Home and Gather officially turned 2 years old a few weeks back. Some days I feel like I am no where near as far into this as I'd like to be and then other days I realize just how far this whole thing has come. I've learned and adapted, I've been flexible and I've been stubborn. I've been over the moon excited about the future of this adventure and I've been heart broken with disappointment thinking it's all over. It's been a wild ride but I think in 30 years when I look back, it will all be worth it.
So, what's new? Well, number one - I've quickly learned why businesses hire out social media marketing. This one took me for a loop! I adore the marketing side to this but oh my goodness does it take up a LOT of time and mental creativity. There's tons of pressure in the business world to "put yourself out there", "post constantly", "post useful and relatable content", and to "stay on top of algorithms so your followers can see you". All of this is 100% accurate and 100% true. You really do need to do all of these things in order to stay relevant. It's just a whoooole job in itself. It's incredibly easy to go few days to a whole week without posting anything if you have any other outside responsibilities. On top of this, I hate the accidental subtle narcissism that constant posting portrays so I can get incredibly self conscious when balancing posting too much and just enough. Social media has made it OK to have an inflated sense of self and it's just not healthy [this is a whole subject that I could get into but won't]. So this right here is something I'm learning to juggle. I'm learning to keep the Home and Gather social media wheel moving even while I'm away and to post proudly while still staying humble. I'm trying not to add to the social pressure that women feel to have to look perfect, mother perfect, and create the perfect Instagram home. But I'm also trying to inspire beautiful looks and maintain relevancy. It's harder than you think! Hats off to social media marketers - you make the internet and probably 90% of consumerism go round.
In the mean time I've been casually looking at new physical locations for Home and Gather. We have some leads but I'm approaching this super cautiously this time around. A big thing I've learned is that business is....business. There's no way around it. You need to keep emotions down all the while taking and calculating risks - which in itself is a learning curve and challenging. I've been meeting others who have been doing this a lot longer than I have and it's been a great experience to hear other business owners stories and how they like to operate. I admire each and every person who has taken the risk to do the thing they love and making a career out of it.
Every day I am thinking of how I can provide a fun and informative place for you all. I've said it a lot but it's so true - this isn't just about decorating and colors, it's about taking you all on the journey of loving your home. On the days when I'm quiet from social media I may be busy running kids around and attending sports tournaments, but in-between the busyness and during my long drives on the road, I'm thinking of this adventure right now. How do I share this love of Home and how do I grow it with you.
From October - December 2022 I got a small taste of running a physical location and what an absolute blessing it was to get that trial run. Walking away from it was top 5 one of the hardest things I've ever emotionally gone through but it was so so so very needed. I'm so much more prepared to move forward and I have learned much more than if it had never happened.
Home and Gather is in a time of growth and exploration which I hope never ends. The online store has been the BEST experience for my small business and I love playing around with it and finding products you all love.
I still may be a brand new social media marketing and entrepreneurship but my advice to all you thinking of doing something like this is to start small - start really, really small. There's an incredible amount to learn and there's a crazy amount of risk. Don't get caught up in the excitement but always continue to chase after your next goal. Meet others. Don't be afraid of competition but befriend them. There's room for everyone. Find and get to know those who have been through the ropes. Graciously take criticism and advice. Your business is WAY more than your product or knowledge and who you are as a person will shine through in one way or another. Work on yourself and your genuine authenticity just as much as you work on your goals. Have fun and feel all the feels. It's quite a ride.
Thank you ALL for being the best followers and supporters a girl could ever ask for. On to year THREE.
With so much love,
-Keri