It feels like I'v said it a million times, but starting this business has taken me all outside of my comfort zone. Let's start with how doing this job seems like all my previous jobs all rolled into one. When I decided to be an entreprenuer I knew I would wear many hats, some I was prepared for.....others I hadn't even thought of. But I had NO idea how far it would FORCE me outside of my comfort zone. My sweet spot has always been in the cut (or behind the scenes) and NOT the star of the show. So it's not natural for me to "work a room" or have any of the attention on me. But I am learning.
UNCOMFORTABLE
The other day I was reflecting on just how far I've come as not only a designer but as a person, an individual even. I've always considered myself to be a confident person, but looking back over different experiences, helped me recognize a pattern. I saw myself minimizing my confidence for the sake of people around me. I didn't want to be labeled as "cocky," "stuck up," or "a know-it-all".......many of the names I've heard assigned to beautiful women who are self assured, focused and not to mention career driven. But when I started this business, I had the understanding that those were all qualities I needed to own to be at the level of success I was aiming for. And while I have embrace being pushed outside of my comfort zone in order grow or gain these qualities, I'd be lying if I said most times I'm not very uncomfortable and sometimes even terrified.
Give it your ALL
When the decision was made to go ALL IN on The Grey Button, I vowed to hold nothing back. I prayed for the opportunity to work for myself and so when the option presented itself, I promised to give it EVERYTHING I had in me! It's why I push myself so hard. What comfort zone???? Most days I just want to hit the snooze button and sleep in....I wish I could leave all the production to a "team of sewers".....but until that day comes, I'm up bright and early and sometimes burning the midnight oil EVERY day....grinding it out. I'd love to sit down and hand select models then style them for amazing photoshoots. It's funny how before this job, you wouldn't have been able to pay me to be in pictures, but right now you're looking at the one and only TGB model and I am actually having fun with it.. And boy would I LOVE it if someone else were the spokesperson for the entire brand. Why? Because I am STILL very shy about my creations, and especially when it's in person and I have to sit and watch someone examine my work with the such attention to detail. Talk about anxiety......but I suck it up and keep it moving! It amazes me how little ole shy me has actaully stood infront of entire rooms full of strangers and spoke about my business. I am blessed. I have taken my vow of dedication seriously. Although at times I may be petrified, I will never pass up an opportunity because of fear. That has been my motto.
I know it's not even the end of the year but I am, once again, eager to plot out next year's goals. I can't wait to see how much more I will be pushed out of all my comfort zones so an even more confident Nadia can emerge!
Chaka Clutch : Crackle
If you have been contemplating starting something of your own. Just know that you will be pushed all outside of your comfort zone.......EMBRACE IT!
THE GREY BUTTON will be at the Madison Street Festival in Madison, Alabma on October 6th and this will be our first time ever attending. So, if you are in the area, please do come out and see us! Click here for more information about the festival. I will be sure to let you all know exactly where our booth will be as the date gets close an I get the update!
host a show!
If you would like me to come to your town and want to host a Trunk Show / Pop-Up Shop let me know! I am LOVING connecting with you FACE TO FACE! Click here so we can chat!
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All images in this blog post were captured by Anthony Wallen of Anthony Wallen Photography.