Small Business is Scary

It's a not guaranteed to make money. You're spending a bunch of money to set things up the correct way for your city and state. Everything seems to plan, and then bam! Another license or fee hits out of nowhere. Plus, there's the constant fear that someone will try to do something shady just to make a quick buck when you're just trying to survive and pay your bills in a system that doesn't value work but wants the results. The world is crazy and nothing is guaranteed.

"Nothing is guaranteed" rings in my ears about 80 times a day at this point though. It's become my mantra to get through the tougher parts of this process. It's a nice relief to feel like there is opportunity around every corner. It feels like a weight off of my chest to be working for myself, but I know the true hard work has only begun. Thankfully, I work great under pressure. If there's anything that life has taught me it's that things pay off if you keep pushing towards the things that make you feel alive.

It's complicated in the sense that if you have no clue where to start, you will be looking to anyone for answers, because there is no manager or supervisor to tell you how to do the job. You just have to learn by doing. (There are courses and whatnot, but I am not paying someone who doesn't even work in the industry I want to be part of to tell me how to work in that industry through a computer screen) Luckily some people are great! I called my local tax professionals for help because I figured they would at least be able to point me towards the right person. Thank the universe, the lord, or whatever else you believe in because Debbie at my tax office was my guide. I owe her a huge thanks (and a free batch of cookies) for all the advice and assistance she has given me so far.

It's scary if you do take a loan because repayment can feel like an uphill battle, but not taking a loan means grants or self funding. Both of these can lead to financial strain too. I just want to be able to pay my bills, and not panic when we have to go to the doctor or ER. I don't want to be some famous multi billionaire or anything. I thought that this part would be less crazy but there is never ending information about what to do and how to do it, and it all feels very disingenuous in the content sphere. No one feels trustworthy there because everyone has the same influencer voice and no way to prove their credentials.

All that to say, that there is hope. If I can wade through the bullshit, so can you! Don't give up hope. If you have a dream job, and you are able to fund it whether that is figuring out a loan, a grant, or you've been blessed with money, it is SO worth it to try! I left my job at the end of may, and my first bakery drop is about to happen now mid August! My art is already selling and I haven't even listed some of the pieces, I just posted about them. I believe in myself and I believe in you. If you are in Nevada, and need help with where the heck to get started, feel free to reach out! I'm happy to share the information I have to help you feel less alone in the process (though I'll admit I only know the steps I've completed so far.)

Every time I wake up ready to make marshmallows or paint something I remember to count my blessings and be grateful for where I am. Even if I fail miserably, I have decided I am ok with it because this year has made me realize that life doesn't have to be a revolving door of crap coming from some CEO who took a bonus instead of giving their employees enough to survive on. (I'm hoping I never have to go back to 9-5 life though, because serving people truly makes me happy.)

My dad taught me to write. He used to call the final paragraph the "so what, who cares" of your writing. I guess to get to the "so what, who cares" of it all, most people that even delve this far won't care and will still walk away bored. Some people may read this whole thing and decide to bet on themself instead. I hope you get what you need out of this whoever you are, but I really just wanted to write this so in a year I can reflect and see how far we've come. Like I said, even if I fall on my ass, I am going to keep betting on myself and trying to grow this into something wonderful. Here's to checking back in 2027 and hopefully getting emotional over how far things have progressed!