When you decide to dedicate your life to something you’re passionate about, you really do pour your blood, sweat, and tears into it.
For me, that passion is my small business, The Rustic Boutique Co. My little dream made real, one handmade soap and candle at a time.
Taking the Leap with a Small Business
When I registered my business name and received my business number, I felt two things at the same time: absolute excitement and sheer panic.
It suddenly felt so real and grown-up. My first thought?
What in the actual $%*# did I just do?
But soon enough, small wins started to appear. I sold one or two items here and there. I redesigned my website to align better wtih who I am and what my brand stands for-simple living, rustic charm, and intentional beauty.
The needle was starting to move. I felt incredibly hopeful.
The First Setback
Then came the gut punch, a setback.
My first instinct was to ask, “What the &%$#!
And to be honest, it was the best question I could have asked. It gave me a way forward. It forced me to look for a solution rather than stay stuck in the disappointment. That’s when my self-confidence began to rebuild.
I won’t like and say I became the epitome of steady, I was as wobbly as a newborn colt. But I continued, pushing hard to build inventory while keeping my eye on the goals I set out for myself. But in that push, I neglected a few things.
I missed a work meeting.
I ran into supply and distribution issues.
I felt as though the world and maybe even the people in charge were working against me.
Reclaiming the Vision
But then, I remembered why I started.
I saw the shimmer of my end goal in the distance again.
that vision of a slower, more intentional life. Of making beautiful, cozy, and useful things with my hands, from my carefully crafted candles, creamy soaps wrapped in wax paper, and twine. And one day, leisure wear that you’ll never want to get out of.
That image centred me, renewed my purpose.
Smaller Steps to Big Dreams
How do you tackle something you have no idea how to approach it?
You break it down.
I began setting small, manageable goals that would bring me closer to my ultimate goal. I reminded myself that a setback isn’t a failure, it’s just a moment. Something to learn from and use to grow with.
Right now, it’s a bit Messy
At this exact moment, I’m surrounded by:
- labels that need shaping
- A printer that is not printing right
- a vinyl cutter that hates me
- Candles waiting to be made
- Soap ingredients waiting to be assembled
- A sign I’m designing that I hope feels authentic and even cute
- And (because I can’t help myself), a new project idea I know I don’t have time for.
But the good news is, I feel optimistic.
Whether it rains on the day of my show, I make one sale or reach all my goals, I’ve decided this moment isn’t about winning or losing.
It’s about being seen, being present, and being proud of what I’ve created. Because the more eyes on me, the more opportunities I create. And the closer I get to the rust, the little dream of mine.
Want to support or follow along?
If you’re curious about my products or you want to see what I’m making, you can visit The Rustic Boutique Co. Every click, share, and kind word helps more than you know.
Thank you for following me on this adventure and for being here.
Until Next time
Christina
