My story of how I got where I am today is full of twists and turns and stopping and starting and doubting and stopping again and eventually finally committing. It is maybe a blog post for another time but I’ll have to figure out how to tell it without being too rambly. It used to be very easy for me to look back on my story full of regret and wish I had done things differently but I have made peace with the fact that it is my story and if I had done things differently I wouldn’t be where I am today. And I am so happy and content with the path I am on. 

So instead of saying “here are 5 things I wished I had done differently” I am saying “here are 5 things I wish someone told me when I was starting out” 

1. Stop doubting yourself and just go for it.

I spent soooooo much time doubting myself. Thinking about all the ways I would fail before I even tried. I wish someone would have said to me get out of your head and just do it! Do you love it? Is this what you are passionate about? If yes then just go for it. You will never know you are going to fail if you don’t even try.

2. No one is thinking about you as much as you think they are thinking about you. Everyone deals with imposter syndrome. IT IS NORMAL.

I think it is common to get a little self conscious when we first start putting things out there in the world. A lot of my fear came from worrying about what other people would say about me. When in reality most people are wrapped up in their own lives-they simply don’t care or have time to think about yours. No one was sitting on their phone dissecting what I was posting or what I was saying.  And I think to go off of that- no one has it all figured out. No matter where someone is at in their business they are still going to deal with imposter syndrome! It is normal. If something scares you that means you are on the right path. Stop worrying about other people and do it.

3. Find your community 

Owning your own business can be lonely but luckily you aren’t actually alone! There is an amazing community of wedding vendors out there who know exactly what you are dealing with. Find your people and stick with them. There is something so empowering surrounding yourself with people who have the same goals as you. You need a sounding board, your own personal cheerleaders. Those who can not only ride the highs with you but be there to pick you up when you are down. Some of my best friends started out as “freindors’ and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There is so much work for all of us out there to stop treating other vendors as your competition and build your community. 

4. Invest in education

You aren’t supposed to know how to do everything so trust people who have done it before. One of my favorite resources for wedding videographers is The Level Up Co. They have an amazing podcast, a really supportive facebook group and some awesome products on their website! There are soooo many educators out there and it can be overwhelming so I think it is important to block out the noise and find someone who really speaks to you. Remember there is no “right” way to do things and stick with what feels true to you!

5. Be patient

It takes time. I know the feeling of having all of these dreams and goals and wanting things now but that is not how it works. Put in the work and you may not see results for YEARS! You are in for the long game. There is no instant gratification. Steady growth is where it is at. If you are truly passionate about this, just put it in the work. I promise it will pay off. 

A bonus one- it is okay to change your goals. What I wanted when I first started out is completely different than the goals I have now. Allow yourself the ability to re evaluate and adjust as you go along. And with that- don’t forget to celebrate your wins! Sometimes I get so focused on the next thing I forget to appreciate how far I have come.