I started my first business part-time making jewellery in 1992, and transitioned to full-time by 1994 making jewellery and then sweaters.
When I quit my part-time restaurant job, my goal was to make it to the 6 month mark without needing a part-time job.
If I made it that far, I figured, I could make it to a year.
And that became my way of life.
Making it through 6 months and then a year at a time so that I didn’t have to get a “real job”.
I remember times when people would ask me how long I had had the business, and I’d think for a second and be surprised to be saying, “It’s been 3 years now.” or “It’s been 7 years now.”
Well, it’s been 24 years now! Part of me still can’t believe I pulled this off!
The truth is I went into business for myself because I didn’t know how to get a “real job”.
I had had jobs, but nothing I could see developing into a career.
And I was driven by a fear of having an ordinary life.
I didn’t know what an extraordinary life looked like, but I knew I wanted to be creative, do something that mattered and spend my working hours doing something I loved.
I had no idea – like NONE- what it would take to run a successful business. I just knew I didn’t want to get a “job”.
As it turned out, on this path, I created a truly extraordinary life for myself.
Learning to run a successful business had me confront all my limiting beliefs about myself over and over again.
It had me commit to ongoing learning and growth, and allowed me to follow every curiosity in pursuit of making the business work.
I have connected with incredible inspiring people and built an amazing community around myself.
And I get to live every day knowing that I’m making a difference to my community, discovering new skills and strengths and able to take on new adventures.
My business coaching practice is the latest adventure.
One of my greatest joys in life is sharing my knowledge and using my strengths to help others.
And one of my greatest strengths is seeing possibility where others don’t.
I know the entrepreneurial personality inside and out. I live it every day.
I’ve experienced the darkest of times, thinking I had really done it this time and the business was sure to come crashing down around me.
I’ve had those sleepless nights, those terrible fears of how I was about to let everyone down.
And I got through those times and learned from them.
I’ve also experienced the highs, of course, the driving passion that also keeps us entrepreneurs awake at night as we work on this next great idea that is going to be absolutely amazing.
I know the extreme joy of building something from nothing, seeing it succeed and bring value to people’s lives.
It’s that extreme joy that has me embarking on this next adventure.
When I think of the value I can bring to someone just like I was in 1998, as I was opening my first store, or someone just like me in 2003 as I was opening my third store, it truly moves my soul.
I know the pitfalls those passionate entrepreneurs – creators, dreamers, doers- are likely to encounter, and I can save them years and countless tears by helping steer them away from the dark places.
I understand how to build systems in a small business that will save your sanity and your bank account – even when you think you don’t need them, and even when you’re the type (like me) who want to resist routine and order. Trust me, the systems will set your creativity free!
I understand the personality of the entrepreneurs- the awesome parts, and the parts that keep them getting in their own damn way.
And I’m excited to see just exactly how I can help you see what’s next for you.
Whatever stage you’re at in your business, I think I can help you.
It all starts with a Discovery Call to see if we’re a fit for each other.
I look forward to connecting with you.
xoxo
Laura-Jean
