Starting my own business: the six week update

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius 

I’m suddenly six weeks into starting my own business, which amazes me when I think about it.

After having the idea to begin painting and selling my art less than one year ago, and wondering if I dared to try.

After so many months of planning, and dreaming, and wondering if I have what it takes. After so many months of alternating between excitement and doubt, excitement and doubt.

While I still haven’t figured everything out, while I am still very much at the beginning of this journey, the bubble of self-doubt that has lived inside my heart for so many years is beginning to break down.

Working (and laughing!) in my studio. Photo by Elena Saraga Danyluk.

And the most amazing part is that the bubble of doubt is slowly being replaced by peace. I feel the peace-flickers popping up here and there: when I am working on a new painting or when I am answering one of your questions. When I am setting up my new Pinterest account (which is here! come find me!), or when I am writing these blog entries.

The peace comes from working in alignment with my soul:

• I LOVE creating paintings that inspire, comfort, and spark new ideas
• I LOVE talking to you and sharing ideas and questions about life and creativity and art
• I LOVE that there is possibility in our most wild and creative dreams, if we’re willing to listen to our hearts

So, here I am.

With so much still to learn that it makes my head spin. Hopeful. Beyond grateful that my art has already found a way into such good homes. Sleepy from working a full-time job and building my business in the evenings and on weekends.

But my heart is open and I’m ready.

Here are the top 5 lessons I’ve learned from my first year of planning and my first 6 weeks in business

It’s okay to feel challenged by new things, as long as you don’t let them stop you completely.

Oh, friends: I have felt so challenged. Taxes, shipping policies, the vulnerability of sharing my work publicly. How to set up my website, my newsletter, Photoshop. There were times I felt I’d never officially launch, as there was so much to learn.

So, how do I handle the learning curve? Through daily reminders that I will never feel ready, so to keep moving forward anyway. By honoring my need to research, because it makes me more confident that I’m offering you the best service and product that I possibly can. By staying organized, taking lots of notes, and asking for help when I need it!

Resistance shows up in many forms 

I read a fabulous book called The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It’s short, thoughtful, and gives tons of examples of how people let resistance stop them from following their dreams. Resistance can show up in obvious ways, like watching TV instead of exercising or working on your next project. Resistance can also be sneakier: do you feel the need to watch 10 podcasts and read 10 books on your subject before starting your project? Do you need to clean the house, rewrite your to-do list multiple times, and respond to all of your email?

Resistance. I’ve been trying to break the cycle by recognizing early when I’m procrastinating so I can dive down to the root cause. Am I so intimidated by a task that I am therefore choosing to avoid it? My new method is to pick the task that I’m dreading and just get it done first. Talk about relief!

Taking care of yourself is non-negotiable  

I’ve been so excited about my business that other parts of my life took the hit: I’ve been sleeping much less, not exercising, and barely taking the time to see friends or read a novel. My body quickly let me know that things had to change: I started to get sick, my patience dwindled, and I walked through my days in a sleepy, unfocused fog. Not sustainable or productive.

Now I have a 10pm bedtime, exercise 3 times per week, and try to read my novel at least 1-2 times per week. I seek out my friends and family. My progress may be slower, but I’m starting to feel like a person again! The key to moving your goals forward when you’re busy is to create a realistic lifestyle that doesn’t burn you out completely. Be gentle on yourself and listen to your body.

Listen to your intuition and have patience 

There have been many times throughout this journey that I’ve observed how my body felt in reaction to a decision or a painting or a new business connection. Did my chest feel tight or open? Was I dreading certain commitments or looking forward to them? When I looked at a painting, did it feel done? or was something just not right?

My intuition has not led me astray yet – whenever I feel that tightness, or dread, or an unresolved sensation, I stop to listen and analyze. The body is amazing. Your subconscious is amazing. Slow down and really pay attention. Are you led to a conclusion that you did not expect?

Make beautiful connections 

One of my main dreams has always been to connect to those of you who are trying to figure it out. You who need inspiration, peace, goals, and support. You who need beauty and motivation and thoughtfulness in your lives. I’ve been blessed to start connecting to you so far, and I want that to continue! Check out my blog entry What’s important to you? to leave me a comment if you haven’t yet told me more about you.

I have also listened to your ideas about my art, such as how many of my paintings work well in a nursery. Here’s a sneak peak of my newest painting, Dream + Fly, which I painted with little ones in mind. Prints, note cards, and the original painting are available in my Etsy shop.

I’ll keep saying again and again how grateful I am that you’ve joined me on this journey so far. Thank you for supporting my dream. Now I want to hear from you: tell me an example of a time you worked hard to complete a goal. What did you do?

Here’s to another busy six weeks, and beyond!

With love,