Today I read a blog post by Lara Casey, someone whom I’ve never had the joy of meeting but constantly admire, that was just beautiful. I can’t even sum it up for you in my little blog, but I hope you’ll go to hers and visit it. Especially if you’re a Southern Weddings magazine fan… especially if you own your own business… especially if you are working one job to pay the bills and another to complete your heart’s work… especially if you’re young and ambitious and have an idea you can’t wait to run with.
As 2009 begins to draw to a close, I honestly can say I have no idea where it went. Somehow, in twelve short, short months I’ve started a business, changed its name, learned more than I ever thought I would need to know about business, balance and all things paper, celebrated my one-year wedding anniversary with my best friend, adapted to a new home while deeply missing my old one and somehow survived. I can only think that 2010 will bring even more change and excitement for me. Emily Ley Paper started as a small idea… maybe an Etsy shop… maybe a few weddings for friends… and somehow grew into this crazy business called Goodpaper that has brought me so much joy. It’s almost like my child… it’s changed countless times, grown into its own and continues to morph into something bigger than I ever dreamed. I. Cannot. Wait. To. Share. It. With. All. Of. You.
But at times, I find that it sincerely takes over me. I work, for those of you who don’t know this, at the University of South Florida Foundation – handling all development and fundraising as the Assitant Director of Development for the Women in Leadership & Philanthropy program from 8-5. From about 5-midnight/1am, I run Goodpaper… and at least 1/2 of my weekend hours are spent doing the exact same thing. When I wake up in the morning, I go for quick 30 minute run (this is a new habit), then get ready for the day – while reading through emails I missed during the last 5-6 hours. I inhale a kasha granola bar, fill up my coffee cup and head out the door to beat traffic. One thing I can say is that while I am at USF, I devote my time and attention to my program. But instead of lunch dates, I’m typically at FedEx shipping wedding orders or at Staples picking up office supplies. Many days, instead of lunch, I shut my office door and reply to emails and write blog posts. On my way home everyday, I have a phone date with my Mom as I fight the Tampa traffic. When I get home at night, I make dinner 2 or 3 times a week or we eat cheerios or PBJs (we laugh bc we love that we do this… even though the Martha Stewart in me tells me its awful), then by about 6:30 I’m back in my home-studio, filling orders and working on the website. Bryan and I make sure we have a date night at least once a week – he is my sanity.
As 2009 begins to draw to a close, I honestly can say I have no idea where it went. Somehow, in twelve short, short months I’ve started a business, changed its name, learned more than I ever thought I would need to know about business, balance and all things paper, celebrated my one-year wedding anniversary with my best friend, adapted to a new home while deeply missing my old one and somehow survived. I can only think that 2010 will bring even more change and excitement for me. Emily Ley Paper started as a small idea… maybe an Etsy shop… maybe a few weddings for friends… and somehow grew into this crazy business called Goodpaper that has brought me so much joy. It’s almost like my child… it’s changed countless times, grown into its own and continues to morph into something bigger than I ever dreamed. I. Cannot. Wait. To. Share. It. With. All. Of. You.
But at times, I find that it sincerely takes over me. I work, for those of you who don’t know this, at the University of South Florida Foundation – handling all development and fundraising as the Assitant Director of Development for the Women in Leadership & Philanthropy program from 8-5. From about 5-midnight/1am, I run Goodpaper… and at least 1/2 of my weekend hours are spent doing the exact same thing. When I wake up in the morning, I go for quick 30 minute run (this is a new habit), then get ready for the day – while reading through emails I missed during the last 5-6 hours. I inhale a kasha granola bar, fill up my coffee cup and head out the door to beat traffic. One thing I can say is that while I am at USF, I devote my time and attention to my program. But instead of lunch dates, I’m typically at FedEx shipping wedding orders or at Staples picking up office supplies. Many days, instead of lunch, I shut my office door and reply to emails and write blog posts. On my way home everyday, I have a phone date with my Mom as I fight the Tampa traffic. When I get home at night, I make dinner 2 or 3 times a week or we eat cheerios or PBJs (we laugh bc we love that we do this… even though the Martha Stewart in me tells me its awful), then by about 6:30 I’m back in my home-studio, filling orders and working on the website. Bryan and I make sure we have a date night at least once a week – he is my sanity.
Without Bryan, I'm not sure I would have ever started this venture. He is so supportive and such an encouragement to me. It was his entrepreneurial spirit that led me to make the leap. He gets so excited over the smallest accomplishments, much like I do. And this project has become one that we share... even when it takes over our living room with photography equipment and he has to help me fold programs during the LSU football game :) I'm a lucky woman.
I am so apprehensive, excited, semi-terrified, nervous and over-the-moon about launching Goodpaper in January. The site is absolutely incredible. And my web designer, Kendra has rolled with each change and shift as Goodpaper becomes a strong brand. The last screenshots I saw took my breath away. It’s Southern. Classic. Simple. And Friendly. My photographers and favorite people on earth, Meg & Charles Baisden did artistic product shots for me as well as headshots that are… perfect and make it all seem so real. I’ll be taking a little over two weeks off in December to enjoy the holidays and wrap up last minute website edits.
I need to learn to unplug myself. But I absolutely cant wait to see what 2010 has in store for Goodpaper. Thanks for your support and for reading this really wordy post. It’s a bit of a ramble, but feels good to share a bit of “me” here.
Cheers,
Emily
I am so apprehensive, excited, semi-terrified, nervous and over-the-moon about launching Goodpaper in January. The site is absolutely incredible. And my web designer, Kendra has rolled with each change and shift as Goodpaper becomes a strong brand. The last screenshots I saw took my breath away. It’s Southern. Classic. Simple. And Friendly. My photographers and favorite people on earth, Meg & Charles Baisden did artistic product shots for me as well as headshots that are… perfect and make it all seem so real. I’ll be taking a little over two weeks off in December to enjoy the holidays and wrap up last minute website edits.
I need to learn to unplug myself. But I absolutely cant wait to see what 2010 has in store for Goodpaper. Thanks for your support and for reading this really wordy post. It’s a bit of a ramble, but feels good to share a bit of “me” here.
Cheers,
Emily
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4 comments:
Great post! I can totally relate, how is 2009 almost over?! Love checking out your designs & can't wait to see your new site. Happy holidays!
Deb
Hi Deb! You're too sweet. I can't believe the year is almost over either. Where did it go? Take care and have a great weekend!
Cheers,
Emily
Great post!!!
You are really serving as an inspiration to me. I just did a whole post on "trying to be a superwoman" and having to revaluate all the balls I am currently trying to juggle right now. I love that you write about what goes along with starting and running a business, what it entails, how you feel, all of it. Keep it up and I will definitely be looking out for your new site.
Thank you so much, Nicole! I love knowing that I'm not the only one in this boat! You keep it up too! I'm headed to your blog right now to read your post!
Cheers,
Emily
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