Calling all entrepreneurs! Have you ever taken that big leap of faith and stepped out of your comfort zone? Owning and running a business requires immense passion and perseverance. When I think back 10 years ago, I never imagined I’d be where I am today. Each step I’ve taken has opened new doors and unexpected opportunities.
While my online stationery business continues to grow, I realized that to truly bring my vision to life, I needed to engage with real people, not just through a screen. This year, I stepped out of my comfort zone and began selling my tropical holiday greeting cards and watercolor art at the Palm Beach Gardens Green Market. Waking up before dawn, loading the truck, and heading out felt daunting. I didn’t know what the day would bring, and as I set up my booth, fear crept in—”What if I don’t sell anything?”
In that moment, I paused, closed my eyes, and meditated, waiting for a message from God. After an hour, I heard a small voice say, “Start painting.” And that’s when people began to stop by. While my first day wasn’t filled with sales, the experience was invaluable. I discovered something wonderful: I love meeting new people and sharing my work in person. The conversations with customers gave me insights I hadn’t expected, which I applied the following week.
The next market day brought better sales and even a few repeat customers—a huge encouragement. I built on that momentum for week three, and sales improved again, with even more familiar faces returning. But it’s not just about sales. The real joy comes from the connections I make—the smiles, the appreciation for my art, and the sense of community. My passion for creating has reached new heights thanks to these experiences.
Each week brings new adventures. Last weekend, my booth was next to Chef Leilani, a colorful and lively Hawaiian woman. She kept calling her husband “Chef Boyardee” with a mischievous grin, and she spoiled me with samples of her incredible cooking all day. Her gluten-free pies and crab cakes (without fillers!) were heavenly, but the highlight was her basil lemonade. As if that wasn’t enough, she sent me home with crab cakes and salad topped with freshly made mango dressing. The next time you visit the Green Market, make sure to check out Chef Leilani—you’ll fall in love with both her and her cooking
My message to all fellow business owners is this: Don’t be afraid to walk through new doors and explore what’s on the other side. Even if you stumble, you’ll gain valuable lessons that propel your business forward. What I’ve learned is that we never reach a point of “perfection”—our businesses are always a work in progress. So, stop striving endlessly for an unattainable ideal and instead, embrace the journey. Celebrate each new milestone, no matter how small.
A Note on Sustainability: My boxed greeting cards come in eco-friendly packaging, with minimal use of plastic. I was moved by a message I heard on the radio predicting that by 2050, there could be more plastic in our oceans than fish. While I may not be alive to see that day, I’m committed to doing my part to protect our oceans and marine life for future generations.
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