Creating the thought, whilst being self taught

So you want to know how to make that idea you have been having in your head into a real life business?

One of my biggest hold-backs was self doubt. As a teacher, my career has been about my training and CPD (continuous professional development) and when I started to consider building and creating my own business, I felt an overwhelming sense of "not being qualified enough" to do so.

I started with the most horrendous logo which I created using an app (ironic, seeing as I was selling myself as a designer) but the key point is I STARTED. I did not have things all planned out. I did not have the perfect Instagram account. I did not have a website. What I did have, was a passion and drive to create something I was proud of and to learn along the way...

I remember for days, I sat trying to create my first seamless design. I got so frustrated and remember feeling like I was wasting my evenings (as I had so much other stuff to do) but I was determined. I finally created it and someone I worked with ended up buying it. I was so excited and that feeling has never left.

I have always had an eagerness to learn new and creative things and even now, as my business is growing, I constantly take new classes, develop my skills and try new techniques. Yes I am self-taught, but so are lots of other people. It is not a bad thing to have the determination and discipline to self-teach, in fact I now see it as a strength!

One piece of advice I would give is: step out of your comfort zone! I clearly remember doing this in January 2020 as I had seen this workshop advertised by 'Goodbusiness' and it was so 'up-my-street', but I was petrified. I remember saying to Luke "but I don't even know how I am going to introduce myself?" Anyway, at the meeting, I took my little lonesome-self off and created my first vision board. I met like-minded people and found a community of driven, passionate and creative women who all had their own businesses. This has now become a key part of my accountability and drive.

Also, don't be scared to be you. I actually quite like going on my IG stories now and chatting away, but there was a time when I would post and be so nervous, watching to see if anyone I knew had watched and going back and forth in my mind about deleting it. Don't waste your time. If it makes you happy, do it. If it doesn't, don't. You do you, and surround yourself with people who support you or find like-minded people...it really does help!

Speak soon xxx