Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Schmidt.
Hi Lisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2010, I ended a marriage of almost 17 years and came out as gay. I lost a home, family, friends, church, and job (I was working as a youth director in a local church).
In 2013, I almost ended my life. I believed everyone would be better off without me. I didn’t want to die, but I didn’t know how to keep living with all of these “inside things” thoughts, fears, memories, traumas, etc. A few days later, I checked myself into treatment in Ocala. I was still suicidal and addicted to opioids and alcohol.
My love for creativity in recovery was birthed in art therapy on Friday mornings. It was the path to self-discovery and healing I didn’t know I needed. The practice of making and sharing my story through art in small groups not only transformed my recovery but it changed my life so much that I began creating my own art therapy projects and haven’t stopped since.
The Story Box is the product of my journey in therapy, sobriety, and recovery. My hope is it will be a resource to help others process and express their “inside things” and discover the beauty, strength, and power of their story.
In 2017, I joined the online recovery community as The Sober Hipster and released The Story Box into the world (online shop). I also offered workshops in various spaces… treatment centers, coffee shops, feminist boutiques, and even a sober bar.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road to The Recovery Room has not been smooth…
In 2019, I moved to Portland, Oregon. I was still selling The Story Box online and I started offering workshops in the PDX area. Less than a year later, COVID-19 brought in-person gatherings to a halt. I was also furloughed from my day job (working as a paralegal for a start-up). It was an intense time.
In 2021, I moved back to Florida. Last year, I went through a divorce after 6 years of marriage, lost my day job (I was furloughed again by another start-up), got my own place, and returned to regular sessions with my therapist. I basically went into survival mode. I paused my business and focused all of my energy on taking care of myself and guarding my sobriety.
What emerged is The Recovery Room. I bought a Dodge Promaster City van so I can take my workshop on the road. I also reimagined The Story Box… new guided projects, new contents, and a new box (from cardboard to wood). I’m getting back out there in 2023!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The tagline for The Recovery Room is, “We’ll Save You a Seat.” I think what sets me apart from others is I’m not a licensed therapist or certified recovery or sober coach. I am someone who has been in the seat… looking for hope and inspiration and practices that will help me stay clean and sober.
Everyone is welcome at the Recovery Room table. Everyone has a seat, including me. I participate and share in every workshop I offer.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My therapist, Janina, has been one of my biggest cheerleaders (she is in one of the photos wearing a YMYSM shirt). She’s purchased my products and used them with her clients.
Janina also championed me to lead workshops in the very treatment center where I got clean and sober and dealt with my traumas. A real endorsement of my healing. I would not be where I am today without her support and I’m beyond grateful.
Pricing:
- $45 for a 1 1/2 hour workshop that includes all project materials
- $50 for The Story Box, available for purchase at workshops and pop up events
- Online shop (t-shirts, hoodies, hats, etc.)
Contact Info:
- Website: recoveryroomworkshop.com
- Instagram: @thesoberhipster and @recoveryroomworkshop
