From Burnout to Breakthroughs: A Candid Post
I know, I said I wasn’t gonna ghost y’all again after the last time. Yet, here we are. Dang, are Virgos really the problem? Am I the drama?
Listen, I’ve always wanted to implement blogging into my brand—some way, somehow. I figured, now that I’m not doing as much physical work as I used to, what better time to start than in my 40s? Plus, turning 40 two years ago came with a lot of emotions, and I wanted to share my journey as a 40-something entrepreneur (who, by the way, finally decided at 38 to take this brand seriously). But like any passion project, it got overshadowed by the things that bring in the bucks. You get caught up in chasing that bag, and here I am again, trying to pick up where I left off. And in true Virgo fashion, never letting my obstacles stand in the way of what I REALLY want—this blog to take off!
This year has been quite the challenge, and I feel like we don’t talk about that enough. So, I’m dedicating this post to transparency. Just like everyone else in business—whether it’s big box brands or small businesses—we’re all on the struggle bus. High-end brands are dropping in numbers, businesses are closing left and right, and let’s face it, the economy is super trash right now. People aren’t spending money, and if they are, it’s a smart, strategic purchase. Needless to say, my business has taken a hit too. But this year, I was mentally better equipped for it, because 2023? That year broke me. To date, it was probably the most depressing year I’ve ever had.
Now imagine trying to keep my business afloat, keep up with ever-changing social media algorithms, film and post content, convince people to spend money during an economic crisis, plan a birthday party only to cancel it...and somehow still find the mental fortitude to blog? Wow. Yeah...no! Honestly, I haven’t been in the best mood lately. Mentally, I could be where I was last year, and I’m grateful I’m not, BUT these inconsistent times come with inconsistent moods, which lead to inconsistent business practices and lack of creativity. Are you sure you still want to be an entrepreneur? laughs quietly to myself
I even thought about going back to work for a bit—mainly to get back on track financially but also to take a break from this entrepreneur life. But every time I try, some kind of roadblock stops me. So, I gave up on taking the easy way out and decided to dive into my faith instead. Sometimes we’re tested to see if we’re really ready for that life promotion we’ve been praying for. So here I am, baring it all (not too much though, I’m still a Virgo). Instead of promising weekly posts, I’ll just post when I can and send it out via email blasts. I was supposed to release two collections this year—one for Veronica Ariel and one for BLK CEO—but life started life-ing, and you know how that story goes.
Like anything in this adult life, big dreams come with big challenges and real obstacles. But what are you gonna do when life gets a little less desirable? Give up or get up? I’m choosing the latter. I’m done making promises and putting dates on things until I know for sure it’s official. So let’s start over. If this resonates with you, get up and keep going! One of my favorite Kanye lines is, “To me, giving up is way harder than trying.” I told my good girlfriend that we’re super grateful to still be in business. Sales have been slow, but I’ll take one sale a day over no motion at all. What I can promise is that Veronica Ariel will NEVER quit; I can’t, y’all have been rocking with me for far too long to quit on you guys! There’s still tons of creative ideas I need to share. Thank you for still sticking around.
P.S. If you’re still with me and rooting for my journey, I’ve got some new pieces in the works (I SWEAR) that I’ll be dropping soon! In the meantime, click that button below and keep shopping the BDAY SALE, 40% off your entire purchase until Virgo Season ends (9/22). No code needed. Your continued supports means the world, and I couldn’t do it without! 💛
LOVE YOU, MEAN IT!
V
