In late 2023, I decided to stop watching others do things that I always wanted to do. Instead, I invested that time in gaining knowledge to grow my brand. In this blog post, I will discuss five things that helped me break free from the cycle of "inspiration seeking" and focus on acquiring the knowledge that empowered me.
The first step I took was to start using Skillshare. Unlike YouTube, the creators of Skillshare are solely there to educate. When I watched videos on YouTube, I often ended up comparing myself to others and doubting my abilities. With Skillshare, I can learn at my own pace without feeling the pressure to keep up with others. I truly feel like I'm attending a class when I watch a Skillshare video. I have my notebook open and ready to learn about any topic of my choice.
The next thing I did was to put down my phone. This has proven quite challenging for me, given that most of my business is conducted online. However, I have established a routine where every evening, I switch my phone to Do Not Disturb mode, listen to my audiobook or Skillshare class and use my iPad to explore surface pattern design. My goal is to start printing my designs on various products to expand my businesses, Elleia Made & Sweet as April.
The third thing I did was related to the fact that I decided to put down my phone. After putting my kids to bed, I usually feel exhausted from the long days of raising three children and running a business. However, mindlessly scrolling through my phone wasn't relaxing at all. Instead, it made my mind race and I felt pulled in different directions due to the constant change in content. By focusing on my painting, I ended my day feeling fulfilled instead of overwhelmed.
Running a business while raising children can be a daunting task. So, I decided to look at my daily routine and figure out the best time for me to dedicate my full attention to my work. I found that the most suitable time for me is between 4 am to 8 am. After that, my 15-month-old is with me at my studio, and my workday ends at 3:30 pm. I then head home to be a full-time mom while my husband goes to work. The early mornings are the only time I get to focus without interruptions, enjoy a hot cup of coffee, and cross things off my list. This way, I can focus on my kids during the day, knowing that I have already spent a considerable amount of time focused entirely on growing my brand.
And last but not least, I decided to stop doubting myself. Although I was still scared to put myself out there, I just did it anyway. It may seem like a straightforward approach, but when you're putting your artwork out into the world for everyone to see, purchase, criticize, and consume, it can be a terrifying experience. I can confidently say now, having gone through that experience, that taking that leap of faith was the best decision I have ever made. However, the girl I was in 2023, who was looking at all the things she wanted to do with her artwork, was absolutely terrified.
I could talk endlessly about my experience and how it has changed my perspective on growing my two brands, Elleia Made and Sweet as April. However, those are five things that stand out to me and I believe are worth sharing at the moment. So, if you are considering taking a leap, I have provided free worksheets to download - they're linked below. These will help you eliminate pressure, focus on what truly inspires you, and build healthy habits to grow your brand or your creative self - whatever your goals may be.
