Homeschool Graduate and Entrepreneur: Lydia Smith

The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Homeschool Graduate and Entrepreneur: Lydia Smith.

Homeschool Graduate and Entrepreneur: Lydia Smith

Today, we’re excited to share the inspiring story of Lydia Smith, a homeschool graduate who has already journeyed on an entrepreneurial adventure. Lydia has combined her passion for creativity with her homeschooling foundation to launch her own business, Pieces of Forever. This interview showcases Lydia’s homeschool experience, her entrepreneurial tips, and her journey in turning memories into cherished keepsakes.

About Lydia Smith

Lydia Smith was homeschooled for her entire academic life, and she credits homeschooling for providing her with unique learning experiences and flexibility.

One of her fondest memories is sitting under a blanket with her mom during preschool, imagining the pillar of fire with a candle as they studied the Ark of the Covenant.

This creative approach to education gave Lydia a deep love for learning early on, especially in reading and writing.

As the oldest of eight children, Lydia appreciated the flexibility that homeschooling offered, especially when it came to tailoring her education to her strengths and weaknesses.

For example, she was able to dive into advanced literature like The Chronicles of Narnia in first grade, while also receiving the support she needed in math, which didn’t come as easily to her. This individualized pace allowed her to excel where she had a passion and take her time in areas that needed more focus.

As Lydia put it, “The flexibility was just incredible.”

Continuing the Love of Writing

Lydia’s love of literature continued through high school, where she enjoyed reading classics like Moby Dick, Jane Eyre, and Shakespeare. She credits a rigorous literature course she took in high school, Right at Home Literature (formerly Wasco Lit), for deepening her appreciation for challenging texts.

But as a homeschool graduate, Lydia didn’t just stop at reading. Her passion for writing blossomed, and today, she’s involved with The Author Conservatory, a program that mentors young writers who aspire to be full-time authors.

She joined the program during her senior year of high school and is currently working on a project about Eliab, the oldest brother of King David. Her story explores the theme of being the forgotten older sibling – a topic close to her heart as the eldest of eight!

More creative writing ideas at 7SistersHomeschool for co-op or individual.

About Pieces of Forever

The real reason we’re highlighting Lydia today is entrepreneurial project: Pieces of Forever. This unique business transforms cherished pieces of clothing into decorative throw pillows, giving people a tangible way to hold onto special memories.

From graduation gowns to baby clothes and even quirky cat sweaters, Lydia turns items that would otherwise sit in storage into functional and sentimental keepsakes. How incredible – and creative – is it to see potential in everything around you!

Lydia’s idea for Pieces of Forever came from her work with The Author Conservatory, where students learn not only how to write but also the business side of being an author. Part of the program includes creating a small business to practice entrepreneurship skills.

Lydia, who has loved sewing for over a decade, saw an opportunity to combine her love of fabric with the need to preserve memories.

“I’ve always loved sewing, and I had this idea in the back of my mind for a while. When I brought it to my instructors, they said, ‘Do it,’ and I did,” Lydia explained.

Making a Difference, One Pillow at a Time

Pieces of Forever is more than just a business for Lydia. It’s also a way to bless others!

She shared one touching story about a man from Pennsylvania who had recently lost his wife. He sent Lydia a pajama shirt of hers to be turned into a pillow.

When he received the finished piece, he sent Lydia a heartfelt note explaining how much it meant to him to have a tangible reminder of his wife.

“That was incredible,” Lydia recalled. “It was so important and meaningful to him.”

But it’s not just grieving loved ones who find comfort in Lydia’s work. She’s created pillows out of everything from baby clothes to graduation gowns, and even humorous items like cat sweaters.

She’s even done joke pillows, too! Anything that’s going to make someone’s day a little brighter, she wants to do it.

Lydia’s Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For homeschool high schoolers who may want to start their own businesses one day, heed a few tips Lydia shares:

• Start with the Skateboard:

  • Lydia advises starting small, with something familiar. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Start with something you know how to do, like mowing lawns or sewing, and build from there. You’ll learn valuable skills along the way that will help you take on bigger projects later.
    

• Learn As You Go:

  • Stop planning endlessly and just start. You can’t prepare for everything. There will always be surprises, so it’s better to get going and learn as you go.

• It’s Okay to Make Money:
  • Remember that running a business is a way to bless others, even in small ways. It’s not selfish to make money. If you’re filling a need, like walking a dog or mowing a lawn, you’re helping someone. It matters.

Interview with Lydia Smith, Homeschool Graduate and Entrepreneur

Lydia’s journey is a wonderful example of how homeschooling can foster both academic success and entrepreneurial spirit. Her story reminds us that with creativity, passion, and a little bit of flexibility, homeschoolers can achieve great things – even before they graduate. Thank you, Lydia, for sharing your journey with us!

How to Connect with Lydia

If you’d like to learn more about Pieces of Forever or place an order, you can find Lydia on Etsy at Pieces of Forever Co. She also shares process videos on her YouTube channel.

More advice for young entrepreneurs on Homeschool Highschool Podcast:

• How to be a Homeschool High School Entrepreneur, Interview with Samantha Shank
• Lessons from a Homeschooler, Interview with Noah Tetzner

Thank you for Seth Tillman for editing this podcast and for Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

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