I had the pleasure of dining at Firehouse Subs this week with my sweet friend (and new mom!) J. J and I are former co-workers, and she introduced me to the steamy, melty goodness that is Firehouse, so it was only fitting that we meet there for a life catch up and some girl time that including her precious baby girl.
She asked me lots of questions about my ongoing business venture, and I explained to her that the biggest challenge of operating Hems & Hers (aside from, you know, making money) is describing it to other people. When I run into acquaintances or old family friends while I'm out and about running errands or when they come into the stationery store where I work, I see the question in their eyes, "Soooo, this is what you do now?"
It took me until recently to not act either (A) defensively or (B) apologetically to the inquiry. Instead of "Yeah, I do. Wanna make somethin' of it?" or some mumbled response, I had to learn to start explaining that while I had the incredible opportunity of working at a great local ad agency for two and a half years, I was able to springboard off what I learned there and launch my own company - a clothing line, no less! And God really provided for me by allowing me to work part time at the shop to keep some steady income and save my sanity from spending toooo much time alone in my house.
Regardless, though, as I explained to J, I still trip up on the "my clothing line" part. You see, I don't view myself as a fashion designer, and even if I did, I would feel very much like I was saying the equivalent of "but I'm going to be an actress!" or, "I'm just here until Maxim decides to run the shots I sent them!" or, "You should hear me sing. American Idol, here I come!" or, "I'm playing at some golf courses when I'm not here. The LPGA is beating down my door." Not that the world of fashion or apparel is an uttainable dream by any means, and neither are those others, but I struggle with the notion that I won't be taken seriously with such a whimsical vision. In any event I'm getting used to it and feeling better day by day, but in the meantime I'll keep my aspirations for that Oscar under wraps.
Happy weekend!
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8 comments:
After I graduated from college I worked for a small local business and felt much the same way when I met other people. It's all about perspective and I just knew I was probably happier doing what I wanted to do then some high profile job that I didn't really love!
REBrown
rekdbrown.blogspot.com
Aww sweetie! People will ALWAYS have something to say about what you're doing- even if they don't say it with direct words. Just try to ignore it as best you can. You're doing what you love and that's what matters! If you're happy with your life, it doesn't matter if anyone else is.
I know how you feel. When I was laid off I waited tables for a while. I always felt like people were looking down at me so I would start by saying "Well I was doing PR for the P*ttery B*rn brands until the economy went south and I was laid off. So now I'm waiting tables while I'm job hunting." The important part is to remember how hard you work and the fact that you started your own business! You are using a talent to accomplish something that is hard enough normally but you are succeeding in a less than perfect financial time. I think people see that and recognize what a great feat that is :)
You are too cute. I definitely call you a fashion designer when I talk about it ... you are totally living the dream!!! Xoxo-BLC
You're cracking me up!! I think you are wildly talented and mad props to you for following your dream! I, on the other hand graduated college 3 years ago and haven't moved up the corporate ladder AT ALL. So, I get "the looks" too. You rock, don't ever forget it, K? K???!
Man, that J girl sounds awesome!! What a lucky person you are to have a friend like her! And way to follow your dreams!!!! I'm proud of you!
I can totally see how that would be hard. I always feel obligated to justify myself/career choices to people. But you totally own this girl, God has ordered your steps to take you to this point you're at with YOUR own clothing line...amazing!! :)
Just remember...Lilly Pulitzer started out with a lemonade stand :) Can't get any more humble than that.
And Firehouse Subs...HEAVEN! Darn. I've just eaten lunch, and now I'm hungry again. There is no better sub on earth, I don't think!
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