About two weeks ago, I had my appointment at the French Consulate in San Francisco, at which I applied for a long-stay visitor visa. Having this document means I can legally stay in France for a year, whereas a normal passport would only allow for 90 days in the country (promptly followed by 90 days out). Dave wasn’t worried, but I was horribly stressed because if I wasn’t approved, all these plans would fall apart. The passport photo they took that day makes me look like a scared six-year old. Mostly because I was, in fact, scared/nervous/stoic. I was trying so hard to not be (inadvertently) disrespectful for fear that they would reject my request right then and there, that I was practically sweating through my sweater. In San Francisco. In July. When it is coldest.
On the plus side, I was approved later that week (impressive efficiency, French Consulate) but part of my application for the visa was a letter stating that I would NOT engage in French employment while living there for the year.
Thus the impetus to finally begin my own creative & design business. With that, I would like to introduce the world to Colleen LeMasters Creative, a communications and digital marketing boutique!
Woo!
It’s something that I have thought about for a long time, and there is no better time than now to launch such a venture. I can write copy, press releases, blog, design websites, handle social media…everything can be done remotely while I’m physically in France, however I can work for American clients (and accept American dollars :))
My new business email will be CL[at]colleenlemasterscreative[dot]com and I’m now accepting projects!