business

Write The Vision

September 30, 2014 by cam

Are you the type of person who has to write things down to make sure you actually do them or remember them? *Raises Hand* That’s so me! I have to do lists all of the place. They are taking up lots o’ space in my phone and in my notebook planner. I have lists and sub-lists. I’ve gotten better. The lists used to be spread out on stray pieces of paper here and there.

Having a list is absolutely my favorite way to stay on track. It’s always nice to come back to a list and delete several things because I actually followed through! I give myself a pat on the back and a get it, mama shout and move on to the next thing.

One thing that I’ve tried recently is really working for me. For the first time, I have a vision board. I had heard about them for years. My intention had been to do one for a while now. I finally sat down earlier this year and made it happen. I went through the old magazines that I haven’t found time to read and started cutting. I went for anything that spoke to me. I included things that I wanted to see in my life or that I wanted to see more of in my life. I found quotes that said something to me. When I was done I had a heap of magazine clippings! I could have done a second vision board with the stuff I threw away. Here is what I came up with:

My board speaks to the growth I want to see in my business and my re-commitment to my fitness. It touches on the changes I want to see in our home, travel and my style. They are all represented on the board. While not everything is where I’d like it to be, I’ve seen serious progress. From business to fitness and our home there have been changes. Everything is moving in the right direction. My board isn’t even a year old. I will be paying attention to the progress I make as I get closer to the one year mark.

I have to say, there is something to be said for putting what you want out there. It’s a powerful thing to speak it and then watch it take shape. Having a vision board has been a really good thing for me. It’s not that I’m always focused on the board either. Every now and then I glance up at it. There were times that I’d shake my head at myself for not making progress on the things on that board. For a bit, I wasn’t make much of an effort. Having it in front of my face was a constant reminder to DO SOMETHING! So, I did.

I found my work out equipment and DVD’s and started working out again. I thought of the person I used to be when I was in better shape and started buying those foods again. I really do feel like I felt BEFORE having my son almost 5 years ago. Just making those changes in my life have been huge for me. I took time away on a weekend here and there to get some work done. I have been doing research and brainstorming and creating products for this business. I have been sharing my heart with anyone who will listen and the support has been overwhelming. I can’t say looking at that vision board everyday and seeing my goals had nothing to do with that. As I get to work on some of these other goals, I’ll let you know how things unfold. I’m really excited to see what’s next!

Have you done a vision board? What’s been your experience with it? If you haven’t done a vision board, share your ideas for checking off goals!

Comfort Zones Are The Devil

September 23, 2014 by cam

OK, so calling comfort zones the devil could be a bit ahem, strong. Maybe.

Comfort is a good thing. We all want it. Whether it’s your shoes, your jeans, your bed, your finances we all seek some sort of comfort. I remember moving to L.A. and having to start all over with my career. I was in the struggle for real. When you jump into the job market out here looking to work in entertainment – it’s feast or famine. Everybody out here wants what you want. You are literally competing with millions. That was a scary feeling. I wanted it so bad though. I wanted to get to a place of achieving my dream. I did it. I found work in my field doing exactly what I wanted. Then came the fight to stay. To prove myself. Once I accomplished that, I was comfortable. That comfort was good for a while. Then it wasn’t.

The thing is when I get comfortable. I get antsy. I feel like I need to switch something up. I found that I missed the old me. I didn’t miss the struggle but I missed my hunger and my passion for it. I started to lose it. I decided to go on a rediscovery mission. It was not an easy decision. There’s a lot to be said for comfort. There’s this sense of security in it. Knowing what’s next, being used to a routine – that was comfortable. It wasn’t enough anymore though.

In shedding my comfort zone, I let go of the entertainment world. Scary. I became a stay at home mom. Scary. I dove into my passion of motivating other mothers. Scary. I’m starting a business. WTF Scary! All completely out of my comfort zone. The thing is, it’s bringing out the best in me. I have been taking my time and slowly building this space. Whenever I talk to someone about it the first word that comes from their mouth is passion. Everyone tells me how passionate I am about what I’m doing here. It’s true and I’m glad it’s coming through. I’d like to believe this quote is true… 😉

There’s nothing easy about stepping out of your comfort zone. The thing is, that’s where the magic is!

