Do what you love and success will follow. It’s never too late to pursue your dream. Go out and build your empire.
Since the 2008 recession entrepreneurship has become increasingly popular. Technology has increased opportunities for new business ventures and made it even easier to become an entrepreneur. But what does it mean to do work you really love? What is entrepreneurship and what does it take to be an entrepreneur?
If you’ve been thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, let me tell you something, self-employment is not for everyone. It’s hard work – really, really hard work – maybe the hardest work you’ll ever do. So why do it? How do you know if being an entrepreneur is right for you?
It starts with the entrepreneurial spirit. Being an entrepreneur isn’t about wanting freedom or the desire to make money. What drives many entrepreneurs isn’t the rewards of being an entrepreneur but the desire, joy, and purpose in pursuing their passion, regardless of the reward.
Let me share the story of three women entrepreneurs and what drove them to pursue a life of passion, working hard to create their own business.
Women’s Stories of the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Chrysta Bairre
I have been starting businesses since I was a young girl.
I was a babysitter, a house cleaner, and a landscaper. As young as 8 years old, I solicited various household services to neighbors and family friends. At age 12 I made Christmas tree ornaments and sold them door-to-door.
I co-owned and operated a fictitious radio station with my sister, complete with tagline, deejays, radio segments, and even commercials, recorded on hours of cassette tapes.
In high school I began working on a business plan for my future used bookstore and cafe. After much deliberation I settled on the store name, Dog-eared Pages, and began collecting inventory.
I had an unlimited supply of ideas and I was willing to do the work.
Working in a traditional job was always a bit of a challenge for me as I continued to have ideas but my ideas weren’t always appreciated by my boss, even when I offered to take on new tasks and opportunities to grow business.
I always wanted to be a part of something bigger than me. I didn’t want to sit on the sidelines. I wanted to be right in the middle of it all. I wanted to make an impact.
I would start a job filled with excitement for new challenges and learning and typically within a year I was back to feeling stifled and stuck, wanting to do more than what was in my job description. I was always on the lookout for bigger and better challenges.
In 2015 I started my career and business coaching business full time. I am grateful every day to not only to do work I love, but to be challenged every day, taking my ideas and sharing them with the world. The sky’s the limit!
Tangia Estrada
“Freedom and growth are my highest needs,” said fitness coach Tangia Estrada of Hello Gorgeous Fitness, “I always felt that I was a bad employee because no matter what role I played within a company, I felt like I was living in a cage.
Plus, employers generally don’t appreciate it when I ask why or say that I don’t like the direction the have chosen, which I have said to every employer I’ve ever had. My performance reviews repeatedly stated to me that I was too ‘edgy’ and did not ‘go with the flow’. My response was always to ask why that was a bad thing.
My jobs were very high stress and required long hours in the office. My health really suffered and I gained about 60 pounds and began experiencing chronic migraine headaches and anxiety attacks, among other things. I hated it, and I used to sit at my desk and fantasize about having the time to work out or simply go for a walk in the middle of the day.
Eventually, I decided my health and feeling good about my body was important enough that I was going to get into shape no matter what. I worked hard and lost over 70 pounds in six-months to compete in a bodybuilding competition. From that point on, I couldn’t go back. I later realized that my knowledge and support was something people wanted. So I got certified and turned my health coaching hobby into a business. ”
Brittany Taylor
Content strategist Brittany Taylor of See Britt Write said, “I like to pick what I do and I like to ask questions. I like to have purpose. I don’t enjoy being told what to do and having to do it ‘just because’. I’m a writer. My best work comes when I understand and am aligned with the purpose of whatever it is I’m writing, whether it’s for me or for a client.
I think I’m unemployable. I was laid off from my job doing something I loved, but in a really toxic environment. I felt burned and bitter about having a boss – bad boss – and the more I read about management and bosses, the more I don’t want to have another one. That’s why I’m self-employed. I am the best boss I’ve ever had.”
Sound familiar?
If you have entrepreneurial spirit, you probably know it. Maybe it’s been there, in the background for many years, or maybe it’s been a driving force in your life.
Are you being called to do something different with your life? Becoming an entrepreneur is a challenging and rewarding opportunity. It takes incredible courage, confidence, determination, and drive. It’s an amazing journey for those to choose it.
If you’re an entrepreneur, what’s your story? Tell us a little about yourself in the comments below!
If you’re reading this and you know being in business for yourself isn’t for you, you can still enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career. Find work you love, do the work, give value, and love every minute of your work and your life. Let us crazy entrepreneurs inspire you and enjoy your career.
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