Grow With: Mistura
Name: Mistura
Gifted: Founder/ Designer for Misemi
Website: www.misemi.co.uk/
IG handle: @designsbymisemi
Three words to describe how you’re feeling right now:
Anxious, Grateful, Content.
How are you being mindful of your health in this season?
Emotionally: I try to stay in contact with my friends and loved ones as much as I can. Whilst in lockdown it is quite easy to shut off and go into your own world but I think, for me anyway, staying connected helps me to realise you’re not going through this hard time alone.
Physically: I’m trying to do at home workout 2-3 times a week and taking walks when I need a break from being inside the house. This also helps mentally; if I feel like I'm not having a good mental health day, a walk usually helps a little. I also have tried to up my Vitamin C intake, to take more multivitamins and, on the whole, try to eat better and drink more water. Side note: Lemon & Green Tea and Kombucha have become my absolute favourite drinks!
Mentally: At the start of the lockdown I was super cautious of not sinking into some triggering habits that affect my mental health. So I have tried to adopt some better practices so my mental health doesn’t deteriorate. I try to use Headspace to fall asleep when my anxiety skyrockets at night. I sometimes use the morning meditations on Headspace along with my morning devotion; it's great for putting you in the right mood for the rest of your day. I also try to read a chapter of a book a day and set myself mini goals for the day which helps me feel more structured even when things are so crazy.
How have you and your circle been impacted by COVID-19?
Directly I have a few friends who have been ill due to COVID-19, but have since recovered.
Many of my friends aren’t working jobs where they can work from home so have either lost their job or been furloughed which creates so much anxiety and stress. On top of dealing with being in lockdown, I know this is taking a toll on more than a few peoples’ mental health, without even having to even physically battle with having the virus. I feel that everyone has been impacted, either a friend of a friend or someone on your street or in your wider family who may have been infected or knows someone who has.
How has your work-education-life been affected so far?
The shops where Misemi is stocked have both closed which has meant I’ve lost that stream of income which supports the money used for my business and pays for my studio and Misemi expenses. I have been furloughed from my part-time job, luckily I am still getting most of my monthly salary which I feel super grateful for. I know others have been in really horrible situations where they’ve been left with no salary and it’s been really difficult for them to sort out Universal credit. A bit closer to home, my sister is in her last year of Uni, and she still has to submit her assignments like everything’s normal when there’s a whole pandemic happening. I think it’s really sad that she’s been through so much with Uni and may not even get to have a proper graduation.
When you’ve been outside, what’s your experience been like?
It’s a surreal feeling because you go outside to escape being locked up inside but everything is different. Obviously social distancing you’re on alert when you're outside to make sure you’re not touching your face and staying away from people; it’s a bit strange.
What’s keeping you in a positive state of mind in this uncertain time?
Knowing that there is light at the end of all this, life will go back to some form of normality. It’s just a matter of time.
How are you channelling your creativity in this season?
I’m using this time to think about ways I can adapt my business to everything going on, such as focusing my energy on e-commerce, future collections, content for social media such as blog posts, videos etc. Through this, I started an IGTV series called ‘Self - Isewlation’ where I video how some Misemi pieces are made from my makeshift home studio. This has been really good because people get a personal insight into how Misemi pieces are made and lets me think of creative ways to make new pieces out of existing fabric.
What are you grateful for in this season?
I’m grateful for so many things, situations like this makes you grateful for a lot of ‘small’ things which are easily taken for granted. I’m grateful for my family, having a roof over my head and food to eat. I’m grateful to have my business Misemi, even though it stresses me out it also provides me with happiness and keeps me somewhat sane.
What world are you moving towards in this season?
Psalm 91 for sure and I try to remember Jeremiah 29:11: ‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” If you’re not religious but like having an affirmation to say this is one I like to say when I feel a bit overwhelmed: “I have hope, I will not give up, It will happen”.
For people staying at home right now, any suggestions?
Listen to: Soulection Radio on Soundcloud
Watch: ‘Money Heist’ on Netflix
