in the past I have…

April 7th, 2011   /   30 COMMENTS   /   business advice   /   life


Hated hearing my own thoughts inside my head.

Been attracted to negative relationships.

Counted my total calories 20+ times a day.

Eaten three candy bars at a time while walking from the mini-mart to my dorm room – and gained 20 pounds in three months.

Gotten counseling.

Desperately wished that I could run a perfectly paced marathon only to not attempt the race because I was scared that I would end up quitting if I needed to walk.

Went over a week not getting a single online order.

Had anxiety attacks because I was worried about cash flow.

Moved to Chicago with $800 to my name.

Went three years without going to the dentist because I didn’t want to spend more money on health care.

Questioned whether Jess LC was going to be able to support me.

Hated the fact that I will never be able to create a budget the way that salaried people do.

Dumped most of my savings into re-branding my company.

Spent tons of money on PR only to recoup my investment in the last month.

Prayed for answers about what to do to keep the company successful.

Lived and worked in a tiny studio apartment with a hallway that smelled like burnt cigars.

Cried myself to sleep after an overwhelming trade show.

Been asked what my “real job” is by a store buyer as she placed an order.

Been told that I should marry someone rich.

Known that most of my family and friends thought I was crazy to move to Chicago and start Jess LC full-time right out of college.

 

 

… Designing a life with intention is not a smooth path but a continued effort. One step at a time.

  • http://mandiesmumblings.blogspot.com moxiemandie

    This is so good. I need to write these things out, even if I don’t publish the post(now, anyway), it will be great to have as a reminder! :)

    Thanks Jess! I’m so thankful for your honesty and transparency.

  • http://www.dailysipstudios.com Kimberly @ Daily Sip Studios

    One of my favorite posts yet! Really shows your commitment to your business. You have come so far since I first started reading your blog and I am so happy for your success now and in the future.

  • http://www.coliescrafts.blogspot.com Nicole

    I just love how transparent you are about yourself and your company! And, being the wife of a small business owner, it is comforting to know that others that are successful now have had their own fair share of struggles in the past. I may be passing this on to the husband!

  • http://www.lazybonesrunning.blogspot.com Christina

    Again….I think your posts are fantastic. The simplicity and honesty of this post is inspirational

  • http://www.alittleginger.com Maddie

    Love this! It’s easy to get discouraged by all the rough stuff that inevitably precedes success, but I appreciate the reminder that this is all normal and necessary. Because you’re totally right: creating a life with intention is a process, and it’s hardly ever an easy one.

  • http://erinrobinson.net Erin

    Thanks for being so honest about the rough parts (now and always). In the past {and now} I have loved wearing and gifting your jewelry. Also – Whoop! Whoop! for that ROI on PR :D

  • http://fiscallychic.blogspot.com Cathy

    I love this! Put one foot in front of the other. And follow your heart. There will obviously be some stressful days, but every day is an opportunity to learn and grow.

  • http://www.mimiandmegblog.com/ Megan

    It’s the crazy ones that make it :) You’re doing awesome! Hope to get there myself!

  • http://www.jennieclaire.com Jen

    Jess, thank you so much for sharing such personal fears here. I know I have had many of the fears you have shared here and it always makes me feel better to know I’m not alone!! I hope it also brings you comfort to know others share your fears and support you! And one’s business is as supportive as one believe’s it is and I think Jess LC is very successful!

  • http://londonlisablog.blogspot.com London Lisa

    Your honesty is so refreshing. Sometimes without an honest look at the past it can seem impossible to move forward. Thank you for the inspiration today as I was surely in need of it.
    xo

  • http://ajayskapoor.posterous.com Ajay

    Awesome :) Love the post.

  • http://www.makeundermylife.com Jess

    @ Everyone!! Oh my goodness, thank you so much for being such amazing people. I’m so happy to know that this hits home with you as well. I am so thankful that I am able to help share my story with you and in some way maybe make a difference and show that we all are in the same boat.

