Tuesday 1 May 2012

A question of age

    Age, for some reason, has always been a problem for me regarding my business. While most people see it as an amazingly positive thing that i am so young, there have obviously been people who either see it as a negative or as a reason to take advantage of me.
 
Like i said, this has always been a problem since i started my business but up until now i haven't mentioned it, mainly because i find people's ignorance quite amusing. Personally i do not see my age as a weakness, yes it is an obstacle(especially when i started) but the great thing about obstacles is you can walk around them or simply  put them away in a cupboard or the attic and not think about them again. I have never intended for my age to stand in my way or burden me, in fact i do not even think to myself  'oh no i'm only 18 maybe i should go to university and wait until i'm practically a pensioner to start my life'  i find people who do that crazy; my age or qualifications do not define who i am or what i am capable of.
   
People think they can talk down to me or treat me like a child just because i'm young. Being 18 doesn't make me an idiot or naive, if i were i definitely would not have my business right now i would be in school or at least working for another company. The fact that i was able to make the decision to leave my office because it was wasting valuable money, even though i knew on the surface it would look like i was taking a giant step backwards to everyone who knew, should be able to show my level of maturity. If not that, my ability to not scream at/kill someone who is talking to me like i am a bad student in the headteachers office and not the adult business women being highly cooperative to her landlady. The only reason i don't argue with people like this is because arguing makes me look immature and petty, so when i leave i just feel like i've been told off and want to kill something/ hibernate for 10 years.
   
Just because i'm 18 doesn't mean i'm going to accept everything people tell me about my business. Even when people talk to me like i'm beneath them it doesn't mean i'm going to accept what they're saying, especially when i know they're wrong. And even when i'm not certain they're wrong there's google to confirm that they are indeed wrong. i don't need to be 50 to know when someone's using me.

Just thought i'd have a little rant about some disgustingly rude, ignorant vultures. One in particular.

Have a nice day,
Lily♥

36 comments:

  1. Lily, I knew you were young but had no idea how young. Wow - so impressive that you have accomplished so much! Talent, business sense, intelligence - they all have nothing to do with age. Honey you have them all! Don't listen to naysayers - hang out and onto positive people only. You are destined for greatness!!!!

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  2. Oh and another point. I guess you would say I am old and people do the same thing with me - they think that since I am over 50 that I can't be fun, creative, or have an innovative thought in my head. Seriously, you have to just ignore ignorance and closed minded people. Inside I am the same age as you!!!! LOL!

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  3. That's just crazy! I've always thought MORE of you because of your younger age, not less! I think what you do is great -- you've found something you love to do and are great at, why would you need to do anything else at this point in your life? I guess jealousy in others has some crazy ways of showing up. I love what you do and wish you nothing but the best! :)

    Luvs and huggles,
    Annie Rose

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  4. Age is as immaterial as race, sex, religion or anything else that "labels" you. As long as you can do what you enjoy without intentionally hurting anyone, then go for it - with bells on!!!!! I don't believe there's a set path for anyone and you should go with what makes you happy for as long as you want to. I hope you continue to enjoy success in your ventures :)

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  5. OK so you've had your rant now get creating..............there are a lot of jealous people out in the world...........forget them

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  6. You should be very proud of what you have done. When I saw that you were 18 I showed my daughter(15)that you could do anything you set your mind to do. You inspire me!! You can always go after your dreams no matter what age.

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  7. I just found your site for the first time tonight - and I don't care how old you are, your drawings are fantastic and I'm so thankful I found you! Stay strong and keep following your passion.

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  9. Loved your rant, Lily...this can happen at any time in anyone's life, over and over again. And, sorry to say, it will. Glad you've moved on/out of the office and are ready to get back to creativity. Love your work, you are unique and I wish you well. ps. here's the extent of my talent... :)
    Vicki B in Western New York,US

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  10. Lily, there is no denying you have drive and a head for business. You know what you want, and you'll do what you feel is right. Whoever has made you feel like this is just jealous of what you've already achieved, and that you still have your whole life ahead of you. What you have done so far is remarkable, everyone should be immensely proud of you. Don't let this 'particular' problem stop you in your tracks, brush it off, and keep pushing for what you want. You're a real entrepreneur Lily, no one can stop you, eat them up! Turn them into a monster and make a rubber stamp of them, and sell millions! Michelle x

