I had a dream... chase your dreams

I had a dream last night. I was at some kind of sit down banquet or reception. Everyone sitting at round tables...

A friend, actually just more of an acquaintance, announced she was not going to be going to the career choice everyone else “thought” she should take. She was turning down the mainstream 8-5 job. I could see all the gasp and judgmental looks, that were deflating her.

I’m usually the quiet one at an event like that, but...

Boldly from my chair in the back of the room, I spoke up. “I think it’s great! Will there be long hours? Yes. Will it be hard work? You bet ya. Yes, there be nights you’re sitting up at 1:00 am to figure out website improvements. Some days will be frustrating. You’ll work hard and be able to create your brand and tell others about what you do. You’ll make unique videos and teach them about the trends of your business. You will make awesome friends and connections along the way, that will be so rewarding. You’ll do great and it will so be worth it. I’m excited for you!”

This person just sat there, shocked that someone actually spoke up in support of her dreams, in a room where everyone stared, with shocked expressions. Then slowly, the room started clapping and came to a standing ovation. They started to congratulate her and wish her success.

I usually have scary dreams instead of “sweet dreams,” and I can’t pinpoint exactly who this person was or the exact thing she was planning to do, but in my dream I absolutely knew I had to boldly speak up to support them. So if that’s you, chase those dreams. It’ll be hard work, but so worth it! This has been on my mind ever since I woke up this morning and felt so convicted to share it. 

The best birthday gift...

So yesterday was my birthday...

Three years ago, I turned in my resignation to my then boss. I had worked at the flower shop for 15 years and 3 different owners. My etsy shop and farm were keeping me busy in every spare minute outside of the day job. As things changed at the shop and my personal business kept growing, it became clear that I should work for myself and leave the stress of working for someone else's dream.

But still, I was scared to leave the world of a dependable paycheck, to go full time self employed. Could we make it? I would be lonely working from home and not seeing my friends... So many doubts from a person who likes dependable and a sure thing.

 I made sure I was there for some obligations and then my birthday rolled around and I knew I had to give myself the best gift I could. So the Friday after my birthday, I finally handed over that letter I had typed and carried with me for weeks. I had to believe in myself and give it a try.

What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly? -e.h.

Since then, I've been blown away by the friends and clients who have supported me. I never dreamed I would be ask to do fresh flowers after I walked away from my former job.

That fear of not ever seeing my friends? Jeff likes to remind me that my tribe is better now than ever before! I have a tight circle of good friends and I'm so thankful for them.

I'm on the go all the time. Quite frankly, I really want a few days that I don't have to go anywhere and just be able to stay home and work on whatever / create some new items.

Anywho... the best gift you can can ever give yourself is to believe in yourself.

Are there days that are still hard? You betcha!

Do I still have fears? For sure and sometimes the anxiety and doubts sneak in.

Would I do it again? In a heart beat! I'm so glad that I finally decided to take a chance on myself!

There's still stress, but those daily knots in my neck and feet that I couldn't hardly stand on at the end of the day - those seldom occur. There were days that I couldn't hardly walk through the grocery store when I got off work, because my feet hurt so darn bad.

Back to my birthday this week - age has never bothered me. Some friends thought we were old when we turned 30, although I never thought that. This isn't a big birthday with a 0 behind a number, although this one has me thinking and looking back on things from the past few years and goals for the year to come. Once again, I must remember to believe in myself!

So whatever it is you are wanting to do - believe in yourself! Chase those wild dreams and make them happen! 

Rope Your Dreams! {I quit my day job!}

Today is a bittersweet last day of my day job. I've been a floral designer at the same flower shop for 15 years. Its only the second job I've ever had, with the first working for my parents ranch while growing up. I had a birthday a few weeks ago and it really hit me- if not now, then when? It's time to do big things with your life and live your own dreams. I'm going to miss some of my dear customers at the flower shop and taking care of them, but the time has come for me to rope my dreams. 

(I might have a slight cuff addiction! This one made by Country Soul / Kristy Walters)

(Via Pinterest and many Instagram accounts.)

Four years ago, I started my etsy shop and told hardly anyone about it. I was scared of failing. Would I succeed? Would anyone buy my products? Friends said, "you need your own store," but would people really buy things I make? The first year, all I made was my "Christmas money" and most of my Christmas gifts are all hand made, so it really wasn't much- just more supplies. It was a hobby that made a little extra money. Not really a success story, but I continued to make a few things anyway. After Christmas that year, I made my first burlap bouquet and listed it in my shop and it sold within 2 weeks. I started getting request for matching bridesmaid bouquets and other wedding related items. Things started to pick up and I seemed to have found my niche.

Between working full time at the flower shop, running the farm, and my shop, The last two years have been nearly non stop. Someone ask me on Instagram recently "how do you do it all?" My answer: I don't know! I answered etsy messages and email while eating breakfast, went to work at the flower shop, checked cows in the afternoon, came home, juggled house chores and filling etsy orders. Many times answering messages and using social media at the same time, multi-tasking - much. Every day off from the day job and weekends were devoted to working on my etsy shop and farm. My house needs a real good cleaning and I haven't spent much time in my yard in two years, and a date- what's that? From January through November, I have non stop orders on my list, with some brides waiting 6-8 weeks before their custom orders were made and delivered. 

    (Source @bravegirlsclub on Instagram.) 

That all is about to change! I am so excited that my etsy shop will now be my main job. I started to say day job, but I'll still probably work on orders at night, because the swing shift is my favorite, most creative time of day. I will have nearly 10 extra hours a day though and checking cows at dark, won't be the norm anymore. (I hate daylight savings time!) That little shop, that I was afraid of telling anyone about, is a success! It's been four years in the making, but now I'm taking a leap of faith that it will continue on a wonderful path. The power of social media  and blogs to build a business is truly amazing and I will be forever thankful for the customers who have chosen me to be a part of their wedding day or purchased a hand made item from me. Y'all have been wonderful to me and my dreams! I learned the value of hard work from my dad and I'm thankful for all the opportunities I've had to work and build a business at the same time. 

(Source unknown) 

The new year is bringing new opportunities for me and I am so excited about everything. I plan to start offering more items in my shop and creating more. I've often had visions of new items to make, but never had enough time. I love to repurpose items and have a shed full of furniture and junk for "when I have time". 

(From Sunflowers and Sweet Tea book by Beki Hastings/ therustedchain.com)

I hope to also be able to fulfill custom orders in a timelier fashion and be able to take on orders that are needed with a quick turn around time, without feeling stressed out. 

 (From Sunflowers and Sweet Tea book by Beki Hastings/ therustedchain.com)

I've got a few other ideas and opportunities that I want to explore as well. I'm sure you will be seeing me around blog land much more in 2015!

   (Source- @bravegirlsclub on Instagram) 

As I've contemplated making changes to my career, I've seen all these little signs along the way. Many are from Pinterest or Instagram friends and they will never know how much encouragement they have provided to me... Thank you all!   I'm ready to fly!