What I’ve Learned Since Closing My Online Shop
It has been 2 months since I closed my online store “Iddy Biddy Fitness Apparel”. I have gone through so many different emotions since then, as you can imagine. At first I thought I was making a big mistake, that I had thrown away all of the long hours, sacrifices and hard work that went into building my brand. I had to mourn the loss of something I created. There were a few sleepless nights and tears. The kind words from many supportive friends and family made it even more difficult to say goodbye. I also felt a lot of relief. I had put a lot of pressure on myself over the years as my business grew. Doing it all by myself was a sense of pride as well as a huge commitment. I was working all areas of my business with the help of my boyfriend and loyal brand ambassadors. I was always grateful for the support and other’s enthusiasm, but I always felt this ongoing pressure of never doing enough.
Right before I made the decision to close up shop, I was juggling many parts of my life and feeling a sense of overwhelm on a daily basis. Along with the growing brand, I was working a full time job and studying online for a 2 year course to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Of course with COVID I am now only studying and recently moved, but not back to a normal schedule yet. It has given me time to reflect and be at peace with my decision to closing e my store. So apart from being very busy, why did I close when it was still going well you ask ?!
Well I lost some of the passion I once had for my brand. It felt like a business which isn’t a bad thing but I didn’t have the time or energy to focus on it like a business. I was craving more connection and soul fulfilling activities. It felt like an obligation and a “to do” and I had enough of that in my life. I made the decision to respect my needs and spiritual health. I didn’t need more pressure on myself, not mentally, emotionally or physically. What I really needed was to enjoy my life more. I had sacrificed time with friends, hobbies and financial responsibility. What people don’t tell you when you start an entrepreneurial journey is that you are going to have to give up a lot in order to gain all of the wonderful things we associate with being an entrepreneur.
From the beginning of my business I felt like I had something to prove. To both myself and others that I could do more that what my resume said I could. And I did. I did gain confidence, respect for myself and learned a lot about my own stress level. It’s not that I cannot handle a lot in life or that I wasn’t capable of great things. I was just trying to do too many things at once that caused me to feel unbalanced. I learned so much and grew as both an entrepreneur and person in the past 4 years. I am grateful for my entire experience as a business owner and I will carry what I learned forward with me to my next endeavors.
So what’s next ?! I’m taking time ! I don’t think I’ve ever uttered those words in my life. I’ve always been impatient and a bit impulsive with my aspirations. But I need time. I’m taking time to finish my online school and really focus on what I can do with it. I’m taking time to focus on my career and job. I’m taking time to reconnect with friends and family. I’m taking time to settle into my new home and make responsible financial decisions. I’m still an entrepreneur and I believe I always will be. I just need to give myself a break and do things that are good for my soul. I’ve started creating DIY projects for my home and a new Instagram page www.instagram.com/rustic_little_home or @rustic_little_home which is fulfilling my creativity without pressure of selling anything or being attached to phone ! I’ve taken a big break from social media even with this new page. Which feels amazing and I am more present. I was spending too much time on Instagram before and I feel free from caring about it so much. Now I can enjoy social media to connect with friends and family again which is very refreshing !
Again, thank you to everyone who has messaged me during this transition time and for the lovely posts and comments. I appreciate everyone who has supported my journey and it makes a world of a difference having a support system .
Kelsey
Right before I made the decision to close up shop, I was juggling many parts of my life and feeling a sense of overwhelm on a daily basis. Along with the growing brand, I was working a full time job and studying online for a 2 year course to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Of course with COVID I am now only studying and recently moved, but not back to a normal schedule yet. It has given me time to reflect and be at peace with my decision to closing e my store. So apart from being very busy, why did I close when it was still going well you ask ?!
Well I lost some of the passion I once had for my brand. It felt like a business which isn’t a bad thing but I didn’t have the time or energy to focus on it like a business. I was craving more connection and soul fulfilling activities. It felt like an obligation and a “to do” and I had enough of that in my life. I made the decision to respect my needs and spiritual health. I didn’t need more pressure on myself, not mentally, emotionally or physically. What I really needed was to enjoy my life more. I had sacrificed time with friends, hobbies and financial responsibility. What people don’t tell you when you start an entrepreneurial journey is that you are going to have to give up a lot in order to gain all of the wonderful things we associate with being an entrepreneur.
From the beginning of my business I felt like I had something to prove. To both myself and others that I could do more that what my resume said I could. And I did. I did gain confidence, respect for myself and learned a lot about my own stress level. It’s not that I cannot handle a lot in life or that I wasn’t capable of great things. I was just trying to do too many things at once that caused me to feel unbalanced. I learned so much and grew as both an entrepreneur and person in the past 4 years. I am grateful for my entire experience as a business owner and I will carry what I learned forward with me to my next endeavors.
So what’s next ?! I’m taking time ! I don’t think I’ve ever uttered those words in my life. I’ve always been impatient and a bit impulsive with my aspirations. But I need time. I’m taking time to finish my online school and really focus on what I can do with it. I’m taking time to focus on my career and job. I’m taking time to reconnect with friends and family. I’m taking time to settle into my new home and make responsible financial decisions. I’m still an entrepreneur and I believe I always will be. I just need to give myself a break and do things that are good for my soul. I’ve started creating DIY projects for my home and a new Instagram page www.instagram.com/rustic_little_home or @rustic_little_home which is fulfilling my creativity without pressure of selling anything or being attached to phone ! I’ve taken a big break from social media even with this new page. Which feels amazing and I am more present. I was spending too much time on Instagram before and I feel free from caring about it so much. Now I can enjoy social media to connect with friends and family again which is very refreshing !
Again, thank you to everyone who has messaged me during this transition time and for the lovely posts and comments. I appreciate everyone who has supported my journey and it makes a world of a difference having a support system .
Kelsey
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