So many great points with this, I’m just starting my journey after being unemployed and unable to find a job for nearly a year now. I figured it was the absolute perfect time to start if there ever was a perfect time! Thank you for writing this!!
That’s very sweet, Emma! Thank you. I’m glad this post resonated with you. I sometimes feel like I’m all over the place with random topics for each post, so it’s nice to hear that I’ve reached you! ;)
I could relate to the rejection and being clueless about certain things but still going ahead. I think that's the beauty of being your own boss: you can figure it out and one day you may look back at it all with pride :)
Oh these are great lessons, and even after 8 years of almost solopreneurship (I work with my husband), there are many of these I still struggle with. I also love your implicit lesson here, that what you start doing today might not be what you're doing 10 years from now... but it's all about getting started and keeping going. Super inspiring.
That's a great point! Sometimes I forget to pat myself on the back for that. haha. I think something I missed here is to celebrate all the wins! Regardless of how small they are. ;) Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
Great insights here. I can't agree more with #1. There are so many times when I think, "If I'd have known how hard that was going to be, I never would've tried."
Thanks, Lee! Yes! That is the best one, and now every time I want to try/start something new, I sort of wish I still had that same naivete. But the wisdom is also a perk! ;)
So many gems here Alexis! I too have been on the solopreneur train on and off for about 15 years. Making time for yourself and connecting with others were two things I was terrible at - I thought if I just pushed myself harder, I could do it all alone! Oh dear - how wrong I was. I also look back at some of my earlier ventures and cringe but now I’m kinda proud that I was out there having a go. Ps I’m also a content marketer and copywriter 😀 ✌️
I’m freelance at the moment. I was full time with an agency until about a year ago but my partner travels so much for work it became impossible with kids. So my first foray into my own thing was a blog / shop for style conscious pet owners 🐶😀I did street photography of people with their pets in London, reported on all the best pet friendly places like pubs, hotels etc and sold designer pet products. TBH I think I was too early with it (2011) - it’d probably work now! 🤷♀️
Ah, that sounds like a really cool blog/shop! When I had my brand, I used to do all the photography too, and also had a blog to help bring people to the site. Gotta be resourceful!
So many great points with this, I’m just starting my journey after being unemployed and unable to find a job for nearly a year now. I figured it was the absolute perfect time to start if there ever was a perfect time! Thank you for writing this!!
It does sound like a good time! Lots of luck and success (and patience) to you!
Hey Alexis! Thank you for being so transparent and sharing all this, a more relatable and real tale of what creating a business is!
Reading you is always motivating and encouraging to keep going! Like now is not the end of the story, it's just part of the journey.
Thanks so much for sharing! :)
That’s very sweet, Emma! Thank you. I’m glad this post resonated with you. I sometimes feel like I’m all over the place with random topics for each post, so it’s nice to hear that I’ve reached you! ;)
I could relate to the rejection and being clueless about certain things but still going ahead. I think that's the beauty of being your own boss: you can figure it out and one day you may look back at it all with pride :)
Yes, that's exactly right! And I agree, it's one of the best parts.
Oh these are great lessons, and even after 8 years of almost solopreneurship (I work with my husband), there are many of these I still struggle with. I also love your implicit lesson here, that what you start doing today might not be what you're doing 10 years from now... but it's all about getting started and keeping going. Super inspiring.
That's a great point! Sometimes I forget to pat myself on the back for that. haha. I think something I missed here is to celebrate all the wins! Regardless of how small they are. ;) Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
Oooh - that's a great lesson too!
Great insights here. I can't agree more with #1. There are so many times when I think, "If I'd have known how hard that was going to be, I never would've tried."
Thanks, Lee! Yes! That is the best one, and now every time I want to try/start something new, I sort of wish I still had that same naivete. But the wisdom is also a perk! ;)
So many gems here Alexis! I too have been on the solopreneur train on and off for about 15 years. Making time for yourself and connecting with others were two things I was terrible at - I thought if I just pushed myself harder, I could do it all alone! Oh dear - how wrong I was. I also look back at some of my earlier ventures and cringe but now I’m kinda proud that I was out there having a go. Ps I’m also a content marketer and copywriter 😀 ✌️
Thanks, Sara! And hello fellow content marketer and writer. ;) Do you freelance or work full time?
I agree, I’m also proud when I look back and realize that it all brought me to where I am now. What other types of business have you had/attempted? :)
I’m freelance at the moment. I was full time with an agency until about a year ago but my partner travels so much for work it became impossible with kids. So my first foray into my own thing was a blog / shop for style conscious pet owners 🐶😀I did street photography of people with their pets in London, reported on all the best pet friendly places like pubs, hotels etc and sold designer pet products. TBH I think I was too early with it (2011) - it’d probably work now! 🤷♀️
Ah, that sounds like a really cool blog/shop! When I had my brand, I used to do all the photography too, and also had a blog to help bring people to the site. Gotta be resourceful!
All great points. Sticking the bullet points on my mirror to ponder!
Oh that’s great! ❤️
Alexis, this is great! And agree: Being naive is a superpower. :)
Thanks! Had a feeling you might relate. ;)