Side Hustle

I just read an article that claims people who keep their full time job while working a side hustle are 33% less likely to fail. That’s a pretty big percentage if you ask me….that’s 1/3 of your chances making it as an entrepreneur. I’ve asked myself many times if quitting my full time job to pursue design would be better for me, but honestly I’m so glad I never gave up my day job. Not only does it fund my business, but being able to balance both a full time job and side hustle has given me a better work ethic. I know what it takes to hustle, and I take pride in that.

It often takes years before startups and new businesses make money anyways, so it’s necessary for survival for some people to keep their full time jobs.  Sometimes you have to test the waters & try new things before you dive head first into the entrepreneur world. Success is not guaranteed. And who knows how long it takes to find success…everyone’s journey is different.

The most important thing to remember is to stay positive and motivated. You are the only one who can push yourself to achieve your goals or dreams. You are also the only one who can limit yourself. I used to get hung up on the fact that I still work out of my basement, that I don’t own a shop, and that I’m not producing enough designs. I thought I was holding myself back with my full time job because I wasn’t giving my all to my fashion. But it’s those late night hours, weekends lost as you obsess over your craft, every cent saved put into perfecting your side hustle that make it so much more valuable. When you’re given no other option BUT to side hustle, you understand what it takes to make it. You understand the worth of your passions & dreams. 

Small Victories

You should always celebrate even when it comes to your small achievements. When time and hard work pay off, give yourself a moment to acknowledge that. That’s exactly what I’m doing this week. I just finished up a few commission pieces for clients, and their designs led to a few more. It’s exciting to see how one client’s design can transcend into more valued work for me. For the longest time, I’ve backed away from doing commission pieces, but I’ve found a new confidence that allows me to dive into these projects.  I finally feel like I’m doing what I’ve been working towards the last 5 years. Slowly…but gradually I’m becoming the designer I’d always hoped I’d be.  So yes, I’m celebrating these small victories!

Not Enough Time

I think I was a little ambitious thinking I’d be ready by the end of June to launch my new line. Most of the clothing is ready, but I’m nowhere near done with my video/promotion projects.  I guess I could always promote my items via pictures and circle back around with my film projects later….my goal was to promote with both at the same time, but now I feel like I’m running out of time this summer. My other option is to wait until everything is done and promote then. The only downside to that is summer will probably be over and most of my items are summer based. 

Also my personal life is taking over the summer, which isn’t a bad thing, but it leaves very little room to work ahead on projects.  It’s so hard when I want to go out and have fun, but I still want to work on my clothing. I really don’t want to sacrifice my summer for a deadline. I’m thinking I just might have to push everything back…it’s not the end of the world I guess.

I’ve also jumped back into my documentary project, and I’m trying to make that a priority as well. I have a deadline of January for that, and if anyone understands the time consumption with film editing, it’s me. It takes forever, and I’m a perfectionist so it takes even longer!

I’ve come to a point this summer where I really need to re-evaluate my goals; and although it kind of bums me out, I just have to realize that putting my clothing projects on the back burner doesn’t mean I’m abandoning them. It just means I care enough about them that I want to give them the attention they deserve. I want to invest quality time into my projects so they’re beneficial and have rewarding outcomes.