In January of 2013, Craig Hosking and I were just beginning to realize what the LOVE of this community felt like. We were still building a name for ourselves. We were slowly (SO SLOWLY – or so it seemed then) building our business, and looking for ways to add value, whenever possible.
I think my family still thought I was crazy… for thinking I could build a business out of nothing. But we’d been building the business for almost 4 years – things were just starting to get “good!”
I had to work hard to keep believing. I remember wondering, “What in the world am I even doing?!” When I started to doubt it, I forced myself to hold on to the belief that I was here for a reason, and I looked for the lessons I was supposed to be learning (aka the pennies, I was supposed to find) on this journey.
And every time, I convinced myself to “Have one more try.”
More than once, I looked at Craig and asked, should we go get “real” jobs?
But for one reason or another, we kept going – alternating between “believing” and “hustling” and along the way, I discovered what I was capable of. (Craig says he knew all along.)
The truth is, none of our current situation – where we are today, and where we’re going – happened simply because of our own effort.
We needed a few doors to open.
We didn’t know it at the time, but those doors were opening, and the unexpected was happening right before our eyes.
In February of 2013, a “door” to a downtown office opened, and an opportunity that can only be described as the stars aligning was presented to us.
I know the struggle that working from home presents to many entrepreneurs. I doubt we’d be where we are today had someone not generously offered us some space on Tennessee Ave. “Explaining” our office was no longer a thing I had to concern myself with.
About a year after we moved to this downtown office, we were invited to merge with what is now our company – Maximize Digital Media
And yet another door had opened.
Over the years, Lakeland Business Leaders has continued to grow. We have made so many friends, and contacts and discovered so many “pennies” along the way. We’re blessed beyond measure.
And it’s time to move on – even if just a little step. I know now, that every step is important, especially the little ones!
It seems like yesterday, I was just a scared “kid” with a dream.
What a difference 5 years makes.
Today is our last day in our office. We’re moving to a nearby location, 3 blocks south of the place were all of this magic has happened.
It’s a bittersweet moment. And it might seem like a little step, but I know that every little step has led to so much.
These are the other things I know now, thanks to this office:
1. I am capable of more than I ever knew was possible.
2. Craig is the best partner I could ever have asked for.
3. I am surrounded by a family who loves me fiercely and who believes in me.
4. I have a talented, passionate team of WINNERS working with me and serving our clients.
5. My friends, those I see every day, and those who cheer from a distance, are the greatest friends a girl could ever ask for.
6. This community of Lakelanders, LBL members and citizens I have had the privilege to know and connect with, are, without a doubt the most incredible community in the whole entire world.
Yes, we’re only moving 3 blocks, but I am remembering and appreciating 5 years of memories, that started right here in this office that I have been so blessed to enjoy.
So, the next time you’re wondering if some little step is worth taking, I hope you’ll lean into it with all you have, because there’s something amazing waiting for you on the other side.
It’s called LOVE.
Also published on Medium.
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