Celebrating Flow + Fire’s First Year in Business!

I’m celebrating the past year! Ok wait, not 2020 in particular, but I’m celebrating the last 12 months - because one year ago I officially launched Flow + Fire. I can’t believe my business is one year old!

So as I celebrate, I’m also reflecting on the ups and downs of the last year, my first year in business with Flow + Fire.

Imposter Syndrome in Year One

To be honest, I’ve felt a lot of imposter syndrome. Some months I felt like I had barely done anything. Partly because I was still working at my full-time job while I was growing my business on the side.

If you’ve been managing more than one job (hello, parents who also became teachers during the pandemic) you know it’s exhausting. 

I played the compare-and-despair game, you know the one where you think everyone else is doing a better job than you are. Spoiler alert: I never win when I play that one. It felt like the REAL entrepreneurs were working for themselves only and didn’t need a day job! 

Slow Progress is Still Progress

But even when I felt like I wasn’t doing enough for my business, I just kept slowly moving forward. Slow progress is still progress.

I wasn’t willing to quit my day job before I was ready. I needed a financial safety net, so I took my time. I realized that it’s in my nature to take time to think and consider before making my next move. Then when I do act, I’m ready.

Maybe I’m not the only one? If you’re feeling the pressure to do something different from what you’re doing now, let me say this: Where you are right now is completely okay. Most of my “big” decisions have actually come from taking many slow baby steps. Turns out, it’s working for me.

So, I did what I often do when I get frustrated: grab a pen and paper (or laptop) and start writing. 

Reflecting on the past year, I realized that I’ve done more than I first gave myself credit for.

In the last year I:

  • Worked with clients one-on-one

  • Launched my very first group program (Intentional Interviewing)

  • Created a 6-part video series on Interview Mistakes

  • Landed a consulting gig

  • Completely rewrote my website copy and redesigned the homepage

  • Created, prepared and delivered webinars

  • Joined a Marketing Mastermind to improve my messaging/marketing skills

  • Started a small support group for solopreneurs pursuing Anti-Racism in Business

  • Spoke at the Women Only Weekend retreat in Canmore, AB

  • Met SO many incredible female business owners.

It turns out, I have so much to be grateful for. And I have high hopes for year two! 




 
Karen Stylesfirst year in business, entrepreneur, solopreneur, imposter syndrome, side gig, side job, journaling, compare and despair game