Growth Isn’t Linear, My Honeys
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this business journey, it’s that growth is not a straight line. It’s more like a messy, squiggly doodle that is full of high highs, low-ish lows, and plenty of unexpected turns. I’m doing all of this in hopes that things will start to get easier-ish… and they will, right? (Go ahead and tell me “yes,” so I can keep going. 😉)
Truth be told, I’ve been over here learning just about every lesson the hard way. Testing systems, unjamming the embroidery machine, figuring out what works, realizing it doesn’t, and starting over again. And yes, that’s included a lot of late-night laptop sessions after the rest of my family has gone to bed.
The Behind-the-Scenes Reality
From the outside, SRM might look like a happy little land of unicorns and rainbows full of creative designs, western-alternative fashion, and a business that just… works. But behind the scenes? It’s hours of planning, strategizing, pouring my energy into every single detail, and sometimes juggling more than I probably should. There’s blood, sweat, tears, and a whole lot of caffeine fueling this dream.
The Small Business Grind
If you’re a new business owner, you already know the drill:
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Figure things out as you go.
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Try a new system.
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Make it work… until it doesn’t.
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Start over.
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Rinse & repeat.
It’s a cycle that’s both exhausting and incredibly rewarding. And the truth is, owning SRM has made me appreciate other small businesses even more than I already did. I’ve always been a “shop local, shop small, support your neighbor” kind of gal, but now I really get what it takes to keep those doors open and those dreams alive.
Why I Keep Going
I love this. I love creating, connecting, and seeing my designs come to life on people who love them. I love knowing SRM is growing because of the time and heart I pour into it. And I love that, someday soon, I’ll be able to look back on these days and say, “Yep, that’s when it all started to take off.”
So to my fellow business owners, keep going. Our growth might not be linear, but it’s worth every twist and turn. Here’s to the hustle, the heart, and the hope that someday, things really do get easier-ish.