Here are three ways to kick your comfort zone to the curb:

Choose to do something different. It could be anything you choose. Just something to upset the apple cart a bit. See how that change makes you feel. You never know, this “new” way make work for you!
What are your fears? Pick one. Face it. You may even want to take baby steps and work your way up to it. But get there. It will help you become more comfortable with taking risks.
You’re going to be nervous when stepping out of your comfort zone. Feel that fear and do it anyway.

Tell me, what’s the last thing you’ve done to push you out of your comfort zone?

Not Just Lip Service

July 8, 2014 by cam

Recently, I had an experience that I wanted to share with you. I am creating a whole business centered around inspiring mamas to find and follow our passions. I talk a lot about following your dreams ~~even~~ especially after your name changes to mama. So, I just wanted to share a little something to let you know that I’m not just talking it, I’m putting my words to practice in my own life.

One day, while my daughter napped, I got a phone call. It was from a modeling agency I had auditioned for years ago. They only represent body parts. I auditioned my hands. They’d called me a couple times about jobs but this was the first in a long time. It was also the first since I have been at home with the kids. It wasn’t easy to make it work. But it all worked out. My mom came out for a visit and stayed with the kids while mama went to work. They got time with grandma and I got a chance to do something cool. I was on a two day modeling job for Essie nails. The images will bee seen internationally.

I wasn’t allowed to take any pictures myself as the colors they used on my nails aren’t released yet. They are for the fall/winter season.

Modeling has been a part of me for a while. I started as a teen in modeling school and small jobs here and there. I stopped, ironically, shortly after moving to LA. Agencies wanted me to be smaller and smaller. I was a 4. They were crazy!

I had just let it all go until a few years ago. People have always complemented my hands so I found an agency that represented hand models and went for it.

It obviously paid off. That’s just one of my dreams/passions though. This business is another. It’s a heart business for me. I couldn’t be more passionate about it. I really want moms to find something they’re passionate about and find away to go for it.

I think it’s really important for us to have something that’s just for us. It certainly doesn’t have to e modeling or a business. It could be anything the brings you a little more happy.

What’s that thing for you?

She Did That! – Mini Messages

July 1, 2014 by cam

Not too long ago, I was watching an episode of Bethenny. My favorite part of the show was the “Bethenny in your Business” segment (sorry to see the show go). In the segment she interviews women who have started their own businesses. The women are typically at a crossroads with the business. It’s their passion but they don’t know how (financially) they can continue. Bethenny offers great advice and assistance that these women likely wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. There are always nuggets in there for me to jot down and apply to my business.

As I was watching the “Bethenny in your Business” segment, one mom, stood out to me. It was something about Stacey Tibbitt’s story that got my attention. It all started with her leaving notes in her kids lunches. That later turned into a business of napkins with cute drawings and illustrations.

After sharing her story with Bethenny, she was given an e-commerce site, branding advice and a new name for her company: Mini-Messages. I decided to reach out to her and ash her to share some of her story with my readers. I think that if we see other mamas doing something that they are passionate about, we’ll know that our finding and following our own passions is totally possible.

Camesha Gosha: Tell me about your passion.

Stacey Tibbitt: My passion would have to be my children and my business. Everything I do, I do for my three girls. It is why I started my business in the first place. My business is like a fourth child. I am responsible for its growth, it takes a lot of my time and I love it.

CG: How did you discover your passion?

ST: I discovered my passion when my first daughter was born. I knew right then and there that being a mom was the best thing in the whole world. When I started mini messages I knew it as something that I was born to do. I didn’t even have to think about it and no matter what obstacles I face I won’t give up on it.

CG: Why is it important to you?

