Lessons from creating and launching my business

There will be highs and lows as you take steps toward your dream.

Here's what I've learned:

I'm writing this entry two days before I announce on my personal social media pages what I've been working on over the last 9 months. Weird, it's almost like I am giving birth to this business and idea, which in reality, I am.

Peaks & Valleys

What's evident as I've built the foundation of my business, is the peaks and valleys I've experienced along the way.

I've felt spurts of inspiration, charges of creativity, and surges of confidence. Then, like one of those free-falling rides at Six Flags where you drop quickly, and without warning, I'd feel unmotivated, full of doubt, and questioning everything.

But instead of fighting those waves, I just rode them.

When I was feeling unmotivated and lackluster, I allowed myself to be in that dull place and experience it. Instead of pushing through and making myself do something when it wasn't feeling right for me, I gave myself permission to be in a funk for a bit. And trust me, that wasn't easy when I had a list of mini goals I was trying to meet by certain dates. I had to let go of control and I had to let go of self-judgement.

Have you experienced something similar during the process of creating something?

Creating is Prana

I've also realized when I create something and turn a thought into a physical expression, that is prana (life force/energy). Creation is energy. Energy is creation.

There will be times when you want to get feedback from others on what you're creating, and that's great, but just remember this is YOUR vision. Trust yourself to make decisions.

When you feel blocked or confused about a specific decision you need to make, get out of your head space and whatever physical space you're in by taking a walk, going to a yoga or dance class (I recommend these options especially, as you'll be opening, moving and stretching your hips, which wakes up your sacral chakra- the seat of your creativity).

I mulled over things like choosing the most memorable domain name, whether or not I'd use Facebook as a social platform, and what web design tool to use. I spent a lot of time and energy on creating my business name (see below photo of my brainstorming process).

I leaned on other people's thoughts in areas like my logo, but ultimately, I chose the design that I loved best. I did a lot of brainstorming. I did a lot of research. I did a lot of visioning /visualizing. I did a lot of thought work (around worthiness in particular).

I work at an advertising agency, so taking myself through basic branding activities like identifying my target audience and the traits/characteristics of my ideal client, and feeling into the tone of Flutterbee (joyful, warm, positive), was really fun for me. You can go online and learn about branding strategies and take yourself through some of these exercises too. It's really helpful!

A page out of my creative brainstorm journal

Guiding Signs

Trust is a big lesson too. I believe we receive signs when we're heading in the right direction. Look for and trust those signs!

Ask for your sign(s) to show up. There was a day when I asked to see bees, and not only did my sign arise in conversation, the bee showed up on a thank you card I received that day. When I was last home in August, I was thinking about how I want to find a nonprofit organization which helps save the honey bees, and the minute I walked into our home, my mom gifted me a canvas shopping bag with a bright sunflower and bee splashed across it, with the message "Save Our Bees" and a link to a non-profit dedicated to preserving honey bees! Wild, right?!

One of my signs! ^

Your sign is unique to you and can show up in many ways. Your sign could be sight-oriented or you may feel your sign (goosebumps or a wave of intuitive knowing). All you have to do is be open and receptive to receiving your sign!

Gratitude

I know Flutterbee is meant to come to fruition because I have received so much support from family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers who have become friends.

I am incredibly grateful for their ideas, services, volunteerism, support and guidance. Let your supporters know how they've helped you. Thank them. Express gratitude for their role - whether big or small. Speaking of which...

A special thank you to the following people who have graciously given me intellectual, physical, and emotional support: for helping my photoshoot come to life- Sarah Watts of Sarah's Wedding Garden; Amber Evans from Ace's Barbershop; my lovely girlfriends/models and photographer: Jenna Hedstrom, Jessa O'Docharty, Maddie Furbee, Allie Jones, Sanja Ekmescic, and Carena Queskia Stamps; and Kseniya for opening up Abundant Space; Valentina Yaman for her business advice; my partner Marc for building my beautiful tea tables and encouraging/supporting me; Mom, Paul, Dad for the emotional support and business insights; Mike Moore and Kristen Taliento for helping with my business name brainstorming; the creative ideas, work and expertise shared by my friends and 9-5 teammates Liz Meyers, Kati Spencer, Hallie Wright, Jill Fontaine, Samuel Ybarra, and Paul Svancara.

Tips for you, from me

If you're starting a new business, here are a few tips to help you navigate:

1. Share your vision/idea with others. When you voice the idea, dream, and vision to others; it gives the idea power to manifest and sends a message out to the Universe/God/Spirit, that you are open to receiving. Even though it may feel scary or uncomfortable to share your idea, the more you talk about it with others, the more you are bringing it into reality.

2. Ask your friends and family for help! People who love you want you to succeed. Your loved ones have their own unique gifts and skill set, which can add to yours. You don't have to do everything and think of everything alone. Ask for support.

3. Have an ideas journal/notebook. Have a space where you can jot down creative thoughts and brainstorming exercises. Carve a window of time out of your day (I prefer mornings) to write down your creative ideas you have (word or sketch form).

4. Find peace with imperfection. This is a big one for me. I always want things to be as near to perfect as possible before I let others see what I'm working on. It feels scary to put your ideas out there, to let your voice and thoughts be heard. Why? Because you're vulnerable to what other people will say or think about it. But, if you stew-over and analyze every little thing, you'll never put your work out there (ie: you are playing safe and staying small).

5. Write down your goals, but be flexible. Jot down the things you know you need to do and give those tasks a timeline, but know you aren't chained to those dates. For instance, I originally wanted to launch my business in September, but here we are in November. You can reserve space in your ideas journal for goals or get a separate notebook.

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