Inspiration For You (and Your Business)
Spotlight On:
31 Bits | 1663 A. Superior Ave. Costa Mesa, CA
Does the intensifying realm of virtual gorgeousness ever get you pining after that entrepreneur's seemingly perfect life? There are some days I have to unplug entirely from social media because I can be one of those people who covets the beautiful adornment of bouquets before my eyes, or the surreal-ness of purple hills and mountains majesty displayed on my retina screen... I admit it. I want to live in the land of pretty things, all day, every day! I see those photos and my mind runs wild. I need to learn to tame my thoughts, remembering these entrepreneurs are working hard for the money, and that isn't real life. Plus, comparing your business in its infancy with those well seasoned vets isn't quite fair to you. The start up phase to any business is a hard place to be, if anything these successors should motivate you to soldier on. The goodness to come will be well worth the sweat and tears one day. Be sure to journal it all because there will be a day where you will read back and this phase will actually breed fondness. Find a mentor who can help your cause, and follow the trail that's set ablaze in front of you.
An inspiration of mine are found in the lives led by the ladies behind the brand 31 Bits; jewelry made authentically, all from recycled bits of paper. I popped by the Bits warehouse to see what the ladies of 31 Bits have been up to. The positive energy, and constant creativity swirling in that place is contagious. These ladies are dedicated to their business which is so evident and they are reaping what they've diligently sowed. Exciting things are happening at Bits with the launching of their 'Bitsies' line (a collection of 10 different bracelets for children, genius!), plus the new designs springing up for their 2015 Spring Collection (possibly my favorite collection to date, be on the lookout for that!) These local entrepreneurs, based in Orange County, are only part of the success story. There's an entire team of women a world away who are also evidence that hard work and determination pay off.
The designers and artisans who work in Northern Uganda, are the hands and feet behind the product being so beautifully manufactured, "from the first cut of paper to stringing on the final bead, every detail was thought through by the 31 Bits beneficiaries" -31 Bits. Right there, that description is jam packed with proof of perseverance, even just the process of making one necklace sounds meticulous, with focus being the key ingredient to success. I would love to take a trip to Africa and ask one of these women face to face what persevering means to them. I bet my story pales in comparison. I wonder how many times they have been told "no", or that their ideas weren't good enough, and what joy they must feel knowing they are now a part of a company that has beat the odds. There's a quote that really resonates with me,
The designers and artisans who work in Northern Uganda, are the hands and feet behind the product being so beautifully manufactured, "from the first cut of paper to stringing on the final bead, every detail was thought through by the 31 Bits beneficiaries" -31 Bits. Right there, that description is jam packed with proof of perseverance, even just the process of making one necklace sounds meticulous, with focus being the key ingredient to success. I would love to take a trip to Africa and ask one of these women face to face what persevering means to them. I bet my story pales in comparison. I wonder how many times they have been told "no", or that their ideas weren't good enough, and what joy they must feel knowing they are now a part of a company that has beat the odds. There's a quote that really resonates with me,
"great things are done by a series of small things brought together..."
What truth that is. That affirmation makes the discouraging days of starting from the bottom taste like a piece of cake (or maybe a sliver of cake, the hard days are still hard regardless of reminders like this). If you set your mind to something, believing in something with your entire being, knowing your heart is in it, there's no thing or no one that can stop your vision from happening. Start looking for significance over success; focus on meaning over money; and be satisfied with purpose over possessions.
Also, stop by the 31 Bits shop and experience the Fashion For Good mission first hand. Everyone should own a 31 Bits piece for the cuteness that each piece is, but also whenever you are needing a boost of reassurance when you look down at that bracelet you can be reminded that greatness takes time, and hold on to the promise of a prosperous future. Believe in your vision, and repeat, "Be still beating heart until your time has come..."
"Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time" Ecclesiastes 3:11.
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Do you ever feel discouraged?
Do you ever compare your business or brand to others?
Do you ever compare your business or brand to others?
You are not alone!
x, Alysha M.
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