Do you really want your own business?
March 1st, 2009
I feel like sharing a break through I’ve had recently. I don’t know why I feel like sharing it here, since for once, it’s one I haven’t really voiced out loud too much. And I think it will sound funny coming from someone who started their business over two years ago - because damn if it doesn’t take a lot of guts and perserverance to not only just go for it, but to keep going, and going, and going, and going…(right, you get it).
Let me back up just a teensy little bit here - this last six months has been a crazy journey. I’ve felt very lost and unsure about whether or not I was doing the right thing. I was looking for answers and motivation anywhere I could sop them up from - books, friends, business seminars, meditation, prayers - you name it. All the while plugging on - all the while feeling in my gut that we couldn’t have come THIS far for nothing. The company was getting featured and having great sales. So, really, business was good for a lot of that time of uncertainty. It wasn’t that.
Why so unsure girly? Because I felt like I was getting wholloped left and write - watching some of our retailers go out of business, the whole doom-and-gloom every single flippin’ day on the news (I’ve pretty much stopped watching - I get it!!), and most especially the CPSIA passing and how / what to do about that, could we even afford to stay in business? It kept me up at night. My jaw was tight from grinding my teeth at night (I’ve since implemented stress-management programs).
Then - la-dee-da, the breakthrough this week. It isn’t about whether I “should be” doing this crazy thing, or whether it’s what I’m “meant to do”. It is about whether or not I WANT to do this thing. Once I realized that, and everything from my heart to my head shouted “YES”, I felt a huge sense of relief. I felt unstoppable, I felt happy. I felt, well, like I knew what I was meant to do. But right now, I’m meant to run my kids over to the gym where my husband is coaching. Will blog again soon - I have to share the cute little skirt I’ve designed my daughter since deciding to play more and let the fabric “speak to me” too!
Entry Filed under: Motivation to Keep Moving
5 Comments Add your own
1. Barbara Newton-Holmes | March 5th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
You GO! Yep, we’ve all got to follow our own stars, from the inside. And although the economy seems to be disintegrating and the world of man is pretty crazy, the sun hasn’t changed, nor the wind, nor the tides, nor the seasons. We’re all just marching through on our own paths. All the best!!
2. Latoya Tatum | March 8th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Amber,
I just recently learned of your site while doing research to try and start my own boutique. The economy has seemed to push me into another career and I thought I should start with something I love, baby items. I think that I will have to start an online boutique before I am able to have a bricks and mortar store in the Atlanta area. Currently I am in Michigan and my life is turning upside down, well maybe at least a little sideways but I am sure things will work out.
Anyway, I wanted to write you to tell you how proud I am of you and your line. Even in the short period of time that I stumbled upon your blog, I feel like I know you and am rooting for you all the way. You have shown great courage and strength through this blog and willingness to help others. I wish you much success and longevity with your line. You may not know it but you are giving so many people the courage and confidence to follow there own dreams.
Thank you!
3. amber | March 9th, 2009 at 6:07 am
Hi Latoya and welcome. I’m so glad you found the site. I wanted to say thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment. It really made my day.
I think SO many people are in a state of topsy-turvi-ness. Starting a business is a roller coaster - but life is a roller coaster. Nothing in the world compares to the feeling of giving your dreams a shot.
Remember that you can start small and grow - no matter where you’re at, I believe you can start. The lady that started Pampered Chef started with just a few items and one home party.
I have a good friend that moved to MI a few years ago, so of course I’m always giving her a hard time about the weather. Thanks again for your comment, I hope that you feel comfortable posting your questions here, or on the message boards - at anytime.
~Amber
4. Kelley Hart | March 12th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I totally hear you! I had similar revelations this week. All of a sudden, I stopped worrying about the bottom line, and decided to enjoy myself. I suddenly felt relieved and happy. AND more sales started coming in! With less stress and worry, I’m more productive. What a concept! Thanks for sharing as always.
5. Des | June 18th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Hi Amber,
I couldn’t have found your blog site at a more perfect time! Thank you so much for sharing your insights, experiences and revelations! As the other ladies mentioned you give many entepreneurs especially mamapreneurs courage and faith to continue following their dreams.
Like many new mothers, I’ve been dealing with the back and forth struggle of, how do I continue fulfilling my passions outside of family life while keeping my daughter and (baby on the way) my main priority? Or do I continue to put them on hold until the kids get older, (which I hear gets even harder because we become a fulltime chaffeur)? Other than that, once CPSIA took effect I thought maybe it was another sign to slow down or even stop working on a children’s clothing line..
But after months of juggling alll these ideas back and forth, the idea of starting a baby/toddler clothing truly seems to be one of the main things I was meant to do. It keeps appearing to be the start of an amazing empire. So I am sharing all of this with you because this has been one of the most on-going struggles I have been back and forth with. Feeling stronger on some days and confused the next. But after reading your blogs I again feel refreshed, refocused, and extremely determined to take all the proper measures necessary to continue with my dream. I realize it will always be an ongoing struggle starting and growing any type of business, especially while raising a two year old and one on the way.. but its all a part of life; which I am grateful and excited to take on. As you said it is “growing” your business, so I have faith it will happen all in the right timing as long as I don’t give up!
Sorry for the long response, but it means a lot to me, my family and future to have other moms (especially) understand my views! Thank you so much again! Best of success with everything and I look forward to reading more of your blogs!
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