Trust the process

People often ask me how I got my start in microblading and are confused when I say I was working in the Administrative/Executive Assistant sector for over 10 years. The truth is, when I found out I was pregnant 4 years ago, I was laid off of my job a week after announcing it to my employer. I was scared and angry, but I told myself I wouldn't let that ruin the happiest, most life changing time for my bf and I so I moved on and enjoyed my pregnancy. 

After having my daughter, I really wanted to contribute to our home so I began job hunting again. Starting from square one is never easy, but I looked and looked and found a job as an executive assistant at an artist management company. Unfortunately the job wasn't fulfilling, and I felt an immense amount of guilt going to work everyday and leaving my daughter to be raised by someone else. I had a lot of sleepless nights and one of those nights, I came across a microblading video online that left me in complete awe. It looked challenging but I was intrigued enough to dig further. I found a school that offered a 6 day intensive course, but they were full for another 6 months and the course was unbelievably expensive. I didn't register right away... I sat on the idea for a couple weeks, discussed it and finally took the leap. In the meantime, I quit my job, raised my daughter and ate up every minute wih her until I had to start my course. 

I completed my Permanent Makeup training in October of 2015 and left feeling excited but nervous and unsure how to even start a business. Shortly after I was offered a job at Vancouver's leading digital publication company as an Office Manager, so I took it. I saw immense opportunity at this company and was even promoted as the People & Culture Manager after a few months, so I told myself to stick with it; but as time went on, I itched for more. I wanted my own freedom... The freedom to do the kind of work I wanted, how I wanted, and be able to have a schedule that fit around my family, not the other way around. I also wanted to explore my creative side. Growing up I always loved drawing, writing and being hands on; being in an office was stifling my creativity and I feel that played a huge part in my unhappiness. 

Last March I began plotting my startup, all while balancing a 2 year old and a full time job. When I wasn't working, I was searching for studio space, applying for licenses, getting business cards made and creating a website. Everything started to really come together last July and that's when I quit my job. Uncertainty, the comfort of having a steady paycheque and 9-5 aside, I quit. Again, it wasn't a fool proof plan and I knew it would be hard, but I also knew I wasn't happy with what I was doing and it was taking a toll on my personal life.

Here I am 1 year later as a new business owner and I could not be happier. Sure, this past year has had its challenges, but for the first time in my life, I'm working towards something that's my own and something I can be proud of. I no longer have to hold back in making decisions or be apologetic. One of my biggest fears 4 years ago was not finding a path that would make my family proud of... now the look my daughter gives me when she visits me at work strongly affirms I made the right choice and motivates me to keep pushing forward. 

I don't know what the future holds, but for the first time in a long time, I'm excited! I've never been the type of person to get too high on my own supply, so I'm going to keep enjoying the process and see where it takes me!