- Inspiration to Start a Business…Does Following Your Passions Pay?
This question has been in my heart and thoughts lately as my pet project, FitandFearLESS.tv, finally launches. As always, there are naysayers. Naysayers that question what a childrenswear designer could possibly know about the crazy world of online entertainment. As I take my first steps in this new venture, I’m often asked “I know this is a passion of yours, but is it worth it? Will it pay?”
I can’t help but laugh since I was asked those exact same questions when I launched Glamajama. People thought I was crazy when I admitted to wanting to do more than just local craft shows. I guess I couldn’t blame them. After all, I had no experience, no support, and no financial resources. All I had was my hopes, dreams, and a fierce desire to fulfill my passion.
Seven years later, Glamajama is a leader in the childrens industry with national distribution in retailers such as Target and JCPenney. I’ve received thank you letters from Halle Berry, seen our clothes grace countless magazines, watched the hosts of the Today Show excitedly introduce the line on live TV, and helped the design team of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build a house on primetime.
I could go on for hours with all the amazing things I’ve been able to see, share, and accomplish as the CEO of Glamajama, but I won’t. What I will say, however, is that all those things were possible because of my PASSION. Nothing more, nothing less.
I never had a silver platter, rich Uncle, or even a clue at a few critical moments along that journey. What I did have, however, was a vision for my ideal personal and professional life. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do to make it happen, I focused on what I could. I may have gotten knocked down, discouraged, and even doubted my sanity at times (many times), but that’s natural. At the end of the day…
It’s not how many times you get knocked down that count, it’s how many times you get up that matter.
I’m reminding myself of this today as I hear the doubts in people’s voices when I talk about FitandFearLESS, miss my “video view counts” goal for the day, or fail to get a response from a media pitch. The best things in life aren’t easy and it just makes winning that much sweeter. The joy is always in the journey, not the end.
So what does all this really mean? Does passion pay? I say YES. Our passions might not always pay dividends to our bank accounts, but they will always pay dividends to our heart and soul.
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You know I was just asked this questions about why work with Single Mothers-there is no money in it. I, of course, wanted to know why they thought this and then I proceeded to explain to him my vision and mission in working with Single Mothers. As entrepreneurs, we see bigger pictures that extend out further than most people can see. So I hold true to my passion of helping these women go after their dreams, create their dreams and live their dream and I can do that in more ways than one.
Thanks for reminding me why passion pays, where it counts.
Heather,
What a great post. I so relate and want you to know that you are a TOTAL inspiration to me (and I’m sure to countless others). Thank goodness you didn’t listen to the naysayers. You are making a difference in the world that is so much more profound that just awesome baby and toddler clothes. FitandFearLESS will be the same thing. You have stepped into your purpose, your passion and your power, and there is a ripple affect from that in so many ways that will continue as your legacy. Sorry to sound so sappy, but I’m committed personally to building up the amazing women entrepreneurs around me. You rock, sista!
Warmly,
Jessica
Great article Heather. You are a true inspiration. I’m starting to hear a lot from the naysayers that you mention lately as we have recently started a business and trying to create our brand. Even though I’m not your average audience, meaning the mompreneur, I’m a Dad to 3 boys and a lot of the same things apply to fathers. Keep up the good works and I fully agree with you, Passion does pay off in several ways
As I am back in school and starting to work towards my passion I really needed this article! Thanks!!!!
Great article. I opened a fitness center 9 months ago and I came in contact with many naysayers including some of my family. While it is not easy it is off the ground and running! I am very proud to be where I am right now and working hard to be where I see my business going. Very encouraging article.
Thanks
Marti
Bravo. Loved your article. Wishing you much success!
Hi Heather, of course it pays. It’s all those who are sitting in a hum drum job doing something they don’t believe in who we should be questioning, but somehow, doing that seems to be OK. Bizzare isn’t it. F
Just what I needed to hear after walking away from something I built over the last two years because of bad partnering, and need to start again. I had naysayers then and built a website with 200,000 hits a month from nothing more than an idea. You’re an inspiration as I have to get back out there and do it again.. Thank you for this post
Hi Melanie, I am currently an interpreneur and yes you hear lots of negative people, but don’t let anyone stop you. I would love to tell you a little bit of wat I do, I’m currently looking for expansion worldwide, you may or may not be interested, but give yourself time to evaluate the business. Thank you, I hope we get to chat soon. This is a fast growing business just wanted to throw it out there. Take care
For all our cofficers RT @glamajama: Inspiration to Start a Business…Does Following Passions Pay? http://t.co/wm5Ippb7 #entrepreneur
Amen to that! Congratulations on all your past and future success! Thanks for the inspiration!
I would say yes they do pay