
Several years ago, back in my corporate days, I would dream about finding work that I could do that I loved AND get paid for it. I have had the opportunity to get a few glimpses of that through a few people in my life.
One of my best childhood friends started out after high school as a hair stylist. I remember when we were teenagers, she was always doing hair. Hers. Ours. And she always looked amazing! We would have our own little private fashion shows, dress ourselves up and then we'd each have our turn down "the catwalk". Super girly, I know. But it was so much fun. A few of us girls were super awkward. Okay. Me. I was super awkward. With my dorky glasses, my big teeth and freckles and my non-existent sense of fashion. But for her, it just came naturally.
She was able to perfect her craft of styling, along with her gift of working with people and make a name for herself. Now, after 30 years in the hair styling industry, she owns a very successful salon and she loves every minute of it. She was able to take her natural gifting and passion and turn into a thriving business. You can find her at Salon d'Paul in the Kansas City Northland. She is THE best. (and you can tell her I sent you...wink...wink)
I'm sure you have a person in your life like this too, right? Someone who just knew who they were at a young age, found something they were good at, passionate about and they just went all in. Right? While that is not my story, I am happy to share that after 30 years of traveling a path to figuring out what I want to be when I grow up, I have finally found it. Better late than never, I say!
You may be thinking, well, that is all fine and dandy, but it's just too late for me. I'm here to tell you, friend, it is NEVER too late to pursue your passion. Whether you are looking to make it a business or just a hobby for fun, what is stopping you?
You may be in a season of life where you are up to your eyeballs at a dead-end job, just trying to pay the bills and keep your boss happy. Or you may be in a season where your days are sun-up to sun-down wiping baby butts and trying to referee your kids so they don't kill each other. I get it! I've been there and I didn't even get a darn t-shirt.
There will come a time for you where a shift is possible. A little gap where you could make a change. The kids will be in school full-time soon. What are you going to do with that free time? Or you have a little down-time at work. Or maybe even you lose your job and are looking for what is next.
I want to let you in on a little secret. It's time to dream again, friend. Dream of what you were once passionate about. Dream about what it could look like to take your gifts from the job you do now and take it out on your own - become your own boss. It IS possible!
Imagine being able to have some time freedom. Imagine what it would feel like to be able to put food on the table AND help people the way you really want to with that new business idea. Dreaming isn't just for kids. It's for adults too. So if it's been a fat minute since you have had time to think of yourself, then it's time. If I can, so can you.
Just like my friend Laurie did. Laurie had a passion for art. She raised 6 kids, endured a lot of struggle through her first marriage. Homeschooling kids and trying to make ends meet on the daily. When the #7 kiddo was still young, she decided she was going to put her passion for art to use by creating a business teaching others to paint. She now has a beautiful studio where she teaches paint classes live and online. And she loves every minute of it!
I love how God has placed such amazing women in my life that have inspired me. They have shown me what is possible. Given me space to dream and that have also been champions for me while growing my own business.
What about you? What are you dreaming about? What is one passion you have always wanted to make a reality? If you'd care to share, I'd love to hear your story.
P.S. - You can find my friend Tiffany if you are looking for the best hair stylist in KC North and my friend Laurie, the best painting teacher here:
*Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash
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