Blog - September 20, 2024
Volunteering at Leicester’s First-Ever Textile Festival
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone: My Journey at the Leicester Textile Festival A Quiet Voice Taking a Leap
I’ve always been the kind of person who prefers the comfort of solitude over the bustle of social gatherings. The idea of putting myself out there, especially in a creative capacity, has always been both alluring and terrifying. So when my brother sent me a screenshot of a Facebook post looking for volunteers at the Leicester Textile Festival, my initial reaction was a mix of excitement and anxiety.
As a fashion enthusiast, the opportunity to be part of such a creative event was something I couldn’t ignore. But the thought of reaching out, of possibly not fitting in, of facing unfamiliar faces, stirred up all my insecurities. Would I make a fool of myself? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully? These questions circled in my mind, but there was a small voice inside pushing me to give it a try.
The Hesitant Reach Out
Gathering my courage, I emailed John Coaster, the media personality managing the festival. Days passed without a response, and with each day, my doubts grew stronger. I started to think that maybe this wasn’t meant to be, that perhaps I was foolish for trying.
But then, to my surprise, John replied and invited me to a Zoom meeting. The meeting itself was awkward—the audio didn’t work at first, and I stumbled over my words. I felt exposed and out of my depth. But John was patient and kind, and by the end of our conversation, I felt a flicker of hope. He said it would be a great opportunity for me to meet artists and organizations, and I was relieved that he saw potential in me.
Stepping Into the Unknown
Attending the meeting with John and the other volunteers was daunting. I was nervous about meeting new people and worried about saying the wrong thing. I even brought a friend along for support, and she ended up volunteering too. We discussed plans for the festival and toured the venue. Despite my nerves, there was a part of me that was genuinely excited.
I was assigned to help decorate the venue and to be present during the event to talk to visitors. The idea of interacting with strangers scared me, but I also felt a tiny spark of anticipation. Maybe this was my chance to step out of my shell.
Preparing to Share My Work
I decided to showcase two of my university projects:
- A dress made from recycled curtains, highlighting sustainability.
- Two pieces crafted from crushed velvet and recycled denim, experimenting with textures and materials.
As I prepared my pieces, I couldn’t shake the feeling that they weren’t good enough. I worried that they wouldn’t be well-received, that they would look out of place among other artists’ works.
The Day of the Festival
The festival day arrived, a bright summer day that seemed to mock my gloomy mood. I was anxious and considered backing out more than once. But I pushed myself to go.
Setting up was challenging—not all the volunteers showed up on time, so there were only a few of us to handle everything. I felt overwhelmed and out of my depth, but there was no turning back now.
As the event started, I stood by my displays, fidgeting and avoiding eye contact. To my surprise, people began to approach. They asked about my work, complimented my designs, and seemed genuinely interested. I was taken aback and didn’t know how to respond at first. Their kindness and interest slowly eased my anxiety.
Meeting Anton
One of the first people I met was Anton Levy Amoo, a local artist known for painting on shirts and jackets. He was friendly and approachable, and we ended up talking about our work. He showed me his pieces—face paintings on thrifted clothes—that were both creative and environmentally conscious. His passion was infectious, and I found myself opening up more than I usually would.
Reflecting on the Experience
By the end of the day, I was exhausted but also strangely content. The experience had been challenging, but it also felt rewarding. For someone like me, who struggles with social anxiety and self-doubt, this was a significant step.
I realized that:
- Sharing my work wasn’t as terrifying as I imagined.
- People were kinder and more interested than I gave them credit for.
- Pushing myself to engage, even when it was uncomfortable, led to meaningful interactions.
I’m still processing how this experience will influence my future projects. I’m considering ways to incorporate what I’ve learned, both personally and creatively.
A Quiet Triumph
I don’t have grand conclusions or life-changing advice. I’m still the same reserved person, but now I carry with me the knowledge that I can step out of my comfort zone and survive—even enjoy—the experience. It’s a small victory, but it’s mine.
admin
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