It was September 2009 when I took the leap and launched this blog, my baby. I was working full time at an art gallery and just one day decided to launch it. It made absolutely no sense to be honest, but I knew deeply in my heart that I had something to share, something more to say and a passion for interiors that I wanted so desperately to dive more into. Within 6 months, it grew to being recognized by thousands of readers and from there, it grew to a full time business.
As I celebrate the 7 year anniversary of TheDecorista.com, I'm most proud of the magnitude of the faith I had on my journey. As this career path was pretty much unchartered territory, I couldn’t even grasp the sense of what I was actually experiencing. I really didn't have a set plan, In some ways it seems like there was a guardian angel guiding me all along the way. I’m thankful for what I knew and for everything I didn’t know about this path, because It was the passionate quest to learn more, absolute faith in God and a desire to grow and expand that led me to where I am today. Looking back, each roadblock, detour, and intersection seems like it was exactly where I was supposed to be at that time.
a shot from my career interview on the everygirl
Along this path I've learned so much and because of that I have been led to share, I have spoken on panels, participated in interviews, given lectures, etc. The experience of Solo-preneurship is so amazingly awesome, yet much more than I can share in just one conversation. Which is why over the years I have created my E-course, Unleash Your Ista, which details each and every shortcut and strategy I have used and/or learned from others who have mentored me. I have created several E-books like Secrets of Style Blogging Success, The Paid Decorator and The Passionista Playbook which explain different aspects and tips for building a strong brand.
Throughout the 7 years, my spiritual path has grown right alongside my business and in many ways they have become intertwined. I've always been tapped into my spirit and have grown to have such a deep connection now, I feel more inspired than ever. Over the Summer, I paved a way for my love of entrepreneurship, my community of inspiring people and my personal spiritual path to all come together with the launch of my E-mag ISTA MAGAZINE. The best part of it all for me is the realization that the journey never really ends, it actually feels like its still just beginning. Just when you feel like you've done all you could possibly do, a new wave of inspiration just pours over you. The journey Is what you make it, we have full control.
When you are on the right path, doors will open and it won’t feel like struggle.
Each and every day when on the journey of solo-preneurship, its a completely different day. You try things and you succeed or fail, doors open or close and you may even have days where you feel like you want to give it all up. It's about how you roll with the waves. How do you look at things? If a door closes, will you give it all up or will you go another direction? When a door opens, will you take the opportunity or will fear and doubt hold you back? It's important to practice wisdom, patience and have unwavering faith.
Here is how I know I am on the right path for me: I'm having a blast! When I am feeling lit up, inspired, ideas and creativity are flowing through me. This is how I know I am on the right path for me. It shouldn't be a struggle to be doing what you are meant to. It's should be easy and if it isn't you should simply try a different route.
Your success isn't meant to look like anybody else's.
Believe me, I know how hard it is to see other people's path to success and want to follow it so you too, can achieve what they have. It's just NOT the right way to go. Your path is your own and should look unique to you, that's how you will know its real. You can have faith that it's meant for you when it is completely catered to who you are and your personality. No one will understand you like you can and you have to be okay with that. Your life and success is precious and its yours, treat it like the beautiful pearl that it is.
Don't be a hater.
It's important not to judge anybody else, especially because you don't want to be judged. Most importantly, don't judge yourself for where you are or where you are not. Stay fired up for yourself and fired up for others no matter how hard it is. I have had my fair share of haters, people who copy my ideas and work and call it their own, people who judge my intentions and challenge my integrity. Just give those people space, take a break from them if you need to.
One caveat, I don't really encourage the attitude or the mean girl mentality that doesn't care about anybody else. Practice kindness to your haters, be easy on them and allow them to be themselves. Just don't go to that level, don't hate back. When you allow others to be who they are, you also subconsciously give yourself permission to be who you are. It's a spiritual practice that allows you to be more at peace and lets the floodgates of your individual creativity to flow to and through you.
All it takes is a commitment to living the life that you desire.
I have learned, and I believe it is the most important thing, that this all requires strong COMMITMENT. Commitment to the journey, commitment to being your best self and commitment to the life that you want to lead, the person that you want to be. You have to be 100% committed in every way. In the first few months of my blog, I believe that the success of it was due to my commitment. I was going to make it a success no matter what it took. I wrote 2-3 blog posts a day, I answered every comment, read every email, replied to every question and tweet and I had a relationship and full time job. I was having a blast and I was committed to making it happen. You have to be committed to the lifestyle that you want to lead.
Do you know what kind of life you want to lead? If so, click here.
