1. Have a day off!
You need to take breaks, the first year was mental and I didn't miss a day of posting and creating content. Those days are gone! Have a day off, don't apologise.
2. But also be motivated...
If I don't do something no one else will, maybe this should be the year I hire someone, anyone fancy it? Big yourself up, tell people what you do and why it's amazing. If you are giving out that kind of vibe, people will believe it.
3. Don't be afraid to take risks...
I quit my job and started Be Diddy with my last paycheck and thought I would do it on the side of a part-time cafe job. The pandemic hit and there weren't any cafes open, everything after that seemed to happen quite organically. I used to say it was luck, but it wasn't it was hard bloody work and risk-taking.
4. Success is ever-changing...
This is daily for me. If it's a good day in the shop it's a success. If it's a crap day at the shop, but I get to be there for the nursery pick up that's a success. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I would earn so much more working a 9-5 but the flexibility whilst Pen has been young has honestly been priceless and of course, I love what I do.
5. Stay true to yourself...
It's great to be inspired but don't copy. This used to bother me but my sister once said "They can steal your recipe, but the sauce won't taste the same" and she's got a point.
6. It's not always good...
This year has been so hard in parts, just got over covid straight into the cost of living crisis. There have been so many times I've wanted to give up but then something good happens at the last min and seems to pull me through.
7. Evolve and change...
Tik Tok im coming for ya! FFS.
8. It can be lonely...
As you all know, I am a chatterbox. I love bouncing ideas off people/office lols and I miss it. I do have some other small business bebs I'm always messaging/voice noting/ranting to, thanks gals, you know who you are <3
9. Be nice...
My first ever Instagram post said, "Be Diddy is a kids vintage/lifestyle store where everyone is welcome." Looking back I'm happy with that and think that's the core of the brand. Be Diddy is a proper little crew and anyone can get involved.
10. I have the best family/friends/customers...
I'm not saying that to suck up I genuinely mean it. The support you guys have shown me and continue to show me blows my mind. It never goes unnoticed and I appreciate you all.
If you got to the end of that, get yourself a wine (rosé & jalapeno), and here's to the next. God knows what it will bring?!
Kayleigh :)
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