The Heroine’s Journey of Gaia Baratelli

What is the best thing that I love about my work?  

Let me introduce myself first…Hi, my name is Gaia! I’m a textile designer born and raised in Italy, in the countryside near Como. I work for a company named Fasac and I’m currently a designer in the accessories department. There are so many reasons why Im so in love with my jobthe first one: it makes me happy! I have the chance to express myself through my designs, it keeps my mind always active and I wake up with a big smile on my face every day. If you love your work, if you enjoy it, you’re already a success…ain’t it?

 

What is my idea of happiness?
 
Happiness is made by very little things in my world. I live trying to find a slice of happiness even in the darkest days. Nature, mountains, a good glass of wine, my fiancè’s hug, my mom making my favorite cake, my best freind’s “good morning” message, the smell of freshly baked bread, having a paycheck every month…there are so many things to be happy for in life! The game is just learn to appreciate all the little things.
 
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What is my greatest fear?
Spiders and death. Both of them are sons of my biggest love, nature, but they really scare me.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I’m a perfectionist and I can’t easily deal with criticism. I’m a bit touchy, especially concerning my job! But I know I’ll improve and learn from my lacks.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
I respect and admire all the brave people and the ones who believe in themselves and do their job everyday whatever it is! I adore open-minded people, those ones you look at and think “wow, he/she really loves what he/she’s doing!
What is my greatest extravagance?
I’m obsessed with mountains and I have few piercings on my face.
On what occasion would I lie?
I dont think lies are such a bad thingso, if necessary, Id lie in many situations! Sure, honesty is always the best solution. But never say never…
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
Deadlines and the “do it as soon as possible which is almost as common as “kind regards” at the end of every email!!!
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I’m always enthusiastic in my work!! Every time I realize that I’ve done a good job and I get a positive feedback!!Literally…every time!!
If I could, what would I change about myself? 
Well, I’m not sure I would change anything about myself. I’m living my life as a journey, learning day by day to accept all my imperfections. I think that self acceptance despite every flaw is the best achievement we can reach in a lifetime!
What is my greatest achievement in work? 
I’ve learned my job by myself, is it enough? I feel really satisfied every time I show I’mable to put in practicemy ideas in a creativeway and every time I get a positive feedback…it makes me feel fulfilled!
Where would I most like to live?
I’d love to live closer to nature! My perfect spot would be halfway between mountains and sea. In Italy, obviouslyIm proudly Italian and I really adore my country !
What is my most treasured possession?
My ideas, my memories and all the things I have stocked in my brain and heart maybe…I’d love to say my family and friends and some of my colleagues, but they’re my treasures, not my possessions!
What is my most marked characteristic?
I’m an organized kind of girl…I’m really pragmatic, but always optimistic!
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? 
Wherever nature is, I find inspiration!
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
I live in Italy, we have so many cool and good places…and Im a foodie, so I really cant chose one!I may say that I have a favorite place for any type of cuisine: Vecchia Napoli is the one I chose for pizza, Aurora is my first choice whenever I want Chinese food, Irish Pub is the place where I go every time I want a good beer and so on…
What books influenced my life and how?
“Le Petit PrinceAntoine de Saint-Exupéry. I read this book in Italian, English, Spanish and French…I don’t know why, but it’s the only book I’d read again and again through the years! It’s really special, from this little jewel of literature I’ve leared that the meaning of life can be found only in relationships. Loving someone causes you to commit yourself to another, and that makes even the most humdrum occurrences of life take on deep significance. 
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
I love Muse, their energy and their sounds… and Matthew Bellamy’s voice is really breathtaking!! I think I’d have a “pleasant  last journey” with their music!!
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
I really appreciate Meredith Grey from “Grey’s Anatomy”, shes weird, gloomy and so unluckyshes pretty realistic! And it doesn’t matter how many times her life collapses, she always has the strength to stand again!
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Id say my parents, but it would sound like a cliché! So, in these days, I’d say scientists, doctors and nurses who are fighting agains Covid19… they are the real heroes and heroines of these nightmarish times!
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
“Into the wild, I found it really touching and instructive!
What role plays art in my life and work?
I really respect every kind of art: painting, sculptures, architecture, music, theatre, cinema and so on! Well, I’m not an expert and Ive never studied art…but I’m a creative, so art came into my life somehow! So It’s a daily source of inspiration and a nice and pleasant life partner.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me?
I agree, absolutely! We’re all architects of our own future and we can build our destiny as we please. It can be hard sometimes, but I think that if you’re really focused on something and you don’t stop trying again and again, you can reach any kind of target! Just don’t stop till you’re proud and satisfied!
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
I have to mention 3 persons…my greatest fan: my fiancé Mauro, he’s such a great fan! My greatest supporter: my bureau chief Clelia, she’s the reason why I fell in love with my job…and I feel lucky and honored to work with her! And my partner in crime: my best friend Caterina. We are soulmates, she supports me and shes always “by my side” even if she lives in Scotland and I’m in Italy. She’s my person!
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020?
I’d really love to keep contacts with all the companies Icollaborating with right now. But I’d also love to connect with new brands…I’m curious and open-minded!
Which people in my profession who can make a real difference in my creative career would i love to meet in 2020?
I hope I will meet a lot of new interesting figures from the Fashion Industry, open-minded people who can inspire me and with whom the company I work at, Fasac, could create a solid collaboration!
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on?
Fasac, the company where I work at since ages, will take part in Première Vision Paris as exhibitor (whenever the virus situaton will set us free to have our lives back!).  I’d really love to realize and expose a mini textile accessories collection there!!
Where can you see me or my work in 2020?
As I mentioned in the previous answer…at Première Vision Paris! Or directly at the company Fasac.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
I think that passion is fuel for life and food for soul. If your job is your passion, you’ll never work a single day. And if you live everyday with a bit of passion in everything you do… I think your life would flow more harmoniously!
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
My friend Caterina Romanò, she’s a cool photographer and a great make-up artist!!! Shes such an inspiration to me!
How can you contact me?

