I am the epitome of a small business owner. Its just me. I’m the one who writes the posts, answers all the emails and phone calls. Researches and saves photos. Looks at just about every fashion show from around the world. Reads and researches articles on fashion and beauty, business and the business of fashion and beauty. I interview all the stylish people for my blog. I take all the street style photos. I write the checks, balance the budget and plan for my financial future not only for my business but for my family. I update all the social media sites Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. I developed several new skill sets completely foreign to me, in web design, html templates, photography and photo editing. I do the market research and develop the advertising campaigns. I develop business relationships with the vendors, bloggers, e-retailers, photographers, designers, hair and make-up artists, entrepreneurs and the like. When I do outsource I’m the one who writes the contracts. I hire the models. I book the dressers. I shop the tradeshows and buy every look in the store. I try on every single piece of merchandise I buy for the store. I take the photos of the products. I measure every garment and every handbag. I pack and ship and write the thank you notes for every order. I pound the pavement every single day handing out LadyBowTie post cards to stranger on the streets of New York City to help build my business. I have become an efficiency expert, I get more done in 90 minutes than most people do in 2 whole days. This is me. The Cori that once was is no longer and new Cori has been born. This is who I am now. Or maybe its who I always was just waiting to get out. This is my life. This is truly my dream that I’m making happen with every key stroke. And I do it all after I put my daughter to bed. I’m so tired. I’m so happy. I am small business. PS. Did I mention I have a full time day job? I do.
I had to write this today. The last couple of weeks I was dealt a few professional blows that have put me in a major funk. Its been so busy and I’ve had a ridiculous amount of deadlines and projects to complete. I’m emotionally wiped out and my creative energy has dried up. All I really want to do is color with my kid, curl up with my husband and watch mindless TV until I pass out. I love television and movies and I love spending hours of brainless energy on it. I haven’t really watched TV in a year and a half. And I’m fighting a cold. There you have it my b***h session. I just had to get it out. Thanks for listening. Sigh.
The real reason I had to write all this is to remind myself why I do it. All small business owners will tell you to expect it, the burn-out. I’m not surprised I’ve felt it before in June when I was launching SHOPLadyBowTie. I wrote this to see everything I’ve accomplished and to see how far I’ve come in building this special little fashion house. I also wrote this for any other small business owners that are just starting out. Like me, they might be feeling similar defeated emotions. Here my words of wisdom I share with you and I share with myself: Fix the mistakes you can, accept that you cant correct them all and move forward. Remember that business is an exercise in stamina. I also read that once you taste success all you want is more. Its all true. Remember that and keep that desire to succeed in the forefront of your mind and let it push you through all the tired sick nights. DVR your shows and keep going. Keep going.
Kind regards,
Cori/LadyBowTie
Thanks for you support.
