Three weeks ago, I launched my own business. It’s been a whirlwind, to say the least. These past few weeks have been full of smiles and celebrations as we debuted my e-styling website, mixed with a good dose of sheer panic. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned so far.
1. You do you.
Little Rock is full of creators: people in fashion, artists, photographers, designers, social entrepreneurs. Inspiring individuals and brands are everywhere, and sometimes it’s easy to be intimidated by those we find inspiring.
It’s normal to ask ourselves, “Wonder what they will think,” especially when showing the world something new, but you can’t get stuck on that rhetoric or you’ll collapse in fear (just me?). The only thing to combat that internal conversation is knowing wholeheartedly that you are simply being you.
Right before I launched, and many more times since, I compared myself to those I admire and asked the dreaded “what will they think” question. I have to remind myself that I’m doing my thing and they are doing their thing and neither takes away from the other. When that doesn’t alleviate the worry, then I simply remember the sage advice, “You do you, boo.”
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2. It’s a solo show.
Since I started freelancing, efficiency has not been one of my strengths. It’s actually been my biggest growing pain. We all know humans are not made to sit still and be productive for eight solid hours a day, but we’re conditioned to feel like that’s the only way to work. This business requires a lot more fluidity in the day. Things are always popping up that need attention, and I’m constantly looking at my list and thinking through daily priorities.
Take this article, for example. At the moment, there are e-styling orders to be filled, content to be created, editorial shoots to prepare for (one on the same day this article is due!) and emails from personal styling clients needing last-minute holiday things. Though when asked to contribute to the Work Wife, I knew I couldn’t pass on this awesome opportunity. I was ready to toss the article to my snazzy marketing team to execute, and then I remembered I don’t one of those. It’s just me! Here’s where prioritizing, efficiency and learning to play the long game all collide.
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3. Social media is hard.
Stats and articles are everywhere debating whether social media can actually change buying patterns or if its sole purpose is simply brand awareness. Either way, it’s necessary — especially when your business is based on an internet-driven experience. Social media presence is so dang tricky to figure out. Statistically, I should be posting more to “stay relevant.” Personally, I feel like value over frequency is more appealing, but what do I know, it’s only been three weeks!
While the debate continues about when and what to post, the use of social platforms to express your brand is a definite. Talking about your grid’s aesthetic or your page’s voice can feel a bit frivolous, but it can also be a lot of fun. There are so many cool apps and tools available to help you figure all this out. Planoly is a favorite. The app’s actual functionality is a gamechanger for cohesive planning, and their blog is the most helpful social media resource I’ve found through this process.
Malina Tabor is a stylist for Little Rock Soirée magazine and offers personal e-styling services on her website, MalinaTabor.com, where items are hand-selected based on lifestyle profiles built by clients. You can follow her fashion adventures on Instagram at @malinatabor.
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