Happy 1st birthday Badger Creative!
I’m still not quite sure how it happened… but today I’m wishing a H-U-G-E happy birthday to Badger Creative.
Granted, I had in my head my “1st birthday” was at the end of July. So, it came as an even bigger shock when Instagram memories popped up and showed me my leaving gifts from the gorgeous lot at Learning through Landscapes.
Plus… well, it’s been a bit of an odd few months, right? Almost four of those twelve have been spent in isolation. I didn’t think my little business would make it out on the other side.
And yet, here I am. I can officially say my business is one year old.
It feels bloody fantastic.
Since graduating from Cardiff University in 2013, I’ve only stayed in one job longer than a year.
I’d get bored. Unsettled. There was always this *thing* inside telling me there was something else out there.
Growing up, Papa B had always told me I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
“You’ll be a millionaire by the time you’re thirty – mark my words.”
While I’m pretty sure he’d just watched too many episode of Only Fools and Horses, the sentiment was adorbs.
Perhaps it was his encouragement… or maybe it was the fact I’m a text book Sagittarius and crave independence and adventure (translation: I cannot sit still). But owning a business was ALWAYS at the back of my mind.
Problem is; gal’s got to eat. And this gal had a sh*t tonne of debt. Kicking back and leaping into the scary, FAR from secure world of self employment wasn’t an option.
That was, until my life changed forever.
I’m not going to write about the event that altered the path of mine and my family’s life. Talking about grief can be therapeutic – and it has been for me – but right now it’s something I want to keep sacred.
What I can say, is that when the worst possible thing happens, it makes you look at your life. What do you want from your time? Who do you want to be?
Fast forward to Monday 8 July 2019. My crappy IKEA desk. My new notebook. A mega dose of “WTF do I do now?”
Enter Badger Creative: it was the best decision I ever made.
Running a business is far from blissful. But I adore the mini-beast that Badger Creative has grown into.
I could go on and on and on about the trials and tribulations of Badger Creative. At the same time, I’ll sing her praises until the cows come home.
In truth, I could spend my entire day talking about the BC. It’s my sweet badger baby.
Instead, I want to share the twelve (of a bazzilion) things I’ve learnt in the past twelve months. In other words; what the flip has this bonkers year taught me?
12 lessons in 12 months for Badger Creative.
You will never feel secure… it doesn’t matter how far ahead you have work booked or how many achievements you conquer, you will always worry about *what next*.
Equally, you will never tire of the thrill of a win… every new client, every positive piece of feedback and every milestone will feel like the first.
It’s okay to say no… if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Basically, your intuition will become your new BFF.
And it’s also okay to say yes... even if you don’t feel “ready”. The idea of speaking events, podcasts and video marketing might scare you, but you need to feel the fear and do it anyway.
Self care is MEGA important… it’s the first thing that will go out of the window when things get stressful. But girl, keep hold of it. Without your precious TLC, you’ll end up on sure-fire trip to burnout.
There is no blueprint for a successful business… you’ll encounter a LOT of people telling you how to improve your business. Some of these people will be awesome – and have first class advice – and some will be pushing their ego on you. Therefore, be careful who you listen to and trust your instinct.
Do not compare yourself to other people… especially when they’ve been in the game way longer than you. Comparison is an a**hole. Nothing good can come of it. Focus on you, boo.
Build a business community… there really is nothing better. Spend time getting to know other business owners. Learn from them. Lean on them. They will quickly become some of your closest pals.
Think BIG… and don’t be afraid of failing. You’ll learn from every mistake and grow from it. You’ll only level up if you push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Own your achievements… it isn’t conceited to be proud of how far you’ve come. You’re a mother f*cking Queen. Embrace it.
Spread your eggs… (get your head out of the gutter) don’t put them all in one basket. If sh*t hits the fan with that basket, you’re going to have one hell of an omelette to deal with.
Trust yourself… you can do this! If you want to invest but are worried that you’ll lose all your income and end up rocking alone in a corner… well, chill out hun. You’re a boss. Keep on bossing.
What next for Badger Creative?
Eeeeek… well, that would be telling!
I’ve got some tasty AF plans for the next year. I can’t wait to start sharing them with you; I think you’re going to dig them.
Until then, I want to say a massive THANK YOU to my clients (past and present) who have been a part of the Badger Creative family. My new business buddies. The EPIC women who have joined me as Virtual Assistants (big up Evelyn & Ford). Team hinge.agency … both for the non-stop bants and their BEA-U-TI-FUL office.
I’m not sure I would be the ripe old age of 1 without all of you!
Now, don’t mind me; I think it’s time for some cake!
