11-23-2015
Blessings & Business // What I'm Thankful For in 2015
FILED IN: Behind-the-Scenes, Holiday & Seasonal
Posted By: Jamie Kutchman
I was recently asked by an industry blog to share what I'm thankful for this year. My response: "I am thankful for the opportunity in life to finally combine my business side and my creative side, rather than having to be one or the other". While this answer is heartfelt and 100% sincere, I didn't do a good job of explaining how this amazing opportunity in my life is even possible. With Thanksgiving a mere two days away, it's time for me to get more specific and give credit where credit is due.
Image: Renee Hollingshead Photography; Coasters: Laura Hooper Calligraphy
This Guy
This guy. We don't always agree on things. But this guy has my back. He listens to me talk about my business day in and day out. Poor guy. I wake up talking about it, chat him up with endless details over mealtime and, of course, ramble on some more before bed. He listens with interest and offers advice when I ask for it. Starting my business has meant less time together, far fewer getaways, and less of a focus on our relationship all-around. Even still, he's the FIRST person to get super pumped when I surpass a sales goal and also the FIRST person to offer a pep talk when I need it. He's built shelves in my studio. He's made last-minute deliveries to clients when I've been in a jam. He drove his car, full to the brim with flowers, to my launch party when he's severely allergic. He carries heavy packages and jokes that he's VP of Shipping & Receiving. Oh my goodness, I'm so thankful.
Image: Marigold & Grey
This Girl
When you're a business owner, giving up any level of control is tough. Can you trust the person you hire? Will they care as much as you do? Katherine is my very first Marigold & Grey employee and hiring her has turned out to be the best decision I could've EVER made. She's organized. She's methodical. She cares. She's good at things I'm weak at. She's willing to respectfully speak up with suggestions when she disagrees with me. When I posted the ad for Operations Manager this summer, I got tons of applications. Of all the applicants, I ended up with THE right one for Marigold & Grey and I recognize it daily.
Image: Renee Hollingshead Photography
Lewis & Clarkie
I have two rescue pups and boy are they naughty. Their inability to behave is unmatched. But they are pure love and have me laughing no matter what EVERY SINGLE DAY. I can't imagine life without them. In fact, if they didn't exist, I might never leave the studio long enough to get any fresh air. With them, I'm forced to go outside several times a day. Adopting two pups during the startup phase of a business is NOT convenient. But they force me to have some balance and take a least a few breaks during the day.
Image: Marigold & Grey
New Friends
Yes, it's true. People in their 30's really CAN make new friends. I've been blessed to get to know a network of creative entrepreneurs who I feel like I've known all my life. We aren't all necessarily the same age, or in the same stage, nor do we always have similar life experiences. But, deep down where it counts, our core is similar and that's all that matters. Other than 2015, I'm trying to recall another year in my life when I had THIS many new people make such a meaningful impact on my heart but there isn't one. Thank you everyone, you know who you are!
Image: Marigold & Grey
Scary Opportunities
This year has been full of pushing beyond my comfort zone. Want to know a secret? This past spring, I was SO close to chickening out of my official launch party. I did it anyway and it was more than I could've ever dreamed of! Recently, I started offering mentoring to other business owners. I was initially scared to death but it's ended up being a rewarding, fulfilling experience! Even scarier, I have several speaking engagements (whaaat?) coming up in the new year. I get a little squeamish thinking about it but I will press forward and make it happen. So thankful for learning first-hand that great things really can happen just past your comfort zone.
Image: Krista A. Jones Photography
Now it's your turn. What are YOU thankful for this year? I'd love to hear! Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving 2015!
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