Less Expecting, More Investing

It has been about 2 months since I launched Of the Coast and mannnnnn has it been a ride! 
Creating a brand from scratch has been so incredibly fun and fulfilling. From brainstorming names, color schemes, themes, product design, and everything in between. I was too caught up on the fun stuff that I quickly realized that being a business owner means I am responsible for everyyyyyyything. Every little corner of my business.

Life is all about balance, though. And I had to remind myself that life is about learning how to have fun while simultaneously getting work done. The administrative side of being a business owner has been challenging. Mainly because that's my current job, I'm an administrator for a nonprofit. 

Here's another thing about life though: everything has its reason for being & it really is all about perspective. I can allow myself to feel burnt out because of my day job and having to do the same for my own business OR I can view my day job as a place to learn about administration and apply that knowledge into my own business. 

I am actively learning how to keep inventory, budget, content create, launch new ideas, promote, stay up to date with my website. And so much more. With all of this new responsibility, it's no wonder why so many small businesses come to an end so quickly. People expect and need instant satisfaction. And I have come to realize that I was that kind of person. 

"I'm doing everything as best as I could, so why am I not succeeding?" That's the narrative I kept telling myself. All it took was a simple change in perspective to alter my negative mindset. Now I tell myself, "I am doing everything as best as I could, and one day success will catch up". 

I had my first in person vendor market this Sunday, 11/03/24. I sat from 9:30am to 3:30pm waiting for my first customer. I had a few interactions with customers and gave some business cards away, but $0 were made. Well actually, I did have a sell...sort of.  An incredibly adorable and energetic little girl with $2 to spend came to my booth about an hour or so before I had to pack up. She was so excited when I told her she could pick out her favorite bookmark for only $2 and to be completely honest, that exchange made sitting for 6 hours worth it. 

Although I made $2 (well not really because I was hoping to make back what I paid for my rental space lol) I still learned so much from this experience! I took notes on how to interact with clients, how to display my products better, and I even got so much positive feedback from those who did visit my booth. 

To wrap things up, I just want to say: keep pushing & keep being consistent with yourself and with your passion projects! Life is not all about receiving so easily and quickly. Invest your time, energy, and money in the things that matter. Plant your seeds, water your garden, and a whole ass harvest will reap from your hard work and dedication. 

If you're reading this, I love and appreciate you! 

-Diana A.