Launching My Business During a Pandemic

Trust me. I thought I was crazy, too. Why would I want to start a business now, during so much chaos?

Here’s why and how I got to this point.

Ever since I was little, I’ve known I have an entrepreneurial spirit. I was great at selling Girl Scout cookies and lemonade. As a girl, I loved exploring ways to make and create, to sell. And as I grew up, I knew I wanted to help people, be passionate about my job, be creative and innovative. My whole life has been a journey of discovery. What was I passionate about? Who did I want to serve? How would I do it?

I thought dancing was my calling. I grew up in the dance studio, from ages 3 to 18. I dreamt hard and worked harder to be a professional dancer; however, my body had other plans. In prime time for professional auditions, I suffered an IT band injury, and I had to shift the direction of my life. 

Back at the drawing board, I remembered my love of fashion. I once designed dance costumes, played dress-up with friends, and challenged myself to never wear the same outfit twice. As dreams of dancing faded, I reacquainted myself with my love of fashion, eventually becoming a Certified Image Consultant, through Fashion Meets Faith. 

When it comes to fashion, I’m like a sponge. I become fully immersed, soaking everything up -- coordinating color palettes, dressing different body types, defining personal style and aesthetics -- often forgetting that I’m human and need to eat and sleep. My drive and passion fed and nurtured me. After completing my certification, I knew I’d found the passion that gave life to my soul. But, I was quickly smacked with insecurities and fears, internally and externally. I was told I was too young, I didn’t know enough, that being a fashion stylist is a hobby but not a viable business. I was devastated, but I wanted to prove my worth. I decided to go to college to learn the ins and outs of the fashion industry. 

I never imagined myself going to college, but I’ve learned no matter the pressure, if I dig deep, my inner warrior comes out. She is fierce, bold, brave, and relentless.

In January 2020, I began thinking about the future. With only four semesters of college left, I knew graduation was creeping up on me. But, the thought of taking the traditional route and working for someone else post-graduation made my stomach turn. When I expressed this feeling to professors, friends, and family, I was met with well-meaning but unsatisfactory advice -- one day I could open my own business, but the SAFER option was to get established working for someone else first. I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread lingering in the pit of my stomach.

Then March rolled around, and with it, COVID-19. The panic of the pandemic crowded the minds of the world. Fear of the unknown hovered over our heads, none of us knowing what the next day, month, or year would look like. At that moment, I realized that time is precious and short.

I don’t want my life to be full of what-ifs.

I am not going to let the fear of others prohibit me from going for my dreams.

The phrase “one day I’ll open my business” was a thief of my joy. “One day” kept taking my dream further and further away from me, leaving hopelessness in its place.

So, it was in a worldwide moment of panic and uncertainty that I became calm and certain. I’ve decided to take my dream back. I’ve decided to go for it, not one day, but NOW.

No more fear.

No more doubt.

No more allowing my life to be dictated by the advice of others.

I have finally allowed my inner warrior to guide my life rather than fear. Opening a business during a pandemic does not make sense. But, it’s now or never. We’re not promised another day. Tomorrows are in short supply. My inner warrior is ready to live life to the fullest -- live life with boldness, kindness, generosity, and love.

I’m humbled and grateful that this is finally happening. It still feels like a dream. But more than anything, I’m excited for all the women I will be able to speak life into. My business shares the message of women’s beauty. Women are powerful and bold waymakers. My job is just to show women their inner warriors, through the power, art, and playfulness of dressing up -- all of this through clothing.