How it all began
Hey 👋 I’m Helen from Palette and Pop. I was an Art Teacher for over 20 years working in a variety of settings in the north-east of England.
Although I had many happy years as a Teacher and met some wonderful students my job was making me very unhappy.
It wasn’t the Art or the teaching. That was what I loved. It was the politics the way people were treated and the constant demands which can never fully be met, the changing goal posts and the system which almost broke me. It got to a point where I felt very down and I just wasn’t myself anymore.
It was a very stressful and tough time personally for me. I knew I wanted to work somewhere I felt appreciated and valued. I wanted to be treated in way I would treat others...I decided I wasn’t gonna let a job sink me...so I had a discussion with family and friends and decided to set up Palette and Pop.
There was more to come....my father who I adored fell ill and then passed away 😔 😪. I sunk again lower 💔 and it didn’t pass for a while. I had discussed how unhappy I was at work with my Dad, when he was well. I told him I didn’t want to teach anymore, at least not in a school. He said, “he didn’t blame me,” my Dad’s advice was always massively important to me. I still didn’t know what to do. I had a regular income, a routine I knew and all those holiday!! But I was very unhappy.
After my Dad passed away and through the grief a glimmer of hope returned and with friends and families encouragement I made the decision to leave my job. It was scary, frightening, unnerving but the right thing for me to do. I now look back and think it was the best decision I ever made. I am so much happier and can now see how I can pursue my passion for Art and Crafting whilst making it my job. I am very grateful for everyone who supports me in whatever way that is.
Thank you
Helen
"I loved my first palette and pop event, will definitely come to more events. Helen is amazing and I loved the extra touches like the sunglasses and nibbles. The price is good value, the venue easy to find, clean and bright. Very enjoyable. Excellent tuition, very clear instructions, good pace. I enjoyed learning a new skill. It was better than I expected. Helen you were amazing!"