Peace be upon you , everyone!
My name is Tiah Algalarrondo, and I’m a proud neurodivergent textile artist, blogger, and small business owner.
I wear many hats in my day-to-day life, to mention some : director, founder, and tutor at The Arty-Crafty Crescent Club CIC.
As someone with both autism and ADHD, my journey in the arts and community work has been an incredibly unique and fulfilling experience. However, like many others, I often find myself battling impostor syndrome—a challenge that frequently creeps up in my life.
Impostor Syndrome: The Silent Saboteur
Impostor syndrome is something I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember. Despite the accomplishments I’ve achieved and the positive impact I’ve had on my community, there’s a persistent voice in my head telling me that what I do isn’t anything special—that anyone could do it. This inner critic often holds me back, making me hesitant to ask for more, whether it’s financial compensation, recognition, or even just acknowledgment of the value I bring to the table.
But here’s the truth: what I do *is* special.
It took me a while to realize that the unique blend of skills, creativity, and empathy I bring to my work isn’t something just anyone can replicate. The workshops I conduct, the art I create, and the joy I bring to others are products of my own hard work, dedication, and a deep-seated passion for making a difference.
ADHD and the Gift of Multitasking
Another aspect of my neurodivergent experience is ADHD, which, while challenging, also blesses me with a wide range of interests and activities. My mind is always buzzing with new ideas, and I love diving into various creative projects. This versatility has allowed me to explore everything from textile arts to community workshops, and now, I’m even considering venturing into face painting!
Recently, I’ve gained some valuable knowledge about the hourly rates for face painting, which had previously piqued my interest in potentially adding this to my repertoire, because I saw there was a high demand for it.
As someone who thrives on creativity and bringing joy to others, face painting seems like a natural fit for me. It’s another way I can engage with my community, especially the little ones, and continue to spread happiness through art.
A Moment of Clarity: The Lady with Priceless Advice
During the Battersea Community Festival, I had an unexpected but deeply meaningful interaction with a lady who works for the council. She visited my stall, where I was offering my art and craft activities for free, and took the time to observe what I was doing. After a while, I approached her with a warm smile and she offered me some advice. Naturally, I was all ears.
She complimented the quality of the activities I was providing and told me that, in her professional opinion, the value of my work was far greater than the fee I had been asked to paid for my shop stall. In fact, she encouraged me to think carefully about the hourly rate I was charging (or rather, not charging) for my workshops and activities. She emphasized that the joy, creativity, and skill I was bringing to the community were worth much more than I had realized.
Her words struck a chord with me. It was a powerful reminder that, while I am passionate about giving back and making a difference, it’s also important to value my own work appropriately. The knowledge she shared with me has been invaluable and is something I will carry with me as I continue to develop my business and community initiatives.
The Balancing Act: Passion vs. Profit
One of the challenges I face, which many creatives can relate to, is balancing my passion for helping others with the need to sustain myself financially. I absolutely love what I do, and I’m committed to making a positive impact in my community. However, as with any business, there’s the practical side of things—earning an income to keep my community interest company running.
I’ve come to realize that it’s okay to seek fair compensation for my work. My efforts and the value I bring to my community are worth it. The joy and smiles I see on the faces of those who participate in my workshops are priceless, but I also need to ensure that I can continue doing what I love without burning out or struggling financially.
Moving Forward
As I move forward, I’m determined to push past the impostor syndrome that has held me back for so long. I will continue to explore new creative avenues, like face painting, and strive to build a sustainable business model that allows me to keep giving back to my community. After all, it’s not just about the money—it’s about creating a lasting impact and building something meaningful that can continue to grow and flourish.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my story resonates with others who might be facing similar struggles. Remember, what you do is unique and valuable, and it’s okay to acknowledge your worth. Let’s keep creating, keep sharing, and most importantly, keep believing in ourselves.
If you’d like to connect with me or learn more about my work, feel free to scan the QR code in the image above, which will take you to my Linktree with all my relevant links.
Until next time, keep crafting and stay inspired!
Warm regards,
Tiah Algalarrondo
The Arty-Crafty Crescent Club CIC
If you want to make a donation for our clubs you can when booking for events on Eventbrite (fee involved) or by PayPal .
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