ST: Being a mom is the greatest job I have ever had. Being a mompreneur is something that I never knew I wanted to be but enjoy every minute of it. Being successful at this business helps me to set a good example for my children, never give up on your dreams. You have to work hard if you really want something in life and never back down from a challenge.

CG: As a mom, were there challenges in pursuing your passion?

ST: Yes, there were several.

CG: Tell me about them.

ST: I faced several challenges. I didn’t know a thing about starting or running a business. I have had to learn every step of the way, and I am still learning. I didn’t have any money but what I did have was people that believed in me and wanted to help me financially. I knew nothing about marketing. I had to learn and again with the help of others I was able to get the word out.

CG: How did you overcome your challenges/obstacles?

ST: I overcame some of the obstacles by the help of others and of course, persistence. If I didn’t know something I asked or I found a way to learn about it. It takes a village to start/run a business and I would not be successful without the help of those around me.

CG: What do you think it does for your children to see you go after what you want?

ST: I think it sets a great example for my children. As I stated before they are taught many valuable lessons. First, never give up on your dreams. Second, you have to fight sometimes for what you want in life. And that if you do work hard you can be successful.

CG: What would be your advice to other moms who are on the fence about pursuing something they are passionate about?

ST: My advice would be to go for it. But they do have to know that it won’t be an easy ride. They have to be willing to work hard and not take no for an answer. If you love what you do then don’t let anyone stop you from doing it.

CG: : You wouldn’t be caught dead, where?

ST: That is a tough one??? I guess it would have to be some place where someone is excluded just because of who they are. If someone is not welcomed, then I won’t go there.

CG: Most hated chore on the household chore list?

ST: Cleaning the bathrooms!

CG: Name one thing you’re really good at.

ST: Being a mom.

CG: Name one thing you think you really suck at.

ST: Singing.

CG: If you could have a super power, what would it be?

ST: Be like I dream of Jeannie…if I wanted something done I would just have to fold my arms and blink and it would be done.

At last check, Stacey was auditioning for Shark Tank to take her business even further. You can find Mini Messages here, Twitter + Facebook!

So tell me, how did you discover your passion?

Being Ugly Ain’t Cute

May 21, 2013 by cam

Sometimes we hit it out of the park. Sometimes we don’t even come close. Sometimes we excel and sometimes we flat out fail. To be able to admit those shortcomings can be life changing. To be unwilling to ever be wrong, ever in life is just flat out foolish.

Enter the two owners of Amy’s Baking Company Bakery Boutique and Bistro (is it me or is this name too long?) in Arizona. This husband and wife team appeared on a recent episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. They delivered on the nightmares! Their restaurant was plagued with problems. From them keeping the tips of their waiters for themselves, yelling at customers and food that was sub par at best, this show was a perfect storm.

Source

Early on, I could tell that there wouldn’t be a happy ending. This wouldn’t end wrapped up with a pretty bow. Instead, Amy (owner and chef) was combative. She lived in her own reality and believed that anything she did was exemplary. How on earth could people not like her food? Her answer? They just don’t know how to eat it. Yes, she said that. Her husband was too afraid to stand up to her and tell her the truth. As a result their business was suffering… big time.

Reviews from the web were scathing to say the least. This show and the firestorm that followed is a PR nightmare on a level I haven’t seen in a while. It’s also a perfect example of what not to do in business. That’s right, their loss is our lesson!

Here are my top three lessons learned from this EPIC failure!

1 – Get out of your own way! If we are never able to take a step back and REALLY see ourselves – good or bad, we’re doomed to mediocrity. Because Amy was unwilling to hear any criticism, from anyone, she essentially set herself up to fail.

2 – Surround yourself with honesty. Have people around you that are willing to tell you the truth, no matter how ugly. If you surround yourself with “yes’ men, how will you ever grow. To really grow, we must be challenged.

3 – Change or die. We have to be willing to change. Anything not changing isn’t growing. Guess what, if it’s not growing, it’s dead. If we’re not growing, learning, changing in life or business, it’s time to shake things up or shut it down.