Why Did I Start Writing?

I found my voice through my storytelling; wrote about what I knew, and released the floodgates.

Being a shy, quiet introvert, I didn’t think my stories mattered. I joined an oral storytelling workshop and once I started telling stories, I realized I could make people laugh, make people cry, and make people think deeper. Perhaps I had stories worth telling after all.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura Ballerini is an accomplished artist who has been running a thriving design boutique for over 20 years and is the author of The Green Velvet Chair. A collection of stories depicting how art and design influence our lives through music, food, nature, and so much more. With over 40 years in the design industry, Laura sees the influence that art and design have in our daily lives. Through her unique creative lens, she shares personal stories that illustrate the countless ways art and design affect all of us. Laura has a degree in Visual Communications from The Alberta University of the Arts (formerly the Alberta College of Art), and recipient of numerous awards throughout her career. Her passion for continuous learning includes regular educational initiatives.

  • Laura stays on top of the newest trends in design and social media
  • Laura completed a number of Oral Storytelling Workshops
  • Laura has honed her writing skills through a variety of courses
  • Laura is a recipient of a Summit Creative Award, a Webby Award and others
  • Laura is an avid traveler visiting galleries around the world—learning about various cultures, their people, and their passions
  • Laura has been intrigued by the power of art and design since she was a very young child.

While she’s a quiet and introverted creative, Laura has recently found her inner badass and radiates her ‘quietly fierce’ disposition in her work and her life.

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The Influence of

01. Perspective

Things in life aren’t always obvious. Sometimes our perspective of a situation may skew our reality. Case in point: I watched our cat stare at closed blinds for hours and it constituted a study in a point of view.

The Influence of

02. Memories

Past, present and future experiences make us who we are. They mold and sculpt each of us and it is our reaction to these sensors that can inspire and motivate each of us. My mother inspired me and my father encouraged me.

The Influence of

03. Storytelling

Story is all around us, we just have to listen for them. My Oral Storytelling coach would instruct us to capture the ‘story moments’. I have learned to harvest these stories around me, everyday. We just have to listen and capture them.

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Laura Ballerini's background is in visual design and this translates into her ability to show rather than tell. Through detailed, engaging stories, she shares who she is through subtle observations. Coming from a book coach who constantly reminds authors to show, her writing is delightful. From her description of her mother, she analyzes the influences that made Ballerini the talented woman she is today using a deft touch. From reading her book, I appreciate how an artist is comprised of all they touch, see and do within their lives. I recommend this book to artists, entrepreneurs and fellow authors craving stories that show the makeup of who they truly are and how to weave those influences into memorable tales. Each story has insights that they can put into practice.

Kim Wells Eley Detailed, engaging stories inspire through subtle observations
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In The Green Velvet Chair, Laura Ballerini shares stories of family, travels, and the inner explorations of how our adventures and interactions weave a beautiful tapestry. In this beautiful book. Laura shares how life has happened for her in sometimes surprising ways. Creativity comes from the most unlikely of places. This book is a gift and was a joy to read.

Stephanie McAuliffe Life is Art
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I loved this book. I read the first edition when it came out and the new chapters are just as enlightening as the original.

What is wonderful about this book, is that it is a series of short stories so you can read one chapter a night or the entire book! It is full of lighthearted stories about Laura’s experiences in life - sometimes funny and sometimes tear jerkers. It makes you look at things in life from a different perspective and have a better appreciation for everyday things. The stories are so well written that you can visualize the situation in your mind as if you are actually there! (And maybe in some of them I actually was haha)
As much as I love the Munster Mash story (as well as so many others) my favorites are the ones about Scarlett, as it is always such fun to see things through the eyes of a child!
Looking forward to the next book ❤️

Karen O'ConnellLight hearted and heartwarming short stories
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I truly believe this book found its way to me at the exact moment I needed it most. I had been speeding through life like I was flying down the autobahn at 300 km/h—without stopping, without feeling, without remembering how to savor the simple moments or see the beauty in them.

Laura’s honest and heartfelt essays gently reminded me of the importance of pausing in the relentless race toward achievement. They helped me reconnect with the quiet joys of everyday life and appreciate just how unexpectedly beautiful ordinary moments can be.

KateA Timely Reminder to Slow Down and See the Beauty in the Everyday
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A collection of stories, told so well and with such heart. It’s a lovely reminder to notice and admire the things that capture your attention—all things have an element of art and design.

LMHeartfelt and personal stories about the beauty that can be overlooked in our everyday lives.
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From Pica's to Pixels, I love it! This book is a very easy read and I really enjoyed the angles the author took to make points. If you need a pick up, to be inspired or just to gain the confidence to take that next step or stand up to the bully in your life, this books is for you!

John C. Want to be inspired, empowered and confident? Read this book!