Origins – where did you begin?
Three years ago, in the quiet moments of a bustling household, where the hums of the washing machine and dishwasher punctuated the mundane rhythm of motherhood, I found myself at a crossroads that would forever alter my existence. I was in my 10th year as a stay-at-home mum, nurturing my four children through their developmental years, while also nurturing a dream that seemed almost impossible to achieve.
My journey from those early days to becoming the owner of a thriving, award-winning business is a testament to the idea that...
it doesn’t matter where you start—
what truly matters is your willingness to pursue your dreams
and redefine success on your terms.
The photograph accompanying this blog — a snapshot of me hunched over a small tablet in our kitchen, surrounded by the remnants of daily life (I love how I had positioned the coffee machine right next to me haha!) — captures the essence of those formative days. It was a time when the ambition of running my own business seemed unattainably distant, and my workspace was defined by the constraints of family life and a modest kitchen bench. I had a vision, but it was wrapped in the humble reality of a makeshift office and a place of dreaming.
Back then, my goal was straightforward - I wanted to create a business that supported authors and funded my writing career. This was not just a professional aspiration but a deeply personal goal. I had always believed in the power of words and the impact they could have on the world. However, transforming this belief into a tangible reality was a challenge I approached with equal amounts of determination and inexperience.
The early days were marked by learning curves that were steep, unrelenting and sometimes expensive.
Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood with the demands of building a business from scratch required a level of perseverance I had not previously known. Each day was a balancing act, where school hours became my window for entrepreneurial pursuits and late nights turned into sessions of research and strategy.
My tablet was my constant companion, a portal to a world of opportunities. I devoured online courses, scoured forums for advice, and connected with mentors who had walked the walk before me.
The process was not glamorous; it involved long hours of trial and error, grappling with concepts I had never encountered before and celebrating small victories that felt monumental in the grand scheme of things.
Despite the hurdles, there was an undeniable thrill in the process of creation. Every new piece of knowledge, every successful connection made, and every small business milestone achieved felt like a step closer to realizing my dream. I was driven by a profound belief that if I could just get through the challenges, there would be success and reward waiting for me in years to come.
Three years later, the transformation from that kitchen-bench startup to a flourishing business has been nothing short of extraordinary. The business I envisioned, one that started as a small endeavour to support authors and fund my writing, has evolved into an award-winning business. It’s a testament to the power of determination and timing.
Looking back, it’s clear that success is not a linear journey. It’s easy to become charmed by the glamorous aspects of entrepreneurship, the shiny awards, and the public recognition. Yet, the true essence of my success lies in my commitment and willingness to push through the early stages of struggle and uncertainty. Success, as I’ve learned, is not defined by a single measure but by the ability to overcome obstacles and continually pursue your dreams, regardless of the scale.
The evolution of my business has been accompanied by a series of milestones that reflect the growth and development not only of the company but also of myself. Each achievement, from the first book published to my latest accolade, is a reminder of the journey’s significance. These accomplishments are not just personal triumphs; they symbolize the realization of a dream that was once a distant hope, nurtured in the quieter moments of a bustling, chaotic, noisy household.
Each setback and each win have contributed to the shape of
Bowerbird Publishing and my role as its leader.
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who may find themselves at the beginning of their journeys, whether they are stay-at-home parents, aspiring entrepreneurs, or anyone with a dream that feels totally out of reach. No matter where you start or how daunting the journey may seem, remember that your dreams are worth pursuing. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and keep moving forward with the knowledge that success is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth.
Your origins may be humble, but your potential for greatness is limitless.
For more information about how I can help you see past the daunting origins of your business, contact me at leonardi.crystal@gmail.com. My services include mentoring and coaching and it is always my honour to help others achieve their goals.
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