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  11. at age of 18, its a big WOW and amazing!! you are soo creative and talented, that's why i admire you and stalk your beautiful blog.. i love your creations and uniqueness :) do what your heart wants and what makes you happy as long you didn't hurt anybody.. forget the jealous people and continue to amaze us.. :)

    muah!! franzesjoi

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  12. You're 18 and you have your own business?
    I did not know your age, but if you admired your work, now I admire you more ...
    I think a lot of courage!
    My sincere congratulations and keep fighting for your dreams!
    Kisses.

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  13. Lily hun, its quality not quantity (..in years with this one!!) and girl you have quality in abundance so you just keep being you and rant away hun, thats what we are all here for.
    You are awesome.
    Huge hugs Lou xxxx

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  14. Oh Lily, You are so wonderful, I know I'm your mum but you are SO amazing! You know I support everything you do and those bad experiences you've had can only make you stronger and more determined. You've proved those teachers were wrong and the only thing I can say about your landlady is if she talks like an arsehole and looks like an arsehole she's an arsehole.
    Reading these comments just shows how much love and support you have out there, it's made me cry. You were born to be an artist and you are a wonderful, amazing, kookie girl who i'm totally and utterfly proud of!

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  15. Lily. I've never seen this side of you before!!! Take no notice of people like that. It will happen to you all your life. It happens to me. I just think They are nobodies. Just keep on doing what you are doing. I think what you are planning for your next 'Office' is much more you anyway. You don't fit into a boring office. Anyway who wants to be grown up. I love you just the way you are. Don't Change.

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  16. Lily, I loved your work, now I know your age, I love your work and am so FULL of respect for you. I agree utterly with your mum (and I'm a teacher) There are arseholes in every walk of life... age doesn't matter, but as you say, obstacles are made to walk around... you have already accomplished more than most people ever dare to dream of. Dream BIG Lily Chivers... and then dream BIGGER. My 14 year old arty daughter loves your work and your photo's. When she finds out your age... HER dreams will become more possible... all because of you xx

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  17. What heartwarming responses you have here Lily to your post and to have your Mum standing behind you, probably with a large stick to fend of the denigrators is so fantastic!
    There will always be those who believe they have the right to tell you what to do. I am much "older" than you and now I have people telling me to slow down, not do so much etc etc. Can't say I'm ready for the daybed and slippers yet.
    Do what you want to do! Be who you want to be because at the end of the day it will always be YOUR LIFE!

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  18. Eeek! I just posted my ...erm...post and realised I'd spelt your surname incorrectly - sorry! I love the warmth of everyone's responses,I suspect you could teach a lot of us many things xx

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  19. I´m a big fan of your creations! And I´m already 40 ;-)
    Even though I´m 40 and many people treat me like little girl because I´m looking as much younger. If I tell them that I´m as old as they are, they are stumped and try to excuse...
    Guess the most people are just jealous! Forget them-they are not worth a thought for just one second!!!
    I wish you the best for your activity!
    XX

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  20. The biggest thing I've learned in life is to ignore naysayers. You should be so proud of yourself. Only 18 have a very successful business and are super talented. Keep up the good work.

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  21. Good for you Lily, sounds and seems like you have your head screwed on. I wouldn't bother about the idiots, and I always think whlist they are having a go at me, they are leaving someone else alone.

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  22. I love your work & never knew or cared how old you were. My husband says you are always going to work for an arse or with an arse. There are plenty of them in the world. Just remember not to let them get you down.

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  23. I wish I feel that I'd accomplished at 40 what you have going for you at 18. Sorry you had one of THOSE days with THOSE people but as you said, you don't need them. To heck with 'em!

