Sometimes, our big breaks come when we least expect them. You could be going through the worst time in your life and still find a way back to life and happiness. Anna Sagan is an example of how people can rise beyond their unpleasant situations to become happier with their lives.
Sagan’s Rediscovery Journey
In 2020, when the Covid 19 pandemic was at its worst, many people lost their jobs and livelihoods and had to figure out ways to survive through life. 33-year-old Anna Sagan from Los Angeles was not spared either. The then marketing consultant lost her job and had to make the difficult decision to move home from Chicago to Fayetteville in Arkansas. While living in her parent’s house, Sagan discovered her late grandpa’s tools in the garage. She decided that since she did not have a job, she would keep her mind busy fixing things around the house. Sagan started refurbishing old furniture at home and making wine racks for her friends and family. In her effort to stay busy, Sagan discovered wood art, which has been her passion since then.
She hopes that she can encourage and inspire people with her work. Sagan says that wood art has healing stories and life lessons that she would love to share with the world. She also wants to honor her late grandpa Bill Barta, who she says is a man who left behind his tools and not his spirit.
How Does Sagan Work Around a Project?
Sagan says that she is extremely ADHD, but nothing can stop her once she sets her mind to work on a project. When she is in the woodshop creating something, time passes, and she becomes tunnel-focused. Her mind works tirelessly to finish a project, and she never stops until she has created a masterpiece. When working on larger projects, Sagan likes to use mood boards so that her end goal or vision is always in sight in front of her. She says she does this because she needs that visual reminder to stay aligned and focused. Otherwise, her mind can get distracted.
Sagan says that she has no problem waking up at 4.30 am to start a project, as long as she creates something beautiful. She is deeply motivated by comments from her friends and clients about her work. She says that the looks and sounds of admiration push her to become better at her career.
Does Sagan Have Any Life Outside Woodwork?
When asked this question, Sagan had this to say, “I’m a big fan of wine. I geek out on trying new varietals and discovering new regions and wine-making methods. It’s truly an art form that I feel people find intimidating because of the industry and false perceptions that our culture has taught us about it.”
Sagan says that while the woodwork is a great experience for her, almost like a rebirth, getting involved in other arts such as wine tasting is a great way to unwind. It also helps to keep her artistic instincts alive.
Common Myths About the Wood Work Career
Sagan says she has also suffered from the misconception that woodwork is a simple skill that doesn’t require hard work. She says she only realized how challenging the career was until she got into it. Woodwork requires the same amount of patience and persistence that not everyone has the mental capacity to do. She says that even though she has become accustomed to the career, there are times she doubts herself and her ability to complete a project.
Source of Inspiration
Sagan’s most significant source of inspiration is Marie Forleo, the author of “Everything is Figuratable.” The book helped her breakthrough a mindset limiting her from pursuing her dreams. She says that the biggest lesson she has learned in her career is that it is never about how much money a person brings home or what other people think you should be doing. The most important thing is for a person to be doing the one thing that brings them happiness, peace, and fulfillment.
Biggest Challenge At Work
Sagan says that it is very disappointing to say that her femininity is the biggest challenge around her career. Being a woman somehow limits her from achieving career achievements for herself. She says that at one time, when she was working with a woodwork company, one of the men asked her if she was the cleaning lady because he could not envision a woman doing woodwork.
Sagan has missed out on numerous opportunities because people think that a woman is not good enough to be working in the industry. She recalls a time when she lost her job because she was a distraction to her colleagues. This was not because she did anything intentionally or was indecently dressed. It was just because she was a woman.
If you would like to get in touch with Sagan for inspiration or buy from her, reach her on her blog, website, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.