Dream big. Start small. But most importantly, start.
Last week I spent my days at the Life InStyle trade show in Melbourne. Last week also happens to mark 7 months since quitting my corporate job to focus full time on One Happy Leaf. This brought me to reflect a little on my journey.
Over the last seven months I have worked harder and longer than in any other job I have held. My business is all consuming and has been mentally exhausting as I put my heart and soul into it everyday.
But the last 7 months also happen to be my happiest.
Since parting ways with a traditional corporate career I've been fortunate enough to travel more than ever, choosing how, when and what to invest my time in. The independence and freedom that I have experienced is exhilarating and second to none.
Thank you to all of you who subscribe to my Happy Mail newsletter, or have ever liked or commented on my Facebook and Instagram pages. This action may appear small, but it has had an enormous impact on me, inspiring and motivating me to be the best I can be.
Thank you to all of my friends and family who have cheered me on with my business endeavours and didn't laugh when I told you my dreams, or attempt to convince me to have different aspirations. Your endless support means that I get to live the life I could only have dreamt of 2 years ago.
Along the way I've met some truly inspiring and wonderful small business owners (both local and abroad) that have mentored me and encouraged me to navigate my own space in this world.
My journey as a small business owner has only just begun, and I am excited for what the future holds. As my ethos in One Happy Leaf is to be your authentic self I can report back that making your own pathway is far more rewarding than taking the path already travelled.
In the words of one of the great thought leaders, Simon Sinek "Dream big. Start small. But most importantly, start."
3 Responses
Anna
Oh, where to start!? There is so much to organise and arrange before you go. I would strongly suggest watching the following online training session: https://www.creativelive.com/courses/sell-your-products-retailers-megan-auman – there is a wealth of information in the video series. Overall having a GREAT display with take-away brochures/catalogues/flyers is a must along with wholesale terms and conditions that are fair and product you and the retailer. Let me know how you go! Anna x
petal & pins
Well done for following your dreams! It sounds like you are going well.
I am doing my first trade fair with cards I design at the First InStyle section in February – any tips or feedback would be greatly appreciated ?
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petalandpins
March 11, 2016
Hello Anna, a belated thank you for your reply and tips!
We had a great (& exhausting!) time at First InStyle and are very happy with the swag of new stockists we got out of attending.
Of course you get through it and then there is so much more work that needs to be done following up leads, invoicing,packing and posting off orders, etc
A great organising app in the lead up that I used was Trello and my partner has set up a CRM (customer relationship management ) system using an app called Capsule which has made things easier to keep track with.
Sandra x