dream.create.inspire. alisa barry of bella cucina

i would like to introduce alisa barry of bella cucina to continue with the dream. create.inspire series. bella cucina is located in atlanta, ga + is the epitomy of creative, culinary artistry fully speaking the passion of its’ creator, alisa.  on the “o” list, her products are as beautiful, as they are delectable + i recommend each + every one of them.

what was your childhood dream?

To create a life of my own.

your dailies (job)

Creator of bella cucina

what is your favorite thing about your job?

Creating new products.  Visiting farmer’s markets for inspiration. Writing about what I love. Sharing my passion and inspiration with others.

favorite quote(s)

{let the beauty we love be what we do.}

favorite flower

Anything picked from the garden.

how do you stay motivated daily?

Devotion.

It’s the sacred commitment that becomes my discipline.

toughest challenge upon working towards your dream?

Cash.

how did you work through it?

Passion can’t pay the bills and usually doesn’t generate profits right away when starting or growing a business.  Trusted advocates and advisors can help you sort it out. If you don’t have cash, creativity is your next best asset.

how many times have you heard no?

Too many to count.

often times “no” can be very demotivating, how have you turned no’s into yes’s or find the silver lining?

Sometimes “nos” are a blessing. Other times, if you believe in what you need to do, you find a way to make it happen. Perseverance is the key.  I believe if you’re wholeheartedly committed to anything, you can make it through most any adversity or obstacle.

i find it very important to recognize your accomplishments, while you set new goals to have a sense of achievement. list your favorite accomplishment this year?

For many years, accomplishments and accolades were my sole source of fulfillment. Now, It’s all about freedom. This is my soul source.  Do I have the time, money and resources to do what I love?  When I do, I consider my self a success.

Here are a few ways I am honoring that freedom:

–   rented a cottage in northern California as a retreat place to write, cook and create.

–   Cooking classes at Rancho La Puerta Spa in Mexico {voted #1 spa by Travel + Leisure}

–   Wednesdays off. It’s like an artist’s date to do what I love.

–   I don’t start  “working” until 10 am, although I get up early to take care of other things that matter.

–   Taking time every week to  polish the final chapters of an ebook .  The working title is  PASSION, PURPOSE, PERSEVERANCE:  the art of entrepreneurial enlightenment.  It’s a simple guide for imagining, emerging + experienced entrepreneurs about how to create soulful sustenance and sustainable success in their life through their work.

balancing free services vs paid while building your business what is the one thing that has given your company a big boost?

Continuing to stay true to who we are.   Because we are focused on that, we’ve been able to come back even stronger after a difficult economy. We are seeing the fruits of our commitment ripen now in a big way.

as we grow + learn more about ourselves, evolution may be necessary. how do your dreams evolve as you do?

Bella Cucina is the perfect vehicle for my creative and artistic expression.

It’s also been an unexpected vehicle for my own personal transformation.

With that comes a clarity that guides my decisions.

The question I continually ask:

{Who do I intend to be?}

This is where my dreams begin and my actions follow.

when do you know when its time to let go of a goal and move on to another?

I need to first be honest with myself whether I am stuck in resistance or it’s really time to let go. It’s easy to stay in our comfort zone.

Last year, I decided to say “YES!” to things that would take to me to my edge.

When anything begins to feel like a fight, I prefer to surrender.

what inspires you?

Most everything.

I like to think of my life as a pilgrimage of continual astonishment.

Aesthetic arrest is what I want.

 

image courtesy of bella cucina.

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