it’s my philosophy

Last week I attended a webinar lead by my business BFF, Lulu Kitololo, on how important it is to put your uniqueness into your business.

By being yourself, you are better able to communicate and connect with your ideal customers, ultimately helping your business grow.  It’s what she calls Soulful Branding.

To maintain authenticity in our business, she encourages us to create a business philosophy – something that encompasses our personal values and beliefs, as well as our experiences and interest.

So, Lulu is the inspiration behind today’s post and the reason I’m sharing my philosophy in life (and business!) with you.

it’s time to evolve.

I created Step & Stone back in 2013 as a naive entrepreneur in London.

Gosh…I have changed so much in this time!!!  I’m no longer the woman you see with fringe/bangs in these photos (which will be gone soon…so love them while they’re still here 🙂

Sometimes, change can be scary.

But, I believe, change also gives us opportunities to make life exciting.  To become more authentic.  To embrace who we are as individuals.

As we change as entrepreneurs, as we learn, as we grow, our businesses also need to evolve to better reflect where we are now and what we stand for.

The past couple months have been full of behind-the-scenes business changes which I feel will better represent who I am as a person and as a business owner.  Next week I’ll be unveiling them to you all!

But for now, a first draft of what I stand for…

MY PHILOSOHY

be real

I’m never going to be one to sugar coat things.  I’m quite blunt…though I certainly try to be polite!

Starting a business is tough.  Keeping one going is, arguably, even harder!

I will always be transparent, honest and vulnerable with you about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.  It is only in being honest with ourselves and with others that true learning and growth can take place.

don’t postpone your dreams

It can be easy to forget the fragility and impermanence of life when we’re so caught up in the day to day living of it.

But the truth is, life is super SHORT!

And we won’t really  ever have time to do ALL the things that we want to do.

So I choose to pursue my dreams, on my terms, and with passion!

live & work by your values

As business owners, we do not need to compromise on our values in order to build thriving businesses.

We can say ‘no’ to people and to opportunities that are incongruent with our beliefs.

If something feels “off”, we can trust our instincts and stand true to our principles.  We can run business on our own terms and attract clients who are aligned with what we stand for.

be free

Freedom is SUPER important to me.  Freedom to make decisions.  To change my mind.  To do something different.

I want to live life on my terms and run a business which enables me to do this.

My business needs to be able to support the lifestyle that I desire for myself, a lifestyle which includes ambition, financial security, adventure, and variety.  If I come to the point where that’s no longer happening, I know it’s time to revisit my strategy!

own your story

I’ve seen A LOT and experienced a lot in my 38 years on this planet.  All of us have.  And the beautiful thing is that we each have a completely different view on the world around us and on the moments that we’ve been through.

Each one of us has a unique story to share with the world.  Don’t shy away from yours!

Embrace where you’ve come from, where you are now, and where you are heading.  You never know who you might help just by sharing your story.

trust the process

I’m not gonna lie.  Some moments in business (and in life) are realllllly f**king hard!  There will be times when it feels like the universe is conspiring against you and your dreams.

In these moments, you’ll feel like giving up is the best choice.

It usually isn’t.

Things just often take a lot longer than we anticipate.  We meet challenges along the way.  Sometimes we have to rethink the way that we do things.

Trust the process, as frustrating as it may seem.  In my experience, it all works out in the end.  And if it hasn’t worked out yet, then it’s not the end!

love life

Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

I try to embrace each day for what it brings to me, shows me and teaches me.  I try to find joy in each moment, even the tough ones.

Be courageous and walk away from situations and relationships which no longer serve you.

Instead, surround yourself with people who fill your soul.  People who love you, understand you, encourage you, shape you, support you.

But most of all, love yourself!

over to you

This draft of my philosophy was inspired by Lulu and her passion for Soulful Branding!

I’d love to hear more about your philosophy.  What inspires you?  What sets your soul on fire?  How are you embracing your uniqueness and bringing it into your business?

Leave a comment below and let us know!