I get all types of questions about who the Violets are, what they do and more recently, why did I become part of this? So, here’s my story.
Last fall I began searching online for groups/volunteer opportunities I could be involved in when I made my move to Spokane. Nothing I found seemed to fit into who I was or what I wanted to do. I googled Spokane S on accident and came across this very page. I was intrigued. At this time, there was no weekly blogger on this website, just some information and a few links, etc. I quickly discovered that the Violets were also on facebook and I immediately friended them. I posted that I wanted to be a part of this when I moved to Spokane. I never thought anyone would take the time out to reply to me, but they did! Our founder, Mariah McKay took the time out to let me know she was happy to meet with me and invited me to come to their monthly ‘Ladies Who Lunch.’ After that, many people commented on my post and I felt friendships starting to form.
Then, I moved here and was overcome with depression about not finding a job. I didn’t leave the house. I forgot about the Violets. I just marinated in my misery.
One summer day I noticed an invitation on my facebook to attend the writer’s group. Since I love to write but have no idea what I’m doing (just do it for fun) I thought, what the hell, why not go? That first meeting was at the Coffee Social (now closed) and met a smiling group of men and women of all ages and for once, that summer was happy! We did a bunch of writing exercises and everyone was so kind and creative. So here was all the fun, funky mix of people I was searching for! I became a regular at the group. The best thing about this group is the non judgment if you can’t make it to a meeting. I even came to a meeting once but had writers block so bad I almost pulled my eyelashes out and left early and still they were cool to me! I also got the huevos to begin a novel, and no one laughed at it, at least not to my face (thanks writing group)!
I have never been able to make it to a Ladies Who Lunch. I will though, hopefully. I do make it to most of the board meetings and I will begin going to the book club meetings now that I have a handle on grad school. I am very interested in the music and wine nights but I haven’t made it there either. But my point is though, the times I can make it, I feel like part of something important. I am really wanting to start a craft group and I’ve heard some interest in this from others so hopefully I can fit this in with grad school and work!
But through all of this, I got the opportunity to write this weekly blog. You might have noticed last week I wasn’t blogging! That’s another great story, I spoke with an AMAZING consultant over the phone before last fall about a possible job with Andrea Estes. She spoke to me for over a hour about her experiences and opening of her new business. She didn’t have any openings for hire, but she promised to keep me in mind. Who would’ve thunk it that at one of the Violet’s planning meetings, I sit across from this cute chick and while I’m admiring her hair, I can’t help but think to myself, Andrea Estes, I KNOW that name from somewhere! Then click. She was the consultant I spoke with 8 months ago! I introduced myself and she remembered me. She even kept her word and had me work at her first local conference in Spokane! It was a huge success and so many attendees told me how wonderful she was and how great the conference was. I can’t count how many people told me Spokane needed something like this and the conference was, in fact, the best they had ever attended. I would have to agree! I’ve helped out at countless conferences and never have I seen so many smiling faces. I’m proud of her as a Violet, friend and business owner.
So that’s my Violet story. I encourage you to check out our info sheet, check out or facebook and ask as many questions you want. You should start by either coming to one of the lunches or attending one of the groups. There is NO, I repeat NOOOOOOOOOOO age limit and we don’t care if you are a dude. We just want a community involved. Maybe I will see you there!