I recently posted a poll on Instagram (@myvenussoul) on what everyone wanted me to write about next and “the reality of running a business” won, so let’s get into it.
Hi, I’m Ariana and I am the owner and creator of My Venus Soul. I started my business in 2020 during the start of the pandemic, so you can probably already imagine how chaotic it has been at times. While dealing with extreme world changes and learning to navigate through life, I was also learning the ropes of starting and running a business. The growth of my business has been a slow build and for that I’m beyond grateful because it gave me the time that I needed to adjust and learn. Luckily my background in customer service, organizing for labor unions, and my love for art and design have made the transition a lot easier, but that doesn’t mean that things have been easy, in fact, running a business isn’t easy. It takes hard work, dedication, the ability to multi-task across several different platforms, a growth mindset, and so much more. It’s not something that I would recommend to everyone because it’s a lot of work and a lot to keep up with. You’re the owner, CEO, customer service representative, social media manager, tax preparer, and all those other roles that need to be filled. All of that is your responsibility unless you’re able to hire employees, which includes paying them…hopefully a fair wage. Running a business isn't free for many of us and it takes money to make money, so that's something to take into account.
Recently I decided to put myself on an actual schedule for my business, which isn’t the easiest thing to do because I don’t only work for myself, I also have a day job. To be completely honest, I haven’t had an experience where I’ve liked working for someone else but what I do like is the security and stability of it. With my day job I already know how much I’m going to make, which is different with my business because my income fluctuates, especially now that we’re in a recession. A lot has slowed down, so I have to find new ways to pick things back up which could include taking on a new job or paid side gig, because bills need to get paid, which also includes paying for my website. Running a business means paying for your own business expenses, which can be extremely difficult, especially if you don’t have a stable source of income. In my own case I haven’t had a lot of business expenses to keep up with because I did my best to keep things manageable, rather than trying to shoot for the stars too early on. This time around all of that is changing because I’m going to be selling my art soon, which means I have new responsibilities and costs to factor in. On a financial level, I had to buy supplies to create higher quality art and I have to pay a business to turn my art into tangible products, which isn’t the cheapest thing to do but it’s what I want to do, and I’m committed to that. On a personal level, this has been a lot for many reasons. This is a completely new playing field and that comes with a ton of nerves and anxiety. Sometimes that negative voice in my head will say things like “Is this good enough?” “Why are you even still trying?” and to that voice I say, “Shut the hell up. No one asked you.” I can’t let that voice rule my life and decision-making process because that would hold me back from all the opportunities and experiences that are out there. As I always say, be your loudest and proudest cheerleader. Speaking of cheerleaders, many people go into business thinking that everyone that they know will support their business, whether that’s buying a product or service, supporting by word of mouth, engaging with the business via social media spreading the word that way, but that’s not always how things work out. From what I’ve experienced and from the experiences of other business owners that I know, our biggest support comes from people that we don’t know. I say that to say, figure out who your targeted audience is and understand that support may come from unexpected places, rather than what you may be expecting or anticipating.
I truly love My Venus Soul and what my business represents, because it’s a great representation of who I am and what I’m striving towards, which isn’t all about making money. I’m not going to lie and say that I don’t love the security and stability that making money brings, but I’m not willing to do anything underhanded or deceitful for a check. I prefer to make an honest living that I can be proud of. I’m not here to force anyone to purchase a service from me or buy art because if you want to, then you will and there’s no problem with that. I never want to live a life rooted in greed and I will stand on that for my entire life. I truly care about people and that shows in my work and can be felt through my energy and that’s something that I’m very proud of. All in all, I say this to say do what you love, follow your heart, but also think about what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and what you’re striving to accomplish because all of that matters.
Important lessons that I’ve learned along the way:
It takes money to make money.
Learn about taxes now, not later, and file them. Also, learn about tax right offs.
Not all money is good money. Use discernment.
Read contracts. Don’t just sign anything.
When collaborating with other brands/businesses always have a contract, even if you’re friends. Business is business and contracts help alleviate many complications and issues.
Always be a student. There’s always more to learn.
Some people can jump right into something and have everything workout for them but be mindful that everyone won’t have that same experience.
Comparing yourself to another brand/business is not going to help you elevate.
Greed will always come back to bite you in the end. Be fair.
MVS Updates:
There are new posts on The Cove. Become a free member to check out the posts on that forum, which include month ahead readings, quick-check ins, and more. Check it out.
I will be releasing some cute stuff in my online shop next month. Subscribe to my email newsletter and follow me on social media (@myvenussoul) for updates.
It’s almost time for another giveaway. This one will be a Valentine’s giveaway.
If you refer a friend to my website and they book a service, then they will get a discount on their first reading and you will get one on your next booked reading.
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