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  24. Oh my dear! I'm sorry to hear that you have encountered such jerky people! Do not let them thwart you! You are unbelievably talented and a true inspiration. Unfortunately the world is chock full of such "jerks". I admire you not only for your talent but also for your business savvy at such a young age. I was about your age when I was told by an art teacher (at university) that my art was "too cutesie" and I would never make it in the art world. I dropped out of college a month later and barely picked up a pen for nearly 10 years...until I found you and your fabulous Octopode creations. You have given me the courage to disregard the naysayers and go for it! I only wish I had made this discovery years ago :) For the record...EVERYWHERE I go the craft store, art classes, the park (while working on projects) with your images I am always asked "Where did you get these fantastic drawings?" My reply is always this..."Why The Octopode Factory of course and would you believe the artist Lily is only 18? This girl is going places!"

    Amy*

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  25. My first thought after reading this was "What all of us really need is an evil landlady Octopode"!

    Honestly though I'd like to echo every good wish and positive statement of support that has thus far been sent your way.

    Dearest Lily you inspire so many of us to create, to smile, to share, to be confident: Wrap 'round yourself an armor of admirers' encouragement.

    No rude, unfeeling or generally distasteful person can stand up to such protection!

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  26. wow look at all these people supporting you! I also didn't realize how young you were...you are an amazing artiest! I love your work! and I know how you feel...I'm 26 and I get crap like that too!

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  27. I totally agree with you. Screw them. their probably just jealous because when they were your age mommy and daddy still bought everything for them. Who cares what people thinks. I've never been one to worry what other's think of me but I totally understand your point of view. Obviously you know what you are doing or you wouldnt have THOSE or THAT person being so rudely towards you. Total jealousy the way I see it.
    I think you and your art are wonderful and wouldnt care if you were 10 or 100. really nobody's business and as long as your doing what you want and prospering the way you want screw um

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  28. pricks will always fine a way to be rude and condensending whether you are 18, female male, gay or straight, screw them.EE

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  29. Lily! you are a beautiful, stunning, clever, talented, entrepreneur who I am very very very proud and pleased to know, if only through purchasing your unique and awe inspiring artful creations. You have absolutely nothing to worry about, life will takes it's own course and as long as you hold your gorgeously pretty head up as high as it will go then you will always be able to rise above such idiotic, vile,evil, potty mouthed, sad individuals who have no life substance of their own and so have to find untruths in others.

    Carry on with your life and take any course you wish to take, only please never stop providing us with your wonderful artwork, without which we would be unable to create the works of art that we do.

    Love and Hugs Jan xxx :0)

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  30. You don't need me to tell you that you're an inspiration. You do what's right for your business. It's yours and no one else's.......and there's lots of people out there who secretly wish it was theirs!

    Don't give them the headspace, they're not worth it.

    Big hugs, Lisa Sparkle x

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  31. I've never thought about your age, just that you are an amazing, talented artist and I love your work <3

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  32. Hi i think it's great that your only 18, wish i had ur balls when i was ur age
    Elx

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  33. Lily sweetheart, you ARE the most wonderful woman... I knew your age (to me irrelevant)and I have always admired you for your talent as an artist and accumen as a business woman. Yes, people do seem to think that because you are X age that you are either too young, too old or too whatever their narrow minds can try and label you as. Sod 'em babes... in this world you will find that if someone slags you off, they are scared of you and if they bitch about you, they want to be like you. What your Mum said in her comment above... she is so right... be proud of yourself and when you are rich and famous you can step over them when they are hanging around your coat tails... keep your chin up Lily, you are SO much better than them.... lotsa love xxx

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  34. Lily it was always on the cards that you would go forward and use your artistic talent...when you were younger you had guts and creativity. The people who see your age as a problem are probably jealous, as you are doing exactly what they would like to do, and have never had the guts to....dont let the b****** grind you down.

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  35. Hi Lily, just had to comment after reading this, I wish I had known at 18 what I wanted to do with my life & had the courage to do it, as it is, I'm 32 now & have only just decided what I want to be when I grow up, I've spent the last 13years doing something I don't enjoy but am now going to go for it as they say. You should be proud of what you've done at a young age, it takes so much determination to keep strong & keep going. Ignore your critics & most importantly...You go girl!!!! It really doesn't matter that you're "only 18" if you can achieve this much now, think of what you'll have done by the time you hit your 30's :D Keep going & good luck.
    Cxx

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  36. Lily, I think you are a very talented, innovative and fun-loving girl abd I can totally understand why you Mum is very proud of you. Your art work is amazing I only wish I had half your talent. Well done!

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