Here follows a message of Peter de Kuster, founder of The Heroine’s Journey 

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Are you a creative leader or creative professional looking to develop your business skills and storytelling?

Amidst today’s uncertainty, it is more important than ever to reconnect with yourself and others, develop your creative business, and build your story. Dive deep into your unique business style and areas for growth with the coaching of Peter de Kuster.

IS THE HEROINE’S JOURNEY COACHING FOR YOU?

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    You are a creative leader or creative professional  who is interested in developing yourself, your business, and your story.

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    You are aware that there are no quick fixes. Learning is a journey that works when you are fully committed to it. Coaching can bring awareness and help you navigate, but in the end it’s you who is in charge of your growth.

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    You want to learn more about how to resource yourself, learn about blind spots, and get feedback.

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    You are curious and want to engage in online learning.

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    You are motivated to work in-between sessions on yourself (e.g. working on homework assignments that will help you develop new storytelling, skills, and behaviors).

WHAT’S YOUR COACHING QUESTION?

The Heroine’s Journey Coaching is all about your development. To make the most out of your sessions, we ask you to prepare topics to work on with Peter. These topics can serve as a starting point for further in-depth exploration with Peter.

These coaching topics typically resonate with the creative leaders Peter works with:

How can i tell the most powerful story possible about myself and my creative business?

How can I handle self promotion and marketing of my creative business better?

How do can I stay authentic and with focus when having difficult conversations with potential clients?

What are my creative values and how do I align these with my business values?

How can I manage my time and energy better?

How can I radiate confidence to my clients while feeling anxious inside?

How can I steer myself towards creative excellence without becoming rigid?

About Peter de Kuster

Peter de Kuster is the founder of The Heroine’s Journey & Hero’s Journey project,  a storytelling firm which helps creative professionals to create careers and lives based on whatever story is most integral to their lives and careers (values, traits, skills and experiences). Peter’s approach combines in-depth storytelling and marketing expertise, and for over 20 years clients have found it effective with a wide range of creative business issues.

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Peter is writer of the series The Heroine’s Journey and Hero’s Journey books, he has an MBA in Marketing,  MBA in Financial Economics and graduated at university in Sociology and Communication Sciences.

individual coaching for leaders

PRICING

The Heroine’s Journey Coaching online sessions last 50 minutes and the fee is Euro 189 excluding VAT per session. The Heroine’s Journey Coaching is suitable for people at any stage in their career.

FAQ

Who can sign up for The Heroine’s Journey online coaching?

Creative leaders and creative professionals who wish to improve their business story and develop their business skills and mindset.

Should I choose 1:1 coaching?

Our The Heroine’s Journey experiences in world cities allow you to learn not only from the coach but also from your peers. For the small group coaching (1 – 4 people), we have selected important, relevant topics that we find regularly come up for creative professional: purpose, storytelling, creative confidence, self promotion, time & money and resilience.

If you would prefer to work alone or on a different topic, individual coaching is a better fit for you.

What language do we speak in the coaching sessions?

English.

Can I buy coaching for my organization?

Yes, you can! We support many organizations around the world with their coaching needs. Please contact us for more information.

Can I bring my own topics?

Yes, for individual coaching you get to choose your own topic.

Are coaching sessions confidential?

Yes. Peter will not share anything that is discussed in the coaching sessions.

Where will the coaching sessions take place?

Sessions will take place online (as per the times we live in) via an online tool like Zoom or Skype. Peter will let you know.

How do I sign up?

Send Peter a mail to theherojourneyquestionnaires@gmail.com to start booking your coaching sessions.

How do I pay?

After you send the mail, you will receive an email with a link to pay.

How do I book and reschedule sessions?

Once we’ve received your payment, Peter will contact you and book your coaching sessions. He will also support you with rescheduling sessions if needed.

What is your cancellation policy?

Individual coaching sessions can be postponed up to one week before the session.

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