cafe Korero (Old Tea Tree Cafe in Ranui) for letting us take photos at their premises - check em out next time you in the hood lol

#‪‎faafetai‬ ‪‎fikathriftrethinkproject‬

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April came and went!

Unfortunately due to my lack of time - I could only update my facebook page regularly but will get on top of it :)

Anyways, wow a lot of learnings in terms of not only being blessed with more resources (and to learn how to use them ie. Camera lol) but I was blessed with awesome models as well - very camera shy but we cracked out some awesome pics in the end

My idea evolved from solely focussing on Erykah - young teenage girl - to incorporating my close friend Joey simply because I heard the cry from my audience that I was making small sizes.  

My first priority is to raise some funds for our charities - so it only seemed natural to make something that was a one size fits all :)

It was an easier garment to work than the previous so it might make another show later on in the year :) especially when coming up to the summery months :)

May has now begun and I’m superstoked for it especially because my motto for FIKA really is to “use what you got and love what you have”.  My muses or models style themselves really - i dont do the styling because at the end of the day - its how the buyer will want to wear it :)

Stay tuned yay!!

#fikathriftrethinkproject #astoundingapril

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Wisdom Wednesday: Its not about the timing, its about getting there.

Digging through my old twitter account (it told me it was being hacked even tho i aint use it in like 4 years lol) I found this post it was about 3 years ago - where FIKA was in the mind. I made this one dress and then didnt really touch sewing again until the beginning of this year. Why? well I used to think I was too busy and I was busy unnecessarily but now I see if it had started any earlier - I probably wouldnt have appreciated the process I'm going through now back then.

Because things are going super well with FIKA - sometimes I get too excited and try to rush the process - but I have to bring it back down and just enjoy where I am at - enjoy the process

So trust in His timing. You may feel you aint going anywhere in your grind - but it will happen when it is supposed to smile emoticon and youll get to where you want to be

Have a fantastic day people!

#‪‎wisdomwednesdays‬ ‪‎fikathoughts‬ ‪‎trusttheprocess‬ ‪‎fikathrowbacks‬‪ ‎historyinthemaking‬