Mom-trepreneur
“It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen.” - Scott Belsky, co-founder of Behance.
Two weeks ago to the day I quit my full time corporate job. As scary as it is leaving the comfort of corporate security (salary, healthcare, 401K etc), I can already tell this is the best decision I have ever made. It's also one of the bravest. Becoming an entrepreneur is always easier said than done. As my husband says "everyone has a great idea or talent but only few make it happen." Be it laziness, lack of funds, or fear, starting your own business is not for the faint of heart - I am learning that day by day.
Before officially leaving my job, I had started the process of going out on my own. I came up with a business name and bought the domain, started a website and even took on some side work for new clients. It started to hit me that first Monday morning just how much I had to do. I am lucky to be surrounded by entrepreneurial spirits to help guide me. My sister-in-law started her own social media consulting company and my husband and father-in-law own a previously distressed beverage company in which they have completely turned around. It can certainly be overwhelming to think of all the small tasks to accomplish even before you feel you can start officially working. For me, my initial priorities had been updating and finalizing my logo/website, getting my LLC set up and receive my Tax ID number, which from there I could open up my corporate bank account and get a corporate credit card. In two weeks I achieved those goals. I am currently waiting to actually receive my credit card so that I can purchase my new computer. Once I have that I'll really start to feel like a company. Setting up reports to track my income and expenses is also next up on my list!
Not only am I a new entrepreneur, but I am also a mother. Besides when my daughter was very small, I knew I always wanted to work. As my maternity leave was coming to an end I began to have a lot of anxiety about going back to work. She was so little still and I feared that I would miss her too much and the "mom guilt" started setting in. On my first day back I realized it wasn't as bad as I had expected it to be. I don't even think I cried. However, I knew that my current job did not offer the flexibility I so craved. While on the hunt I realized it was a lot harder to find decent paying part-time jobs or work-from-home jobs that didn't involve selling stuff or that sound like a scam. I knew it was time to take matters into my own hands. I thought long and hard about what my passions were and how I could turn those into a career. It's long been a passion of mine to be a graphic designer. I have always done design work but either on the side or just as a small piece to a broader job description. Starting my own business seemed to be the only way to do what I truly loved doing, and have the flexibility I knew I wanted.
Enter 3Leaf Creative, LLC. This journey has begun for me and I want to take you with me. Through this blog you can walk in the shoes of a new entrepreneur. And whether you just follow for fun or get inspired to start your own business, I hope you enjoy.
- Jackie
