3 Things No One Told Me About Life as an Entrepreneur

I can’t believe it’s been a year already since I said “I’m going for it” and jumped in feet first to life as a full-time entrepreneur. I started this biz with no formal training… just a Craigslist camera, a big dream, and a willingness to put in the work! It’s been a whirlwind of a journey so far, one that hasn’t been easy but has been SO SO worth it. Today I’d like to share 3 encouraging thoughts if you’re dreaming of starting a new venture of your own (or if you’re planning to finally take that side hustle full-time!)

You’ll find support in unexpected places.

Some (ok lots) of people won’t understand what you’re doing. Friends or family who you normally go to for support may look at you funny or question why you’re choosing such an unexpected path. This can be hard at first; you may feel isolated and alone. But don’t let this stop you. You’ll meet a new community of friends along the way who understand your dream, who become amazing support systems that will encourage and guide you. This was one of the most rewarding aspects of starting my business – I gained a whole network of likeminded creatives!

Speaking of community, try hard to work with clients who feel like friends!! Clients who support you just as you are, who show you grace, who appreciate your unique offerings and welcome your imperfections (because we all have them, friends!)

You will fail but it’s OK.

No one likes to talk about failure. You rarely see it on Instagram or hear of it in a blog post, which makes it easy to assume everyone else has it together and you’re the only one screwing up. Don’t believe these lies!! 

I knew starting a business would be hard work, I was prepared for that. But I didn’t realize there would be times I’d be sick to my stomach with nerves or teary eyed from rejection. Failure stinks but things have a way of working out in the end. Sometimes a “no” just means “not right now”, and when you look back you realize things unfolded exactly how they were meant to! 

Setting goals is important, but being flexible is, too. 

Let’s be honest, goal setting is scary stuff! There’s something gut-churning about writing goals down or speaking them aloud. I think that’s because it makes them real. It holds us accountable. Setting goals and sticking to them is important, but the truth is, our lives are constantly transforming and with that our goals will change, too.

Your goals at the beginning of the year may be totally different at the end of the year. (Heck they could even change next month!) Through the unexpected, staying flexible is key. You may set a HUGE goal and later discover it takes more time to accomplish than you imagined. Or you may stumble on a new dream that was never even on your radar before! Don’t be hard on yourself.  Trust me when I say you are exactly where you’re meant to be in this exact moment. 

To sum it up friends, running a business isn’t for the faint of heart, but your dreams are SO worth pursuing. If there’s a voice in your head that’s impossible to ignore, LISTEN. I honestly believe that we’re all meant to leave a unique imprint on this world. It’s a beautiful roller coaster ride we’re on, and I am cheering for you today!

Xo, Rach

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Rachael Kazmier is an…

AWARD-WINNING DESTINATION WEDDING FILM PHOTOGRAPHER 

Snapshots from a destination wedding photographer & lifelong traveler.