At 55, many would think that I would be pondering retirement, winding down, mellowing my pace, but for me there has been a dream that has been burning deep within. Now it is becoming a reality. As a young girl, I longed for Sunday and "The Wonderful World of Disney." "Uncle Walt" would come on the screen and take us (me) on personal tours of his world. I wanted to draw for him but being a poor girl in a large family headed by an abusive father, all I could do was dream of surviving and leaving. Then at 19, found myself pregnant and alone.
I made the choice to become a mother. My focus from then on was taking care of my little girl, so I worked odd jobs until at 33 I married a man who saw gifts in me and encouraged me to go to college to pursue my lifelong dream of working in the entertainment industry. Our gifts will make a way for us but I had no idea what that would mean. So as I have begun to build Studio Kinate into the largest woman owned animation studio, located in Northern Virginia, I have encountered the most amazing family of artists, animators and creators in the industry. This blog will be about my journey. I will share with you the ups and downs in hope that you will gain courage to pursue your dream.
Charlotte, this is Andy. I missed your visit to the University last week, but I've been wanting to tell you for awhile that I have great admiration for you.
ReplyDeleteYou hired me into the Media Lab with more enthusiasm than I had for myself, and your leadership was only a series of positive leaps as we all came to face increasingly difficult odds. I changed for the better having worked at that mysterious little production studio, as did I think all of us who came through there. You have a talent for bringing out the best in people, I've noticed -- and as rare and underrated that is in most workplaces, I have more than a feeling that this is what the unique culture of Studio Kinate will be known for.
If anyone is going to turn your dream into reality, I would be hard-pressed to even suggest it could be anyone aside from you.
Andy, we are all diamonds in the rough. Thank you...
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful Charlotte. I truly admire you. I know you will be successful in your reaching your goals. I'll be cheering for you along the way!
ReplyDeleteKatrina