What a year this was. I registered the business in November of 2020 (which btw was really a spur of the moment decision). A decision that I knew I would regret if I didn't go through with it. I have never dreamed of owning my own business, nor did I know everything that came with it. Yes, I have a master's degree in Business Management and I am super proud of it, however just like math in school - whatever you learn, you do not always use on a daily basis.
I will say though that my current job as a business development manager (in automotive industry) has helped me tremendously grow as a person and understand the different sides of a business. Since I am working full-time, Breezy Box is a "side hustle", and an amazing one to say the least.
My current job is one that I hold dear to my heart and cherish. Everything from the people, to the task of being a manager fascinates me every day. Don't get me wrong - lots of ups and down in this business and as a manager. Hiring, training, firing, repeat.
But I absolutely love it. This pandemic has changed my perspective on so many different things (or was it my now almost two year old or "Covid Baby"). Not sure, however all I know is that I look at my job differently having moved to home office. The way you treat others, what you are capable to endure at home rather than the office, the way you scale performance, the way you measure performance.
Breezy Box has been my peace and where I can let my creativity come to light. I don't know if I am in the same boat as others but I assume so. The excitement of owning a business is so so real, yet because it is an online retail shop and does not have a brick and mortar front, hard to sometimes realize that it is "real".
I remember ordering so much inventory because I was so excited that I didn't pay attention to items that had a shelf life of 3-months. But I had no care in the world and thought "My designs will be a hit". Well yea, 6 months after launch and god knows how many products expired, I learned the hard way.
It was not that people weren't as excited as me. It was just that I should have put my name out there, rather than expecting it to blow up like a tiktok video. (BTW same feeling there. I cannot tell you the amount of hours spent, not only to figure out tiktok and make a 10 second video that you thought would be the one - and no. 20 views.) The sadness is real. Trying to understand why your allsocoolandbeautifulvideosandbusiness are not going viral is a hard pill to swallow.
I now try to count my blessings and celebrate each win, each like, each view, each order, each review. I realized that what I am doing is hard, and amazing at the same time and I should be proud of myself for making it happen. The rest will follow.
I am excited to share more of my journey as a new and proud business owner. Cheers to 2022 - and if you are reading this and playing with the thought of starting your own business - DO IT! The tears, the joy, being terrified, being nervous....ALL WORTH IT!
Until next time,
xoxo - K.