Hello! It’s nice to meet you. My name is Karen, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as I take the exciting step of launching this blog. This space will be a place where I share the ups and downs of my journey as a business owner, along with tips, strategies, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re just starting out, growing a side hustle, or ready to scale your business to the next level, I’m here to offer support and guidance.
Before we dive into the how-to’s of business, I’d love to tell you a bit about myself, where I come from, and what drives me as a business owner.
Like many of you, I didn’t always know I’d end up here. But as I reflect on my roots and the steps that led me to entrepreneurship, it’s clear that the path I’m on now has been shaped by years of passion, resilience, and curiosity. I hope sharing my story not only helps you understand who I am, but also inspires you to embrace your own unique journey.
The Roots of My Entrepreneurial Spirit
Looking back, I realize that my entrepreneurial spirit has always been a part of me, even when I didn’t recognize it as such. Growing up, I was surrounded by a strong mother who made things happen. She was always hustling—whether it was managing our household, running our family grocery store, volunteering at our elementary school, or sitting on the school board as a trustee for over 13 years. From her, I learned early on the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of being resourceful.
But my journey into business actually started when I was a child. Watching my parents run our successful family business, at the age of 11, my sister and I started a soft ice cream shop called “Krista and Karen’s Soft Ice Cream.” While running this business with my sister, I worked full-time during the summer at the local boat marina. Our small business was successful enough to support our post-high school education pursuits.
From there, I spent years working in leadership and administrative roles in small businesses and corporate settings, climbing the ladder and learning valuable leadership, teamwork, and strategy lessons. Though I gained plenty of skills and knowledge, something was missing. I felt disconnected from my purpose and yearned for more flexibility, more creativity, and the chance to build something of my own.
That itch to do something different finally reached a point where I couldn’t ignore it any longer. So, I took a leap of faith. I left my steady 9-to-5 and started my first venture. Was I scared? Absolutely. But I also knew that if I didn’t take that risk, I’d never know what could be on the other side. That leap taught me one of my first important lessons as an entrepreneur—taking risks is essential for growth. If this sounds familiar, it’s nice to meet you.
Starting My First Business
I wish I could tell you that everything clicked into place immediately after that leap, but like most journeys, mine had its bumps along the way. My first business was selling digital educational products. And it was a flop, to put it nicely. It was before the internet, so I poured my heart into defining the message and creatively finding leads to share these products with. But running a business is about so much more than having a great product. There’s marketing, customer service, managing finances, and constantly adapting to challenges you never see coming. Even with years of corporate business behind me, I still was missing something.
In the early days, I spent countless late nights trying to figure out how to grow my business and keep the momentum going. I made plenty of mistakes. Some days, I felt like I was moving two steps forward and three steps back. But every setback came with a lesson, and every small win gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward. It wasn’t until I leaned into my passion for supporting people that I found success. If you’ve been leaning into what you’re passionate about – it’s nice to meet you.
One of the most important lessons I learned early on is that success doesn’t happen in isolation. I didn’t have all the answers, and I quickly realized that I needed to lean on others who had walked the path before me. I sought out mentors, joined networking groups, and connected with other entrepreneurs. Surrounding myself with a supportive community helped me not only learn faster but also stay motivated during tough times. And that’s part of what I hope this blog becomes—a community where you can find support, encouragement, and actionable advice.
Why I’m Starting This Blog
So why start a blog now? After running my business for several years, I’ve learned so much, not only about the nuts and bolts of entrepreneurship but also about myself. I’ve learned that it’s okay not to have it all figured out and that the best way to grow is by embracing the process, mistakes and all. Now, I want to share those lessons with others who are on their own business journey.
This blog will be a mix of personal stories, practical advice, and insights that I’ve gathered through my experiences. Whether it’s tips on managing your time, ideas for marketing your business on a budget, or advice on building a loyal customer base, my goal is to provide value and help you navigate your entrepreneurial path with confidence.
What to Expect
Here’s what you can expect from this blog moving forward. I’ll dive into essential topics for starting and growing a small business each week. I’ll share strategies that have worked for me, mistakes to avoid, and tools to help make your life easier. But this isn’t just about me. I want to hear from you too! Your questions, challenges, and experiences will help shape the content here.
In future posts, we’ll cover everything from crafting your business vision to building a brand that resonates with your audience. We’ll talk about how to manage your time effectively, prioritize your goals, and stay motivated when things get tough. And, of course, I’ll share personal anecdotes and lessons I’ve learned.
If you haven’t joined me inside the Women’s Business Resource Community, I’d love for you to become our Neighbher!
It's nice to meet you! Let’s Take This Journey Together
It’s so nice to meet you, and I’m ecstatic you’re here. Starting and growing a business is a bold, exciting, and sometimes daunting journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. Through this blog, I hope to be a source of support and encouragement, whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to new heights.
Remember, entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be challenges, but there will also be incredible moments of growth and success. I’m here to share my experiences and help you along the way. So, grab a cup of coffee, bookmark this page, and let’s get started on this journey together!
Until next time,
