The 37th Friday Four
Thanks for catching up with the Friday Four series, simply the 4 weekly highlights from behind the scenes at Tura Lura Co. in West Branch.
Let’s get into it!
This week I got to participate and help lead conversations about Leadership Lessons. Specifically about knowing yourself, listening to understand, working with others, and strategic planning. I love having this conversation with students I teach, and every time I help with these conversations I end up doing some reflection on myself. We are almost in the last stretch of 2024 and I have been thinking a lot about what 2025 is going to look like, feel like, and the impact I can make. Some big questions to ponder, as I eagerly look to order my 2025 paper planner so I can doodle in my goals... Am I the only one who starts looking at planners 4 months early? Probably.
Speaking of strategic planning and paper planners, I have been knee deep in learning and doing things through the accelerator program I got into for Tura Lura Co. The program is an intense 12 weeks with a cohort of peers, so I have been super motivated to work through all the tasks! Luckily this week has been a light week at the studio, so every free minute I have for Tura Lura Co. has been behind the scenes just doing the invisible things. I say it’s invisible because it’s not really the Instagramable moments, ya know the early morning and staying up late in my pajamas. The glare of the computer screen. The white board with scribbles and question marks. It’s tough and necessary work to help keep the studio lights on. But it’s not really showing up in my stories on social media. Because is that interesting and aesthetically pleasing? Analytics would tell me no. What do you think?
At this point you are probably wondering how the heck this leadership talk is tied to making fall candles. Let me help bridge the gap. I am a firm believer that everyone is a teacher and everyone is a learner. Every person has the capacity to lead. I think when we challenge ourselves to try new things, appreciate new perspectives, and listen to understand - that we can learn a lot in the process and get more resilient. Making candles and creative classes is just a simple way to flex that muscle. Want to be a more adaptable leader? Put yourself in a room where you are a beginner. Want to be a more empathetic leader? Sit next to someone you don’t know (and may never talk to in your daily life) then ask them questions and truly listen. Want to gain confidence as a leader? Try and fail, then learn and try again. Basically, making candles is a way to flex your leadership muscles friends.
Ok, so the real reason you are here. The studio! Fall has a few events I should mention. The next open class is Candle Pour Bar where we can dive into the fall and early winter smells. Plus Perfume Pour Bar in Iowa City at the Green House in Iowa City! And a special Candle Pour Bar at the Vue in November… oh my goodness. Fall is going to be busy and wonderful! I’d love to see you join a class! Check out the full class calendar here.
Happy Friday! Thanks for listening to my TED talk.
Erika
