To never giving up

Hello! Somehow, I always find myself coming back to this space. It's really documented how I've grown over the past 6 years or so.

As the year comes to a close, I am soon to be another year older but still, I can't quite find the answer to one question. More often then not, people always ask me, 'What are you going to do in life?' It's probably the only question I feel the need to just slip away from. Because in truth, I honestly have no idea.

Having started my entrepreneurial  journey about six months ago, I have honestly been enjoying myself. Well most of the time at least. There is this misconception where online store owners reap the rewards of their store almost immediately. I am not going to lie when I tell you that there are days where I just want to cave and throw the towel in. But what keeps me afloat is all the people who have supported me in one way or another. Whether it's my customers or just random individuals I've
 had the delight of crossing paths with. Everyone tells me they're stupendously proud and so happy for me. Some even say I'm gusty beyond words.

When I first thought of embarking on this journey, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I spent months thinking about how I would go about doing things from conducting photoshoots, editing the photos and maintaining the site's social networking pages. It was only when I managed to talk myself into doing it that I knew I had to give it go. People ask me, 'Why did you do it?'

I was paid fairly in my previous job where I learnt so much from my peers and about myself. I got the privilege to work with people from all walks of life and was constantly tested during times of crisis. Although the job was mostly keeping hell under wraps, I enjoyed it tremendously, especially more when I progressively got better. I decided to leave for many reasons, both personal and corporate. Six months later, I admit I do miss the corporate life, the hustle and bustle of being constantly swamped with work and all the challenges the corporate world has to offer. BUT, I wouldn't trade what I have now for anything or anyone.

The last six months have been the best and toughest for me. I closed a long chapter in my life, decided to rediscover and work on myself, left my job and started my own business. Today, I won't tell you I'm successful or that I reap of profit of $30,000 a month. I can tell you that I enjoy what I do, that I have time to stop and smell the roses and that I've found new love in rediscovering myself. I do my best to roll my money and I believe I'll get there someday. As challenging as this journey may seem, I'd like to do my best and brave through whatever comes my way. So..back to the question of why I wanted to do this. Truthfully, I think being young has a lot to do with it. I'm not yet 23, have no commitments and barely any bills to pay, so why wouldn't I do it? I'm not encouraging every single 22-year-old  to do this but my question to you is, 'Why wouldn't you?' The world IS your oyster. Go out, seek adventure and grow as a person. Also, I don't believe being away from the workforce for a year will be detrimental to a prospective corporate career in the long run. At this age, I feel like experimenting, learning more about yourself, testing your abilities and discovering your capabilities sort of a right of passage to adulthood. Both my parents are entrepreneurs themselves. If you're wondering whether they're my leading inspiration, I can tell you no. I've always admired them for taking risks (something which I need to improve on), daring to dream and raising a family while at it. I know it's not for everyone. Being in business means you're going to have both great and crappy days. But personally, I want to do this, for me. In the past few months, I have learnt so much about myself, what my strengths and weaknesses are, how to slowly get around in this industry and through all my obstacles, I have come across many wonderful individuals whom I've had the pleasure of working with.

People say they're scared. Or that they're scared to fail. You're going to fall every once in awhile, but every time you do, pick yourself up and keep going. Discard the non believers and never ever question your self worth or how capable you are. As sad as this sounds, there are many people out there who are waiting to see you fall. So why give them that? Do what you love and do it well. If you're ever stuck or in need of advice, turn to close ones who you know will be there for you. You'll filter out who your real friends are. Alike any journey life, you're going to come face to face with the gusty winds. It doesn't matter if you emerge on the other side with sand in your hair or abrasions on your knees. What's important is that you know you've made it. Ask yourself what your definition of success is. Whether it's to take care of your parents in their elder years or to buy that first Porsche.

Do you have your answer? Well, do it.  

I guess, this entry is about a lot of things I've had on my mind for awhile. I don't reckon anyone ever reads this space anymore but that's okay. But to whoever reads it, I hope you find some comfort in this entry.

To always doing your best,
X
D