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Life Reimagined: Discovering Joy and Creativity in the Pursuit of Passion - By Helen Sanchez
JANUARY 18TH, 2025 - BY HELEN SANCHEZ
What would you do if the life you built no longer sparked joy, even though it seemed successful on the surface? Would you be willing to make a change or pursue your passion in the face of uncertainty? Would you be willing to do the work without knowing what the outcome might be? For many of us, making a major change feels incredibly risky. But what if that risk held the key to discovering your true passion? Here’s the story of one woman, Carrie Van Derhoff, who took a leap into the unknown after 17 years in a demanding career.
Trusting her instincts led her down a completely new path—one that not only transformed her work but reignited her love for creativity. What she found on the other side might surprise you—and just might inspire your own transformation.
Carrie worked as a professional engineer for nearly seventeen years. But as with many of us on our professional journey, she experienced enormous stress and, at times, poor management. This led Carrie to take a moment and do some soul-searching about what she wanted for her professional future, even considering the possibility of other engineering jobs. While researching, studying, and analyzing the possibilities, Carrie also knew she wanted to be passionate about her work. She did not want to move into another stressful position and certainly did not want her work to negatively affect her health. While considering options, Carrie thought perhaps she could find something as a side hustle—something that would bring her joy, give her an outlet, and provide rewards.
Being the person that Carrie is, someone creative, vibrant, and outgoing, she uncovered an opportunity that might be something to fill her desire to enjoy and be passionate about what she is doing. A fashion designer that Carrie knew as a client was seeking a creative, outgoing, vibrant person such as Carrie in the merchandiser role for her designs. She did what we all should do when we consider our options. She figured out how to implement it, how much time it would take, and what the potential returns could be. As she mapped it out, she felt that not only would it be manageable but it could provide her with the creative and outgoing work she hoped would bring her more joy and less stress.
Carrie is the proprietor of Boho Chic, an eclectic boutique in Ballston Spa, New York. The shop represents the creative work of over 70 artists, each artist offering something different. When you enter the shop, you will see a variety of beautiful paintings, pottery, accessories, and jewelry, and Carrie’s enthusiasm greets you. Carrie offers visitors a short introduction to the shop and an invitation to look around and examine everything. Why? Because Carrie is passionate about her shop and her work in discovering these artistic treasures.
But Carrie’s professional journey did not begin at Boho Chic, so let me give you some background. As a young woman, Carrie enjoyed art by sketching, writing poetry, and making pottery. Her aunt, who was an artist, encouraged her creativity. She also had an understanding and love of the environment. So, when Carrie went off to college, like many young students, she was encouraged to study more practical courses. Ultimately, she graduated withtwo degrees in engineering and pursued a career in environmental engineering.
Working on the side, she would be able to test the potential. Would she indeed be able to succeed as a representative selling to individuals? She found the answer when she started with pop-ups offering clothing and accessories that consistently sold out. As a people person, Carrie certainly enjoyed what she was doing, and she soon realized that she also was very good at it. She started thinking perhaps this was her niche, something she could enjoy and succeed at.
By day, she continued working as an engineer while making plans for her transition into entrepreneurship, which was her passion. At night, she poured her energy into physically creating the space and building up the inventory. Filled with the excitement of following her dream, when she was ready to birth Boho Chic, she offered her resignation from her engineering position. She has never looked back.
Boho Chic had their official grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony; the excitement was palpable. The transition was complete, but there was still work to do. Once past the excitement, the plans for success were reviewed. Besides understanding who her artists were, she needed an understanding and plan for overhead and sales. How many sales would be required? How could she market the location and inventory? Carrie networked everywhere, introducing herself and handing out business cards. She had to balance income and overhead for the first three years and make sensible decisions.
During this period, Carrie was dedicated to building her brand. She had chosen the name and designed her logo to represent her style. She learned how important it is to stay true to her identity and what she wants to offer. Her goal was to create a unique eco-focused artisan boutique, which she has certainly done. When she opened the doors, she represented eight artisans and now represents over 70.
Carrie’s passion and creativity fuel her ability to curate unique, expressive pieces that reflect her artistic vision. She now thrives in her role—uplifting artists, forging meaningful connections with clients, and helping them find distinctive, one-of-a-kind gifts, accessories, jewelry, and clothing that resonate with their individuality. This love and passion shine through in everything Carrie does.
As a result of the love, passion, and pride Carrie has followed to create Boho Chic, she created and owns a business that receives many accolades and awards. In a competitive market and location, Carrie shines. This year alone, Boho Chic has received multiple awards from the Capital Region Living Magazine for ‘Bestie Finalist’, the Saratogian for ‘Best of the Best 2024’, and Saratoga Today for ‘Best in Saratoga 2024’. And with all of her success, Carrie is not finished. She continues growing Boho Chic and has plans to further focus on her love of creativity and artists.
Can you do this too? The simple answer is yes. But you can see from Carrie’s story this is not a simple journey. It requires work around self-exploration, planning, and an understanding of what will work for you. The course we offer from Tanagui LLC, ‘Building Your Legacy Season’, gives you the tools, the time, and the support to consider what questions you must ask yourself, how to find the answers, and how to uncover your passion. Whether that passion leads to the corporate world or entrepreneurship, you should do whatever you are passionate about or inspires you. Here is the link to my website, www.tanagui.com where you can explore the details and timing of the Building Your Legacy course, learn more about my services or schedule a free consultation.
P.S. If you would like to keep abreast of Carrie's journey, Boho Chic and the beautiful and exciting events Carrie hosts follow her on FB here.
About the Author: Helen Sanchez is Idonea’s Talent Empowerment Strategist, bringing over 30 years of experience in recruiting and career guidance. As the founder of Tanagui, LLC, she is dedicated to helping women over 40 navigate ageism in the workplace and secure meaningful careers. With a background in Women & Gender Studies and African American Studies, Helen is an advocate for intergenerational workplace equity and a passionate speaker, writer, and career coach. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
