Good Afternoon!
As you may or may not know, I enjoy reading your comments and am very appreciative that you take the time to share your thoughts and experiences with me. Yesterday, while reading through the posts, one (by Paul) really stood out.
Like many others who are fighting through difficult economic times, Paul has faced some setbacks and it has impacted his confidence and sense of direction.
Hi Preston,
I fell in love with flowers, just like you. I left school with not the best grades. I started working at a local florist where I built up my skills and eventually became a head designer. After 6 years, I decided to leave and start my own business at the age of 21. I built up a very good clientele and a thriving business, but with the economic climate getting worse it soon finished after just 2 years. This experience really knocked me back. I spent 6 months without work and lost all my imagination. Back in March, I found a small premises that a friend rented to me, I rang my best clients and told them I was back. I have been open nearly 6 months now. It’s not as busy as I’d like it to be, but it’s getting better. I still haven’t gotten all my confidence back. Sometimes, I think of looking for something different to do. I would love to travel but when I am not taking a wage this is hard to imagine. This is the first time I have written or told this to anyone, so I do feel a bit better now its out. I always read your blogs and each time they give me a little boost. I get the urge to create something. I will carry on until Christmas and then I am going to make some decisions. If you do read this,
Thank you.
Paul
When people look at those who have found success, they often get the feeling that the path was without many challenges. I am here to tell you that this is not the case for most, and certainly was not for me. I also endured some very difficult years. There were times when I faced uncertainty and big challenges, but I learned that success is a step-by-step process and that the only sure way to fail was to give up on what it was that I wanted to do.
Please, never give up.
If you manage to get a steady weekly client (such as a local hotel or restaurant) it might be a good way to eliminate your overhead. I live in New York City, a place not known for spacious living quarters. For 10 years I worked out of my small apartment. It used to drive my neighbors crazy when I would hold up the elevator with my flowers. The point is that I managed to continue doing what I loved– working with flowers– and was able to receive a small salary with no overhead. Finally, after years of working this way, things started to turn around. Thank God!
I wish you my very best, Paul.
Many Blessings,
Preston
(Photo courtesy of RedBubble.com)