Just Do It

I am 28 and held my first job when I was 16, which means I've been working for the past twelve years. In those twelve years, I've held 19 jobs. NINETEEN! I've also attended two colleges and earned a bachelor's degree in marketing. From working at my mom's clothing boutique in high school to marketing books for the world's largest Christian communications company post college - it's all experience that has shaped who I am. It also helped me realize what my strengths are.

I often see others stomping on dreams. I hear "you're not qualified, don't have enough experience, or you are going to bring the industry down". I read this and it makes me so mad. All of these people had to start somewhere too and I think they forget about where they started.

I recently heard someone say "Can you believe that person is doing that? They just started their business." And then I thought, "Are you kidding me? You did the same thing only two years ago when YOU were brand new." How quickly they forget about the early years of their business.

My business is only two years old. I get many emails from women across the country asking how to start their own wedding planning business. They all have a working background - retail, customer service, marketing, public relations, and so on, and most have a college degree. It is not uncommon for women, after planning their own wedding, to want to be a wedding planner - at least for a little while. I do not discourage anyone from following their dreams - I did the same thing two years ago when I made a crazy leap out of my gray cubicle to working from my home office. I remember telling a colleague I wanted to be an event planner and it only took three years for me to actually do it! I haven't looked back since.

If you want to start your own business, no matter what it is, do it! Don't let anyone tell you that your dream is not attainable.

-Yes, it's hard.
-No, you should not try to copy anyone else.
-Yes, you'll most likely have some sleepless nights when you're mind won't stop running.
-No, you might not make a ton of money right away.

But if you never try, you won't know. Maybe you'll rock the local competition out of the water and keep everyone on their toes. And maybe you'll decide you don't really love it like you once thought. Whatever the outcome is, there is no reason to not give it a try.

Of course, I advise you to do your research before setting up shop and also to be up front with your clients. Advertising you've been sewing wedding gowns for 15 years, but, in reality haven't designed a gown since 1998 because you took time off to raise your family, isn't being up front. If you DO have a stellar portfolio full of work, update it with the most recent work and get to work.

Good luck!