Grit, Grace & Gratitude

Getting to know people on a more personal level lights me up! Finding out where people come from, how they got where they are today, and what motivates them is so interesting to me. So when my friends at Refined asked if I would answer a few deeper questions for the Grit, Grace & Gratitude issue, I was delighted!

Here are a few things you may not already know about me and my career as Content Creator / Fashion Blogger.

Grit

How did you decide you wanted to start your own business? 

It happened late one evening while breastfeeding my daughter, Violet. I just became a new Mom and at the time felt like I had lost my identity. I knew I needed to find a hobby to feel a little like my old self again – something that I truly enjoyed & did just for me. My little “hobby” evolved over time into a business! I really had no idea what I was getting into at the time.

Did you know when you started how much work it was going to be?

No! I was honestly clueless about the actual work that goes into running an active social media account/blog site. After I decided I wanted to really pursue this as a career, I spent a lot of my evenings researching DSLR cameras/photography tips, how to customize your own website, etc.

While playing multiple roles, how do you stay organized?

I write out lists for myself of what needs to get done each day. Everything from making dinner, to editing photos for a partnership, to personal & business appointments, to showering (yes, even showering!) goes on my daily list. I have always wrote lists to help me stay accountable & organized! In University as well as my previous jobs, you could always find me with my agenda and a list of “To-Do’s” on my desk.

Grace

What is one piece of advice you would give to women looking to start their own business?

Trust your gut and have faith. There will be outside opinions no matter what type of business you are in. Heck, there’s outside opinions even as parents! lol. But similar to parenthood and raising a child, only you know what is best & right for your business. If something doesn’t feel right – it probably isn’t. Have faith that all of the bumps & hiccups you’ll face along the way are purposefully leading you to what is meant to be!

Are there any programs, apps, or websites that you use to make your work life or personal life easier?

Since I love being organized, I use an app called “UNUM” that allows me to upload pending feed posts, write captions, and make things look cohesive ahead of time. I also really like the Adobe Lightroom app and use it to edit all of my photos!

Gratitude

What’s the one thing you are most grateful for in owning your business?

That I am in complete control & in the driver seat! I get to decide how much I push myself and what my “work hours” are, what partnerships I want to pursue, exactly how much of my life I want to share on social media, etc.

How do you make sure you get downtime for yourself?

I schedule downtown into my daily life! Being the daughter of a Social Worker/School Counsellor allowed me to learn about mental health and how important it is from a young age. If I start to feel stressed or overwhelmed, I’m able to recognize that in myself. I promptly make a point in scheduling some downtime – whether that be a bath, a night out with my girlfriends, or a trip to the spa. As my Mom would say: “You’re no good to others if you can’t be good to yourself first.”