I don’t usually get deep or talk about issues that mean a lot to me here on the blog. I try to keep it fun and light to create an escape for readers and to make you all smile. Once in a while, when I feel strongly about something, I go for it (remember The Nose Diaries?).
Today I want to share with you about what life is really like as a new entrepreneur. I am bringing this up now because every single day I see someone or get an email from a friend that says “Your life looks so amazing, you’re killing it! Are you so happy? Is it so fun?”. Of course I respond with a smile and a thank you and a “yes, it’s pretty great” but in reality, it’s a lot harder than it looks. I’m not sharing this with you to brag or to complain, but just to let you know the reality. Owning a business is an incredible blessing but it isn’t all rainbows and unicorns!
On a regular day, if you’re going by the story that my Instagram tells you, it looks like I just sit around and bake, blog, take pictures of myself in pretty clothes, and go to press previews. That is so far from the truth! In reality, there is a lot of loneliness, a lot of uncertainty, and a lot of tears. Here are a few of the things that I’ve had to deal with over the last 6 months:
– Running an online boutique is not glamorous. Most of my hours are spent alone packing and shipping boxes to customers.
– I don’t pay myself a salary so we live off of my husband’s income- we’ve had to cut down a LOT on spending which has been really hard!
– I never know if I’m making the right choices because I’m the boss. That gives me massive amounts of anxiety.
– Sometimes I get no response on something that I’ve worked really hard on- it’s almost impossible not to take that personally.
– Work never stops. My life is my business and my business is my life. It’s not like I can shut it off at the end of the day. It’s always in my mind!
– If I’m working at home alone, I get lonely and want to see people but if I spend too much time away from my computer, I fall behind. I haven’t found the perfect balance yet.
– Our apartment is full of inventory. In every drawer, corner, and cabinet, I have inventory for the store piled up. It’s kind of funny but very crowded.
Starting my business was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made but it comes with more difficulties than I could have imagined. If any of you out there are in similar situations, I’d love to hear about your struggles as well as your advice. Help a sista’ out!
Check out my 10 tips on how to work from home here.
