To Thine Own Self Be True
“To Thine Own Self Be True”
~Shakespeare, Hamlet
I remember the day we met in two very specific details… color and light. The vibrant, rich tones of her store were what initially drew me in. With vintage Guatemalan textiles crafted into glorious bags hanging on every wall, I felt like I was standing inside of a rainbow. But the reason why I keep going back, and call Catherine a close friend to this day, is the light. Sure, the floor to ceiling windows at Bonhomia Designs let in a lot of sunshine. But the real light glows from Catherine herself. She literally shines. Catherine emanates warm, loving beams of joy and truth. You cannot help but to feel instantly better when you are around her. She is such a gift.
Owning a small business is no joke. I had literally no idea what I was getting myself into when I left “stability” and branched out on my own. And I think that is a good thing. If I had ANY clue how hard it would be, I wouldn’t have taken that first step. I owe my success to three things… my intuition, my integrity, and my faith. I think Catherine would say the same thing about her success, too. It is one of the gazillion reasons why I love her… she follows her gut unabashedly and without waiver. She is true to herself and her vision, which in turn benefits everyone around her. If I have said it once I’ve said it a thousand times, our only job as singular humans is to stay in alignment with our own unique truth, which ultimately is the best for all other humans we encounter. Catherine lives and breathes this mantra on the daily. I think it is the only way she knows how to live. And on the days when I waiver, I can look to her for inspiration. I know that the feeling is mutual.
Over the years I have known and loved Catherine, we have supported each other’s businesses. I own at least three Bonhomia bags, my partner Peter has three guitar straps, and I have gifted Bonhomia to multiple family members. Catherine, in turn, has invested in art and art classes from me. But more than the financial reciprocity, we support each other with joy. About eight months ago she gifted me with an incredible textile from Guatemala that reminded her of me. I was so incredibly touched, and the piece was stunning. She was right, it was perfect for me, and to be thought of in that way warmed my heart. Earlier this week when I was trying to decide what to create, the thought of painting Catherine filled me with almost as much joy as being in her presence. I finished the piece above on Wednesday and gave it to her yesterday. When I look at this picture of Catherine, I see that familiar glow I love so much. I feel her truth, and my heart is filled with sunshine.
The full Shakespeare quote above, from Hamlet, is this:
”This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
Be true to you, and you can’t help but show others complete truth. Thank you, Catherine, for shining and following your own unique light.
