August 28, 2012

I Have a Confession to Make

It's been a rough few months. I've teetered on the very precipice of letting all my soapy love go to the wayside- it isn't that I don't love making soap- I do, I do, I reealllly do. It's that I'm afraid. Up until the past few weeks and days I didn't have a clear picture of where I was heading, or how I was going to get there. I'm terrified of the "business" aspect, it's not my comfort zone at all.

I put tons of work into formulation of my product,packaging,product photography, copy, marketing and on and on... I taught myself enough photography to get by, I do my own copy for the most part because I can't pay anyone to do it-that doesn't even begin to touch the amount of blood, sweat and tears that have gone into websites over the years. Grant you, my husband does the actual coding, but I direct him as to every design detail that I can(sometimes I get a bit of input and advice here and there)- but for the most part, it's a true collaboration of talent and hard work.

The long and short of it all- is that I let my fear take over, I fed fear Wheaties for breakfast. I fed that fear until it regurgitated all over me,and I had to face "calling it quits." I've spent the summer devastated at the whole idea-all the work, all the trial and error, all the faith my family has in me..all the faith my family has in me- that's what keeps me hanging in there. The very thought of letting them down has motivated me to re-evaluate my direction, seek out others who can help me in my weak areas,and support me when I'm fearful. I realize that the business end is something I am certainly capable of learning with some guidance-I mean after all I did learn to make soap on my own didn't I? I can re-think my offerings to include some higher end gift baskets etc.I can re-vamp my marketing and find someone to coach me in that area. I can cut out relationships that don't serve me-people who are back biting or would like to see me fail.

I can move forward feeding my vision courage,strength and happiness. I can do things that feel right for me, I can make mistakes and learn from them, I can acknowledge that I am afraid as long as I don't feed that fear too awfully much-I can  have a do-over-to change a few things,to evolve,it's okay to not have ALL the answers. For another great read about starting over-check out this Truthy Tuesday blog post over at Miss Modish.

9 comments:

Erica P. said...

It takes a brave person to say they are afraid and then forge ahead. I'm afraid, too, sometimes. There's uncertainty with having a business. There's the fear of failing, especially in front of everyone. But we're all in this together. I'm rooting for you! I've stopped and re-evaluated and put my business on hold before. It's OK. As you push forward, you'll become less and less fearful.

Tierra Verde Handmade Soap said...

@ Erica-Thank you for our words of encouragement. This is not the first time I've been a bit fearful,but it is the first time I have truly thought about quitting-until I thought about all the work it's taken to get here and about letting my family down.

Jena | The Maven Circle said...

Yes, yes and triple yes!! I love that you are re-evaluating and moving more in the direction you really want rather than just giving up. Giving up is going nowhere- you're moving now and that's the best place to be. Moving toward that fear will get you where you want to go, scary as it is. Keep going Michele! I especially like the idea of cutting out of relationships that don't serve you- that's a biggie game changer we encourage people to make. And hey, if you need a marketing coach, you know where to find me! :)

I'm going to add this to our Truthy Tuesday post!
-jena

Tierra Verde Handmade Soap said...

Yay Jena! I am so glad you stopped by.I get so much good information for your blog Miss Modish and The Maven Circle-great tips on balancing work and business, starting over,meditating,how to re-boot if I'm having an off day etc. Thank yo so,so much for all you do-it's great stuff for the small business owner as well as those looking to live their best life!

Barbara said...

I love how brave and honest you are. I've been a fan of yours for a while, although I think you've only heard from me once before. Your blog is one of my favorites, and I've purchased your soap so I know how very, very good it is. I'm so glad you've decided to move forward, because I really believe you have exactly what you need to take that next step. Bravo! Go you!

Tierra Verde Handmade Soap said...

Wow Barbara!Thank you so much-actually it was one of those posts that you hit "publish" and wonder if you've said too much,how will people take it-what will people think? I certainly meant for it to be a help to others who might be in the same spot, and I hope it is taken that way. People don't realize the courage it takes to step off into your own business where you are responsible for so much, and wear many hats. Your kind words of support meant so much.

Unknown said...

I'm going through the exact same thing. You're post helped, a lot. If you want someone who writes copy to take a look at a couple of your descriptions, I'd be happy to.

I never spot my own mistakes, or clean them up, but I can help others. I have a limit though, because I've been asked to do a lot for free. This is me offering. So, accept it as a gift from an admirer and a scared to pieces addicted soaper. You could look at my photos in trade, if you were interested.

I'm terrified I will fail, or succeed. Either way, our lives are changed, forever.

Tierra Verde Handmade Soap said...

Hey there Nancy-so good to hear from you.

"I'm terrified I will fail, or succeed. Either way, our lives are changed, forever."

Isn't it funny that the thought of succeeding is almost as terrifying as failing.

For great tips on ways to handle all the scarey feelings and issues that come up when one works for themselves- be sure to check out the Miss Modish blog and The Maven Circle. Great information for any type of Indie businesses. Tips on things from marketing, to meditating, or even re-evaluating + a great support system just for people like us.

Someone pointed out to me recently that I stay in my own head a bit too much-at the time I was really a bit put off by this comment, but ya' know it's true. I think you can very easily talk yourself out of moving forward if you aren't careful. Keep that in mind-sometimes don't feed the fear too much-"be willing to do the thing that scares you to bring your vision to life."Iyanla Vanzant~

Tierra Verde Handmade Soap said...

Oh and Nancy, I am more than happy to help you out with product pic. I am not sure how we can do it from a distance,but I am happy to give input. ;-)