Inspiration: Know & Be Confident...

As a person who is trying to start a small business (Party hats and paper goods, with a few things in between) the above quote stood out to me it prompted me to think about a few things:

1. Learn how to network, socialize and learn from people whose work I admire.

2. Be confident. 99.9% of the work that I do is purely handmade and because I want to grow my clientele, often times I tend to question myself as it pertains to, if I charge “too much” for the work that I do, will my clients become few and far in between. In essence, you want to be reasonable but you also want to realistically be able to “reap the benefits” of the efforts that you put forth to produce great products.

3. Learn to take risks and learn from mistakes. Not everyone who ventures into their own brand/identity gets it right the first time and there may be a few bumps along the way. Be mindful that mistakes are to be learned from and this is where you can gain the experience and acceptance that we’re not perfect but you make an honest effort to reach perfection. Be willing to have a few failures but know that you're not one.

4. Have faith that what you’re doing is what you were destined and meant to do. Don't be scared and don’t judge your gifts/talents by others abilities. You were created to be unique and to travel your own path. And that’s not to say that you can’t be inspired by others, just don’t be intimated.

5. Have a supportive team. I know for me, I try to do EVERYTHING on my own because I feel like I can handle it but sometimes it’s easy to get overwhelmed so get help when needed because that what your team is for. They are to help your vision(s) along and execute so that you’re successful.

6. Be confident of the direction that you want to head in and make moves, attempts and strides to get there!

7.  Have fun! Though sacrifices are made on many ends, questioning yourself, long hours, a period of waiting, disappointments, not really being sure of what to do and lack of confidence, have fun doing what you love! Be driven by your passion for your gift and let it fuel you and have fun along the way

{photo via Pinterest}