This post is sponsored by Diamond Links. Any opinions expressed are my own.
I’ve told a few people in my life that I’ve always wanted to create something with my own hands and turn it into a way to provide for my family. I never really knew what that was until I started blogging. I do make a little side income from my blog but nothing to quit my day job over.
There are opportunities I’ve been offered in the past that I really wish I would have been able to take advantage of. At one point I was asked to sit on a women’s panel in Pittsburgh, PA for a women’s entrepreneur event. As much as I would have loved to I just couldn’t make it happen with having small children and my hubby working 2nd shifts. I think it would have got my name out there and added something to put on my blogging resume. On a side note, I do have a fear of public speaking.
It’s amazing that I do have these offers and opportunities though. I’ve had experiences I never thought I’d have when I started this blog. I’ve learned so much and have met some awesome people. It’s totally worth the work, criticism, and deadlines. I’ve been able to add to our income for a family of 6. When you have 4 kids extra income is always good.
I look at women entrepreneurs like Chrissy Weems, founder of Origami Owl. The story of how she started her business could be any mother’s story. When I read stories like hers as a mother of 4 it gives me a renewed sense of motivation. Though we never know the full story behind everyone’s success. All the trials and errors, all the late nights, maybe they had money to be able to start a business, etc. I have an Origami Owl piece. When I bought it, I never really knew how or why the company started. With popular companies I have a tendency of thinking of a guy in a suit in some big office building somewhere making plans to mass produce a product. But a lot of businesses start off small. Now every time I wear my Origami Owl pendant I’ll think of Chrissy Weems story. I may even keep that story in the back of my head for my kids.
One thing that’s for sure, no matter what kind of business a person decides to start there’s never any guarantees. It will take hard work and there will be ups and downs. I have to keep reminding myself of that. Not every day can be a successful day. I also need to stop comparing myself to others and just do my thing.
If you are a small business owner I’d love to hear your stories of how you started your business. How did you decide what business was right for you? What resources did you use to help you get started?