    AND that over time lots of things can be accomplished with intention :) .

  • Jessica

    I just wanted to let you know that I ADORE your necklace line that consists of the braile pieces. I just received my dream job as an Event Coordinator and I think as a gift to myself I will be purchasing the Dream Bigger necklace. A local boutique sells your product but not that line, so I am on the hunt.

  • http://www.makeundermylife.com Jess

    @ Jessica: I just sent you an email about the Dream Bigger necklaces… they are in a retiring collection so they won’t be around too much longer!

  • http://designsomethingbetter.com Stacy

    Jess – It’s hard to see past the image of a person into their reality. I appreciate your voice and needed to be reminded that other people live a similar reality whether they share it as freely as you or choose to keep their life private. Thank you for sharing your perserverance and setting the example that being open can propel you forward in being the person we were all meant to be.

    - s

  • http://www.tracizeller.com/blog traci zeller designs

    I needed this today. xo.

  • http://vadjutka.hu/eng vadjutka

    Oh, I am in your used-to be shoes concerning business, and I am really scared…
    How could you handle the stress that the using of all your savings meant?
    I am about to use part of my savings, and I really need encouragement…

  • http://www.makeundermylife.com Jess

    @ Stacy and Traci: You are welcome!!

    @ Vadjutka: I can only say honestly one main thing: I had faith that what I was doing was what I thought was really best for my company and growth. Then I prayed. A lot. So faith and prayer was what got me though :) .

  • http://dutyfreefoodie.com Alina @ Duty Free Foodie

    All I can say to this post is YES! This is what success looks like. If you are trying for anything challenging, you have to know that lows are just the price you pay for the highs.

  • CB

    You have overcome so many hurdles. I am inspired by your ability to rise above negative experiences and devote yourself to your purpose. Though you experience fear and weakness too, instead of letting negativity hold you back, you seek wisdom from your experiences and grow stronger. You are and continue to evolve as a shining success, and we are all uplifted by that, too!

  • http://therestisstillunwritten-sjm.blogspot.com/ Stephanie

    I love it…you really inspired me with this one. I’ve been thinking about running a 1/2 marathon, but I’m terrified. Maybe I will sign up now?

  • http://beautycharmandadventure.wordpress.com/ Cindy

    As someone who hopes to start her own business in the future, I found this post to be incredibly inspiring and motivating. Good for you, and keep going!!! :)

  • http://www.rachelquinlivan.wordpress.com Rachel

    This is such a fantastic post. I appreciate your honesty. Keep doing what you’re doing!

  • http://www.studiomme.com/blog-2 Studio MME

    I don’t want to admit how many of these are true for my life. I followed my boyfriend cross-country with little money and no plans. I STILL cry myself to sleep some nights and I pray every month that the money will come in.

  • http://LittleWitches-TinyWizards Dimi

    This is very soothing… I’m in phase A of starting a business and the only solid thing that I have to hang on are my dreams! It’s always good to know that others have been there and… survived!! Kisses :)

  • 17Perth

    Thank you so much!! Knowing that other people have gone through this helps SO much. I am in the middle of quitting my day job to pursue my real dream job (and leaving behind my salary). Terrified doesn’t even describe it–but excited doesn’t describe it either! : ) I appreciate your honesty SO much.

    xo

  • http://justcallmesassy.blogspot.com Lauren @ Sassy Molassy

    Jess, you deserve the successful business you have and more power to you for not listening to people who doubted you. THat’s what makes someone successful. I know I would probably cry and allow the defeat to overwhelm me, but your ability to withstand the things that were thrown at you are very impressive. Onward and upward, keep on goin!

  • http://upupcreative.com julie green

    in the past i have, too. almost all of those, or something darned similar.

  • http://www.makingthishome.com Katie @ Making This Home

    Jess, thanks for this post. It has so much heart, and I just love it!

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