Early start: listen, I don't have much to complain about with @happybellyhudson 🙏 this business has been my/our baby for just about 6 years-- she has given us back everything we've put in.

It's a reciprocal and cyclical relationship 🤝 everything we pour in, all the love and all the attention, in her successes and her failures, we love her unconditionally ❤

Having a vision, executing that vision, and maintaining that vision ALL THE WHILE allowing that vision to guide you and openly evolve is really really difficult!

This is a unique aspect to small business ownership-- an aspect that requires a balance between too much control and too little control. That balancing act is a tight rope where without sure footing-- which in this case means knowing yourself and trusting the vision you've brought forth-- you are sure to get pushed around.

Dealing with a public who loves what you do is both a blessing and a burden. Many (most!) of our customers are kind people who appreciate the service and beauty we are putting out into the world-- they tell us every single week! This helps us see ourselves clearly and it keeps us from being weighed down by the physical drudgery of the job.

But there are some customers who have boundary issues and very very hazy intentions 😉 ones who choose to start their comments with "well if this was my business..." or "I'm only saying this because I love Happy Belly..." or "why don't you...". These customers are a challenge and bring the most complicated lessons.

The lesson is knowing that everyone has an opinion when they're not arms deep in the WORK. They distract and detract and bring with them a ton of shit that can throw you completely off track if you let them: such is life.

So ground yourself in your experience, your wisdom, and your intuition. This is your journey! Your voice! Be firm about what opinions you're absorbing or ignoring (external challenges are good, just discern the source!). Be appreciative of those who see you and hold you in love. They will be a helping hand 👋 when the noise becomes a bit too much