Nothing Was Ever Wasted

Series: The Unexpected Journey

A blog series by Laura V Jordan

Chapter One – I Learned

Every chapter of my life was preparing me for this one.

Have you ever looked back on your life and wondered why it took so many twists and turns?

I know I have.

For years, I saw my life as lots of separate chapters. Retail. Insurance. France. Recruitment. Social media. Community work. Raising a family. Painting.

They all felt like different stories.

But recently, I’ve realised they were never separate at all.

They were all quietly leading me here.

I’ve always been someone who throws myself into whatever I’m doing.

Even as a teenager, that was just who I was.

My very first job was a paper round, cycling up Langdon Hills with newspapers piled high, making sure every customer received their paper on time. On Sundays, those enormous newspaper supplements felt as though they weighed more than I did, but I loved the responsibility.

School days

What makes me smile now is remembering that every Christmas I would send cards to my customers.

Looking back, I suppose that’s always been me.

I’ve always believed that people matter.

Relationships matter.

Making someone feel valued matters.

I don’t think I’ve ever known how to do anything by halves.

If I commit to something, I give it everything I have.

Sometimes probably more than I should!

I’ve often joked that I don’t let the grass grow under my feet, but it’s true. I’ve always been curious. Always wanting to improve. Always asking myself, “What else can I learn?”

That curiosity has shaped every stage of my life.

From working at Marks & Spencer and later managing a department at Debenhams, I learned that good customer service isn’t really about selling anything.

It’s about people.

It’s about listening.

It’s about making someone feel welcome and remembered.

Corporate Life

Later, my career took me into the insurance world, eventually working for HSBC Insurance Brokers and other companies in the City.

On paper, it couldn’t look more different from what I do now.

There were meetings, systems, procedures, business development, project work and problem-solving.

But looking back, those years taught me confidence, organisation and resilience. They taught me how to communicate with people from all walks of life and how to keep learning, even when something felt unfamiliar.

Then there was France.

Painting at ‘This is Gas’ - Leigh on Sea

Moving abroad was another leap into the unknown. Learning another language and working in a French estate agency stretched me in ways I could never have imagined.

It taught me that feeling uncomfortable isn’t something to fear.

It’s often where the biggest growth happens.

Years later, I found myself creating Love Leigh-on-Sea, something that has become such a huge part of my life.

For over fourteen years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stories of local businesses, charities, community groups and inspiring people.

I’ve celebrated cafés, florists, bakers, artists, events and the wonderful independent businesses that give our community its heart.

Looking back now, I can see that I wasn’t just posting on social media.

Sketching a beautiful bouquet from The Blooming Camper at Leigh Marina

I was doing what I’ve always loved.

Telling stories.

Connecting people.

Helping others shine.

Perhaps that’s why painting feels so natural to me now.

People often ask where I find inspiration, and the answer is simple.

It’s everywhere.

It’s in a florist carefully arranging a bouquet.

It’s in a baker putting the finishing touches to a beautiful cake.

Sketch of a beautiful cake made by local Artisan Sugarlump Lane

It’s in a café owner greeting their regular customers by name.

It’s in a walk along the seafront with Jasper.

It’s in the colours of the sky over Leigh-on-Sea.

I’ve realised I’m not really painting flowers or coastlines or cafés.

Painting in my local cafés - No Place Like Home - Leigh Marina - Leigh on Sea

I’m painting moments.

Memories.

Feelings.

The paintbrush simply became another way of telling stories.

One thing this journey has taught me is that nothing we experience is ever wasted.

Every job I had.

Every challenge.

Every conversation.

Every skill I learned.

Even the moments that didn’t go to plan.

They have all quietly become part of the person I am today.

And perhaps that’s the lesson I hope you’ll take from this chapter too.

If you’re wondering whether you’ve taken the wrong path…

If you’re questioning whether it’s too late…

If you’re looking back and thinking some chapters were mistakes…

Maybe they weren’t.

Maybe they’re simply preparing you for the chapter you haven’t reached yet.

Meeting Dana Conway at Lazydays Festival 🫶

Looking back, I no longer see lots of disconnected jobs or different careers.

I see one story.

A story that was quietly unfolding all along.

I just hadn’t reached the chapter where it finally made sense.

This is the first chapter in The Unexpected Journey. In my next blog, I’ll share how my love of people, community and storytelling was quietly shaping the artist I would one day become.

𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓛𝓪𝓾𝓻𝓪 𝔁𝔁

“Every painting tells a story. Every story leaves a little colour behind.”