I never intended to have a six-figure business. It started out as a survival story. I was looking for a way to contribute to our family income while my husband stepped out of the workforce and became a full time seminary student.
Our goal was to live on my income by the end of his 4 year post-education experience. After we reached that goal (which was no small thing), we pivoted from using the business as survival to dreaming about what could be. My husband even joined the team and it became a creative venture together. Looking back, I am amazed at where it all started.
What's your origin entrepreneur story? Wherever you are on your journey, I am happy that our paths have intersected. One of my favorite things about what I do is having a front row seat to everything that goes into building, growing or running a business. Call me sentimental, but will you bear with me as I reflect on 3 lessons learned.
#1 This too shall pass - develop a resilience mentality
I think I have some credibility when I say that starting a business is like having a baby. In fact, I started my business right before having my 6th (yes 6th) child. And it felt like a metaphorical baby. It was fragile, unpredictable and all-consuming. I had days full of tears, days I wanted to give up, high highs and low lows. There were days I wanted to give up and wasn't sure if my business would continue. Have you been there?
I quickly realized the roller coaster nature of owning your own business. And I started to see the patterns and develop resilience. When the end of a day had me questioning WHY I ever started this, I closed my computer, took a walk with my kids, and waited for the crisis to pass. And when the day ended on a mountain top with the best news ever, I would soak up the moment and give thanks, knowing this is a gift.
#2 Running a business can be lonely - find your people
It took a village to grow my business. I remember many days when a friend would check in on me in the middle of big project. She would remind me that I was making a long term investment - hard work now will lead to big returns later. Or another friend who took my kids for the day as I was approaching a big deadline. Or my parents who cheered on every little success.
Always, my husband was by my side, cheering me on and coaching me. At one point I met weekly with a business coach who propelled my business forward even during a pandemic. Who are your people? The ones who can handle your brainstorms, rants and raves? Who actually have no idea what you're talking about but listen to your endless processing and planning? This too is a gift.
#3 No such thing as perfect - embrace the chaos
How many weeks did I make big plans for my business, only to wake up to a feverish child or an unexpected crisis? I remember in the middle of one of those weeks when my business coach encouraged me to stop and let go of my expectations. I was focusing on what was more important to me. My business could wait. Growth and progress can wait. I have learned to embrace the chaos of life and find joy in unexpected plans.
It's no longer just me at Tidy Books and we are on our way to 7 figures. I am beyond grateful for the journey. Follow along on Instagram.