CHASING DREAMS.

Let me start by saying good things come to those who work.. seriously, owning a business is hard WORK. So many people get it twisted thinking it’s all fun and games. HA! It’s a lot of fun, but also a lot of blood.. sweat.. + tears.

I had a dream at a very young age to open up a salon + boutique. I set out to get my cosmetology license while starting up a boutique solely through Facebook at the time. I was working at a salon in my hometown when the boutique load just got very heavy + a lot to juggle. I continued despite my fears to chase my dreams when I decided to open up my salon and boutique!! That being said I didn’t pay myself for THREE and a HALF YEARS to get where I am today! I let go of the salon dream (which was hard and discouraging) and set out to do the boutique side of things only. At the time the decision was very hard, but I now know it was the best decision for Aden Ann’s to flourish.

I would be lying if I said it’s been easy. There have been times in the past six years that I have wanted to throw my hands in the air + say I can’t do this, but you know what.. I CAN. I think it’s so important to talk about the struggles of the business as well as the victories. Often owning a business gets lost in this fairytale world of the luxuries of being a entrepreneur. Sure, I get to make my own schedule + tote my babygirl with me. Sure, I can work from my home some days. Do you know what I can’t do though? Shut it off. This gig is a 24/7 kind of gig. I work from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep. It’s constant + trust me, I am SO thankful. The fact that it’s constant means it’s successful + I thank the good Lord above for His abundant blessings in my life.

Here is some tips I’ve learned along the way:

•Don’t compare yourself.. Like ever. Comparison is THE thief of JOY. No one is going to do it like you + that’s the beauty of it. We all are unique in our own ways + that’s what will make you successful. Set yourself apart.

•Allow yourself a pity party (or 10) THEN hop up, dust your shoulders off + TACKLE the day!!

•PLAN. I’m still working on this, but having a PLAN helps so much more than you think. Planning out goals + checking them off as you achieve them is such a refreshing motivating thing. Example: If you want to sell twenty shirts.. CRUSH IT. Post + pump your product up.. let the world see just how wonderful your product is + try to meet your goal.

•Time management is key. You MUST do something nice for yourself at least once a month. Carrying the heavy 24/7 work load is stressful so you need a release.. you are allowed that for goodness sake.