Heidi Peterson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Heidi, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
What if I just stopped? This is a question that I find myself asking as I start my days. I have been an ambitious person who wants to do and try everything I can imagine. For several reasons this feels like I have been chasing imaginary things rather than finding this magic in the moment. When I say stop what I really mean is pause and breath and simply ground myself in the moment. I start to notice the various trees that have a lot to say, take a moment to appreciate the way the wind plays with garments and creates it’s own fashion. Finding a stone that reminds me of a moment in my life, a simple excuse to celebrate it’s existence.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Heidi Peterson and back in 2016 I began an artistic journey in Senegal, West Africa. This journey began by exploring an artistic collaboration with artists, tailors and educators in Senegal starting with a children’s festival called FestArt. My own artistic interests were in the festival arts and this was more than possible in Senegal. To help finance this journey I created a fashion brand called The African Cowgirl; African inspired wearable art.
Creating this business and fashion brand has taken me back and forth to Senegal more than 7 times. Each journey adds more adventure and opportunity. Some of the highlights have been bringing my son (a musician) to teach songs and sing with the children, working on a major festival with Production Director Marie Madeline Valfroy Diallo, producing a film that highlights the artistic legends of Saint Louis, and guiding friends and family on once in a lifetime adventures in Africa.
The African Cowgirl brand reflects my creative spirit, featuring one of a kind unique African clothing, while embodying a spirit of the West flavor. At the same time it also reflects my commitment to paying artisans fair wages.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
When I was in middle school I had a wonderful theatre teacher. I was one of the few students that began drawing costumes that I visualized for the school plays. Every theatre project she gave the class I jumped in eagerly believing that I had a certain talent and vision. I was given tasks that wouldn’t ordinarily be given to a 13 year old, yet here I was head costumer. She clearly saw something in me that I would find in myself years later.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
Pain is something that is hard to admit you have, and I learned to hide from my pain until the time I couldn’t do it anymore. Facing and acknowledging my pain is how I realized that my power. It has fueled my creativity, my drive and ambition.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
For years I have believed that I really needed to chase my dreams so that they would come true. These dreams are reliant on my tenacity and hard work. No one else can do this for me. As the master of my own destiny I must use all the tools in my toolbox to manifest my dreams. I held so tightly to this belief that I found myself running and chasing dreams wondering if they were actually what I wanted. Was I merely trying to fulfill a promise that I had made?
When my father died I hit a reevaluation moment and questioned the chase. What I have discovered is a vision much more aligned with who I am at this moment.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I think if I have one thing I might regret, it is not really taking myself seriously. What I mean by this is jumping into my own dreams. I have been good at listening to others, I have tried integrate what others think is best for me. However, I love horses and if I have one regret it’s not taking that passion serious enough. So here’s to jumping in, and never regretting anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theafricancowgirl.com
- Instagram: theafricancowgirl
- Facebook: theafricancowgirl
Image Credits
Photographer: Lila Simoncini
