There is nothing like starting your own business. I personally fully enjoy the creative birthing of a brand and a business. Thinking of a name, a concept, a strategy, every part of building a vision for a business is absolutely delicious to me. Keep in mind, fastidious effort is required to see a business through from conception to execution for it to continually grow and thrive. Starting and growing a business is just not for everybody.
Ever since I was a young girl, I had a passion for interior design. I knew that was my calling and I can remember the day I decided that is what I was meant to do in my life, it felt like falling in love. So, for the last 12 years of my life, it was my purpose and I worked my butt off to grow my interior design career/business, read more here. I went, I saw, I conquered. I set out on a dream and I achieved. I moved across the country from Los Angeles to New York City and built a blog, a business and a career in the interior design industry. Looking back I am so grateful for every minute and every single opportunity.
But to be completely honest, After 12 years, I got totally burnt out. When I got pregnant, it was almost a breath of relief for me because it gave me the opportunity for a change. So, I felt like it would be a good idea to discuss with you something that I feel like I learned the hard way…..the importance of prioritizing joy while building a business.
You see, I am a Capricorn, I thrive on hard work, I always rise up to a challenge and the word hustle has always resonated with me. It’s like who I am. But after getting so burnt out over the years, I look back and realize, I totally did not prioritize my self, my personal life and I spent zero time checking in with myself to make sure I was happy. These days, ‘sparking joy’ and ‘self care’ are at the forefront of everyones mind but sometimes I feel like it is misleading us all to take longer baths and invest in facials/beauty routines.
The truth is, when you’re a woman up to something in your life, its important that you prioritize focus at the same time you must prioritize your personal joy. What I have found, as I started my jewelry business, is that when you go within to connect to your deeper purpose or calling and find a way to make money at it, true magic happens and a blissful babe is unleashed.
I’ve been seeing it happen all around me, a sort of ‘second life’ movement going on. Women going deeper within, and a more meaningful calling and purpose emerges and their business takes off like wild fire. I’ve seen a business coach toting Chanel ditch the high life and start a purposeful vegan living movement. Or a fashion PR rep become a spiritual crystal healer. Or an interior designer become a coach for creative entrepreneurs based on her career experiences. I’ve loved watching Tobi Fairley evolve her design career, too. You must read this article on Forbes for a little inspiration.
However, a few months ago, I came to the realization that my deep passion does lie with homes, with interior design, with how people live. I actually had an astrologer read my birth chart and it says in the stars that I am meant to have a career in the home sector (pretty crazy, right?). Like my soul came to this planet with a specific purpose of helping others feel more happy within the walls of their home. I questioned myself as to why I had burn out and why I needed a break? The truth was that I wasn’t prioritizing joy in my business. I was doing the hustle, reaching goals, kicking butt, etc.
Fast forward to today, I’m reconnecting with my love of interior design and getting my real estate license this year. I’ll be serving my clients in a bigger way and I could not be more excited for what’s to come. Mamas getting back to work and it feels so right in my gut to move in this direction. So, in order to build something that fulfills me for the next 12 years, I will be making sure I prioritize my bliss and joy while building my business.
HERE’S HOW:
1) Focus on the WHY more than the HOW. It’s easy to get distracted by all the noise out there teaching you strategies for making lots of money or gaining a ton of followers. The pursuit of these things will always leave you frustrated and experiencing lack. That energy is very low vibe which completely contradicts your growth. So, instead of trying to figure out all the strategies out there, try to focus on the reasons WHY you are in business. Who are you trying to serve? Why do you want to serve them? How can you give them more? What do you want to be able to do with all the success you achieve? When you are focusing on your why, the deeper meaning behind what you do, true brilliance comes from within. These answers will help you come up with greater ideas!
2) Set boundaries. Entrepreneurship requires a lot of you. It requires long hours and all of your brain power. It’s so easy to lose yourself while building your brand and business. Decide to set boundaries for your time and energy. One of my favorite boss babe hacks is setting up business activities on certain day, like Lauryn from The Skinny Confidential does all her conference calls on Wednesdays. So you can set things up for how you want to work, I now do blog posts on Tuesdays, newsletters on Mondays, Podcasts on Wednesdays, etc. This not only helps you to stay focused more strategically but it also helps your sanity.
3) A creative work environment. If you don’t already know this about me yet, I am all about Feng Shui and the energy of your environment. It is especially important when creating a business. (Read this tip for setting up your home work space.) You need to be surrounded by things that spark your inspiration, you need your tools organized so you can work efficiently. How is work joyful when you’re always spending several minutes looking for things. When your environment flows and makes your job easy, money will flow in. So if you focus not on the money (which is not so joyful) but focus on creating a harmonious environment that inspires ease and flow, the money will flow in. Make sure to always clean your desk at the end of the day, keep your papers filed and organized. Setting aside a few minutes to upkeep your work environment will always help you enjoy being at work. Bliss Tip: I encourage you to use crystals in your home office, especially on your desk. Clear quartz helps to amplify your business intentions, Amethyst pulls in abundance and Malachite inspires flow. I also always keep an orchid on the desk, it represents life and growth, beauty and harmony, you want that energy where you work.
4) Throw parties. If I have learned anything about entrepreneurship over the last 12 years, it’s that things are more fun when you bring in others to help you. When two or more people come together for a bigger purpose, whatever they do flourishes and prospers. Plus, it creates a bond in your relationships. Thriving relationships are essential in life for overall joy and wellness. We need healthy and supportive connections to keep us motivated and going. I can speak from first hand experience, every time I have had a jewelry trunk show, a lively party with friends, bonds are made and strengthened. People love to offer a helping hand, it makes them feel valued and important. They feel part of your business and you get to share that fun experience when the even is a success. That memory is a gift that keeps on giving. I always loved helping my clients throw house warming parties once we finished their design, things like this cement your client relationships, and its so much fun, too. I love attending book parties, trunk shows, open houses, grand openings, etc. Celebrating small wins and victories and cheering others on is the best part of business if you ask me.
So there you have it, a few things you can do this year while working in and on your business. I hope you enjoyed it. If you liked this post, be sure to pop on over to the Blissful Living Lounge to continue the conversation.
