Denise Graef
I move forward. I do not allow fear to paralyze me - Denise
What did you daydream about when you were a kid?
Dancing, swimming with whales, wondering what sharks see and think in the ocean, Michael Jackson.
What is your favorite thing about your studio or workspace?
I would have to say the equipment and the light that comes in the front windows.
What have been some of the greatest challenges in your career?
My greatest challenges have been how much should I do? What is too much? How can I help as many as possible without getting mentally drained?
What does success mean to you?
Being good to myself and helping others achieve something they didn't know was possible.
How do you deal with self doubt or insecurity?
I move forward. I do not allow fear to paralyze me. Sometimes it takes several deep breaths and talking it through to someone I trust. I also remember what a short, precious time we all have on this earth. I also remember that comparison (insecurity in infancy) is the thief of joy.
Who or What inspires you?
Truth. My husband. My children. My clients. Education.
What advice has been the most helpful in your life?
Stay thankful. Get back up every time you get knocked down. Rest but don't quit.
Tell me about a failure that you learned from?
Failure...hard word. What does it mean?
To me, failure is an experiment that didn't work. In turn the failed experiment gets me closer to success. To be specific for the sake of this question, I hid the fact that I was sick from RA for many years after I had re-learned to walk and move.
I hid it from the world! I was ashamed! That, to me, was a failure (or experiment that didn't work).
I realized later that I had condemned myself for being ill. I had judged myself and thought less of myself for something I had no control over.
BIG FAILURE.
I learned to turn that off and I was then able to help so many more people...including myself.
Tell Me - Why you do What you do?
I do what I do because I am thankful. I do what I do because I love. I do what I do because in my heart of hearts I believe it's what I am called to do.
Do you have a favorite song, book or quote that motivates you?
"It's not whether you get knocked down, It's whether you get up" - Vince Lombardi
Name 1 or 2 women who you admire?
My grandmother, my mom.
If you could look back and give yourself some advice as you were starting out, what would it be?
Go ahead and go for it. Don't sit on the idea, execute it. If you stumble, flub, feel awkward, fail, then good on you.
It's growth, it's experience. Everyone has to start a beginner.
What one piece of advice would you give to young girls who are trying to navigate their future?
Haha! Read above! and I will add, get a mentor, someone you admire and trust. Learn to recognize wisdom when you hear/see it. That's more than one.
