I did it again!

I just got home from my 2^nd Business Boutique in Nashville, TN. Just six short months ago, I went to the BB in Dallas with nothing but a dream of starting a new business. If I could describe my experience there in one word it would be INSPIRING.

 This time, I returned as a starter and vendor. It was my first time to get my scripture canvases out there for people to see. If I were to describe this recent weekend in one word, it would be STRETCHING.

In the weeks leading up to the BB, it was so easy to overthink everything and get overwhelmed. I got so hung up on seemingly small things like what I would wear. When I focused on me and how I would present myself, things would start to fall apart. The idea of having to “sell” my work led to so much insecurity. (That is my next thing to work on!) I had to give myself permission to be me.

I began to pray for God to help me to connect with other women at the Boutique in a meaningful way and let me be able to encourage the women I would meet there. Wow, did He come through with answers to that prayer! I made so many connections with women there and inspiration and encouragement were shared both ways.

It was a completely surreal experience being a vendor for the first time ever! My table was mingled in with other starters, builders, and “celebrities” side by side. I love how the women at the Business Boutique are all there to encourage each other. The speakers there truly have the heart to encourage new business owners. My table was right next to Crystal Paine, The Money-Saving Mom, who was a speaker at the event in May. Directly across from me was Nicole Walters, who was a speaker at this event. When I say surreal, I really mean it! I could not believe it was really happening, like someone needed to pinch me.

 I also couldn’t believe I was brave enough to do such a thing! I took a photo with the “Do it scared” sign because that was the perfect description of my experience. If I let fear stand in the way, I wouldn’t have gone at all! It is so much easier to hide behind my computer from home than to actually put myself out there in person. Not only was it super stretching for me to go and present Captivating Joy in person, but I was invited to do an interview for Christy Wright’s Business Boutique podcast! I quickly replied “Yes, I would love to!”, then started to think about the reality of what that meant. Ironically, I love to talk and I love writing, but am terrified of any type of “speaking”. I tried to convince myself it would be just like talking to the women there one on one. However, it felt so different when they put a microphone the size of my head just inches in front on my face! It was kind of hard to ignore and I felt like I turned into a bumbling fool, hopefully their editing masters will be able to do something with it! I was so honored to have had the opportunity and so relieved when it was over. Not sure when my interview will be featured, but here is the link to her podcasts if you want to see what the Business Boutique is all about. https://www.businessboutique.com/podcast/

I was definitely inspired all over again by my experience this weekend. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do as I learn to take my business to the next level. I see the whole experience as the beginning of my journey and know I will look back in awe one day at what God has done.