MYCO Turns One!
Reflections on my very first year of entrepreneurship. A year ago, I insecurely embarked on this new journey of working for myself. I had just been laid off from a very toxic workplace that made me question every skill, my confidence, and the experience I had spent much of my career and adulthood building up. It wasn’t that big to begin with due to generational issues, but we won’t get into that right now. I’m sure some people will relate to this.
To be quite vulnerable, it was an extremely low point for me. However, it was this workplace that made me realize I can do what they do—possibly even better. So, I went for it.
I’m not sure what I expected in the first year, but looking back, I can say my biggest win is the healing process I have experienced through this leap of faith. Realigning with who I am and my creativity—something I had somewhat lost in corporate life, intentionally surrounding myself with those who believe in me, and, most importantly, challenging myself in a way I had never done before.
My biggest lessons as a new business owner:
Nobody is going to believe in you or sell your talents and skills the way you can. NOBODY. If you do not believe in yourself, then it’s not going to work.
You may be really good at what you do, but you will not be for everyone, and that is okay.
Haters and toxic people are everywhere. I honestly thought that leaving corporate life would free me from this type of negativity, but I was wrong. Tune out the white noise and listen closely to those who are in your corner. That music is louder than you think.
There is nothing wrong with a slow burn. Building a business and community takes time. I have to remind myself of this daily.
Practice gratitude. This is what keeps me going. Seeing all those who have offered their support, guidance, and love during this chapter means everything to me. Focusing on the negative will lead you to throwing in the towel much sooner.
This trip to Greece was taken a few days after I made the decision to make MYCO a reality. I reflect back on this trip because it was a grounding experience for me with one of my best friends. The pictures won’t show it, but I cried so, so much during this trip. I was scared, extremely broken, lost, and, most importantly, I was excited. If I knew then what I know now, I would give this version of myself the biggest hug and probably share a huge bottle of wine.
I’m still learning so much in this new version of myself as a business owner, but my heart is so full of gratitude. Let’s see what Year 2 brings for us.
