Somewhere in the Middle – My Brand Journey 

I want to share where I’m currently at with building this brand and what I’m learning along the way.

IN THE MIDDLE

I have been able to accomplish so much since starting this brand in 2021 with an Etsy shop and then an Instagram account later on, now with a website, but I am far from where I want to be and know this brand has exponential potential. I am working a full time job and building this brand on the side, mostly evenings and weekends. It is super hard at times to juggle, but I am so passionate about growing this brand that it doesn’t feel like work. The only reason I have been able to keep working on this outside of my job is because I am so obsessed with this brand and everything I am building. I firmly believe in the power of planning, goal-setting, and the combination of function and beauty in our everyday items and accessories. So I want to be real with you and share what I’m currently doing for this brand, where I see it going in the future, and some tips that I am learning along the way. 

MY CURRENT GAME PLAN

To give you a better idea of what building a brand looks like, I want to share with you what I am currently focusing on and what my monthly tasks look like. 

I currently work a full-time job, 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. So I work on tasks for this brand as I get time throughout the day, during my lunch break, but mostly after hours and weekends. I keep my planner handy so I can jot down ideas as they come to me throughout the workday.

On a monthly basis, I am writing a blog post (like this one), creating a monthly freebie which is the calendar wallpaper freebie, and sending out a newsletter with the link to these freebies. Sign up here for the newsletter if you haven’t already!

I try to post on instagram at least 5 times per week and try to be active on stories and share what I am currently working on. 

I usually plan / create content on a weekly basis and then fill in any gaps throughout the week as I get time. I like to post my weekly spread once a week. I will post any planner updates or flips. I will also use templates or trendy reel ideas and sprinkle those in throughout the week.

During the month, I am also brainstorming new ideas for the shop, or working on more complex projects, like the Goal-Getter guide that was just recently released in the shop. Visit my shop to check out the Goal-Getter guide and how it can help you bridge the gap between your dreams and your reality. 

I keep a monthly overview insert in my planner where I write high-level overview items and shop ideas for each month so that I can reference it. 

I make notes of ideas, draw sketches, and plan blog posts as the ideas come to me throughout the month. Then when I get time to sit down and design, create content, or write, I have the ideas ready to go. 

I have been feeling super creative recently, so there are tons of new items in my shop, like notebooks and posters. 

I make new products as I feel like for time being. As my brand grows, I plan to focus in on the items that are resonating the most with you all and make more of them. 

I want to dial in and be even more intentional with my brand as far as planning content, shop launches, etc. Since I am also working full time, I have been just throwing things up in my shop as I create them. But I want to take a more intentional approach and make sure I am creating content and products that my audience will find helpful or interesting.

TIPS

Here are some things I have learned along the way that may help you with whatever dream you’re working toward:

HAVE A PLANNING SYSTEM

Of course, have to include this tip. I truly could not have gotten to where I am with this brand if I was not using a planner. It helps me look ahead for the month, see gaps in my days / weeks to work ahead on tasks, and it keeps on track with deadlines I set for myself. I keep a running task list handy so I always know what to work on when I get time. I don’t have to spend time thinking about what I need to do. I can just sit down and get to work. Highly recommend keeping a planner, whether it’s paper or digital, it is crucial to helping you move the needle with your goals. If you need planner inserts, check out my shop!

CREATIVITY

It can be hard to keep creating content and new products on a regular basis. One thing I’ve learned is that when I feel a creative surge, I need to go with it and create as much as possible. That way when I hit a slump, I have plenty of content / ideas to work with. 

For creating social media content, I recommend keeping an insert in your planner or note app on your phone to dump ideas as they come to you. Keep a running list of specific ideas or even just broad concepts. You can then build on those to create content. I also like to repurpose my content. This blog post, for example, will be broken down into a carousel post for Instagram. It won’t be worded exactly the same way, but it will contain the same concepts. This is great for reaching audiences across multiple platforms. So followers on Instagram may get some advice from the post even if they don’t come read this blog. Your perspective on a topic may differ now from the last time you discussed it. Don’t be afraid to talk about similar concepts from different angles. This helps keep your content fresh but also ensures you always have content ideas to pull from. You don’t have to come up with something completely new every time.

GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY

I am still learning this skill so this one is for me too. I need to learn to get out my own way and just post the content or create that listing. Everything does not need to be absolutely perfect. When I am working on a design, I can literally keep revising or changing it endlessly. If it gets the message across or accomplishes what it needs to, it’s ready to go! If you feel good about it and can be proud of it, post it. You only get better by doing things repeatedly. 

CONSISTENCY

We’ve all heard it but it’s true. Consistency is key. Whatever you’re working towards, whether it’s building a brand, growing on social media, or meeting your fitness goals, you have to be consistent to see results. Ask yourself what you can realistically commit to. If you’re growing a social media account, how many days a week can you feasibly post content. If it’s 3 days a week, good, post 3 days. But do it consistently. Work ahead, make plans, and make things easier for yourself. Set yourself up for success and you cannot fail. Check out this previous blog post with productivity tips!

LOVE THE PROCESS

My biggest tip is that if you’re doing what you love, it won’t always feel like work. It will fuel you. If you can always learn to love the process, you’re golden. I am nowhere near where I envision being with this brand, but I am absolutely loving the process, so anything is possible because I know I will put in the work to make it happen. You really have to want it, because when it gets hard, the temptation to quit can feel overwhelming unless you’re rooted in your reason why.

I have had so many moments of self-doubt. I have considered quitting so many times. Lots of months with no sales can get super discouraging. But creating these products fuels me. If they inspire me and enhance my life, chances are they will do the same for you. That’s why I have not given up on this brand. 

I also want to take the time to thank you for reading this and thank each one of you who has supported me with kind words, mentions, purchases, shares, any way that you have connected with me. It is so appreciated. 

STAY IN TOUCH!

Follow me on instagram for more planning tips and inspiration.

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