On Friday, May 10, I officially took the leap!
I said goodbye to my colleagues, my office and my 9-5 (ok - 8:30-4:30 + many weekend work days), and became an artist and entrepreneur. Sofia Lenore Watercolors LLC is now my full time career. WHAT!! It is equally marvelous, daunting, exciting, and surreal. I’ve been telling my fiance daily that I keep expecting my previous supervisor to call me up and ask why I’m late to the office.
But hey! I’m my own boss now!
I’ve have struggled in finding a way to put all of my thoughts (concisely) into words for this post. (Warning, I’m never concise). Do I write about my goals, my fears, or my current challenges? Do I focus on what got me to this moment, or simply write a thank you to all the incredible people who supported my dream? What about discussing the merits of working from home in jeans or leggings? Maybe a little bit of everything.
This month has been a whirlwind (especially with some long-planned travel and weekends out of town), but I have to say it has also been the most joyous and fulfilling time.
As some of you may know, I spent the last 5 years working in higher education. Those years included 2 positions in admissions surrounded by strong, determined, and brilliant colleagues and college students. I would never trade my time in higher ed. Over the last few years, though, I’ve also recognized a growing need to be more creative and independent. My free time was committed to painting or learning best practices for small businesses and creatives. There were creative opportunities and projects that I wanted to do but couldn’t take advantage of or grow in my side hustle when balancing a full time position. There were also a few instances where I started new job searches wondering if fulfillment would come through a change in industry, but each time my heart was telling me that the long term goal has always been (and always would be) my own business.
My family, friends, and fiance have acted as huge motivators in turning this goal into a reality. I am so very thankful to be surrounded by people who believe in me and my work. You guys, you’re figgin’ awesome.
SO WHATS NEXT FOR SOFIA LENORE?
Now thats the big question! I have so many ideas that have been floating around in the æther waiting to be made. Now is the time! Of course being legal and official is a big deal (taxes, amirite?), so registering my LLC, Tax ID and bolstering my website is key.
I’ll for sure keep my shop on Etsy around (we’re celebrating our 1 year anniversary this week - love ya, Etsy!!), but I enjoy that a personal e-commerce site will offer additional opportunities and customization like framing or custom projects.
Additionally, I am working to grow passive income streams in addition to private, custom commissions. I hope to form some wholesale partnerships this year both in the Charlotte area and nationally. This means finishing up my line of semi-custom stationary and paper goods. Theres a lot of trial and error in pricing and printing for this process, but I’m projecting a July release to correspond with a big event! Drumroll please … Sofia Lenore Watercolors LLC with be joining a pop-up vendor sale on July 7 with Front Porch Sundays and Esther & Elsa!! If you’re in the Charlotte area on July 7 - I hope to see you at Sycamore Brewing Co!
I’ll share more behind the scenes business things on my social media (@sofia.lenore) and here on the blog. Ooooo and once my new tripod arrives… there may even be videos.
GIRL BOSSES UNITE
If you are debating about taking the leap - please know that this process looks different for everyone. There were moments when I told myself I couldn’t possibly ‘make it' because I didn’t have enough Instagram followers yet. There were other times where I had myself believing that the only way to success was if my process looked exactly like the steps taken by the many other incredible artists and entrepreneurs that I see online. Thankfully, I snapped myself out of it. Each journey into Girl Boss Life is valid and courageous and exciting. No matter what - I’m rooting for you, just like everyone in my circle did so and continues to do for me.
Onward! It’s time to paint!
xoxo Sofia
