My Perfectly Imperfect Path to Running Two Businesses
Because I run two businesses, I often get asked questions about them. Things like:
How did you start these businesses?
Weren’t you scared to take that jump?
What did it take to become recognized on the national stage?
How did you do it????
I’ll admit … I’m mystified by how it all came together, too! I can vividly remember the chilly October day in 2015 when I broke the news that I wanted to start my own education consulting company to my super-cautious hubby.
Folks, Scott Strobel immediately had his hackles raised just like my dog George when he hears the vacuum cleaner. He bombarded me with questions: How will it all work? Do you think you can really make money doing this? Are you sure you want to give up your very stable curriculum director’s job?
My answers: Yes, yes, and yes. Oh, and I’m launching on January 1, 2016.
He kept coming up with reasons why he thought I should wait on this idea. And I know that he meant well. He is, after all, the strong, stable, practical, emotionally sound one in this relationship!
But I simply reiterated that I was launching on January 1, and that I would be turning in my resignation before Christmas. I also told him if he can’t get behind me, then maybe he should get some counseling.
Well, he got the counseling, I launched the business … and it’s been one hell of a ride ever since!
(Flash forward to January 2018 and me telling Scott that I was now launching my second business as a life coach. The poor guy just slowly backed out of my office, dug out his blueberry Pop-Tarts, and braced himself for this next ride!)
The Ugly Truth of Going for Your Dreams
Listen, I haven’t always worn my rose-colored glasses through this process. There have been hundreds of times I thought I would fail. There have been sleepless nights, moving money from one account to another to cover expenses, and at least 25 crying fits on my office floor.
But even at the low points, nothing could douse the fire inside of me or stop me from showing up for my life—and the world.
Do I still doubt myself occasionally? Absolutely!
Do I worry that I’m an imposter? Of course!
Am I scared silly a lot of the time? Hell yes!
But I’m also enjoying this ride I’m on. This is what I’ve been dreaming of for the past 10 years. I saw myself on a stage empowering others. And I saw YOU, my people, hearing my truth, my realness, my encouragement—and using that to help reignite your lives!
Seeing the Results of Dreaming Big
I didn’t always know that I had it in me to help women achieve more of what they want in life. I wondered if I had what it takes to produce real results. Would I find a tribe that shared my passion—and do I have what it takes to show up for them?
Turns out I did, and I do!
In one week, I received these unexpected text messages, and I can’t tell you how the words touched my heart—and re-energized my belief in myself.
Sister-Friends, I am continually learning that what I have to give the world is powerful. And I am so, so grateful that I have a tribe of women behind me who are rooting for my success!