Model, teacher, blogger, fashionista, event specialist = ENTREPRENEUR When I left my job 8 months ago, I left security, stability & consistency. I left because I felt I was treated unfairly but I didn't have a back up plan or anything else lined up. I didn't even leave on faith- I left because I wanted to. For the first few months of my new found "freedom" I was broke, damn near homeless & questioning every move I have ever made that led me to where I was. Now, I was still making moves, they just weren't power moves. After crying to my family and friends about the life I thought I wanted but had no idea how to navigate or make work, I decided to make a change. First it started with my thought process: this [indeed] was the life I wanted (without the struggle) but to do things my way meant I had to. Having a 9-5 gave me the security I needed but I wasn't happy; living life on my terms provided me with happiness but not the stability I needed. I had to figure out how to make being "The Erica K" work for me- mentally, spiritually & financially. So I just prayed. And the prayers I prayed were answered in the form of others. After sitting with a few people from marketing and modeling backgrounds- they each gave me the tools I needed to take that leap and throw myself into my business which was ME. It was a constant struggle to maintain a positive attitude while I myself was still struggling but I took a chance on faith. I could do this. As small as the steps I was making seemed, they were really blueprints for the foundation that I would build my business & stand on. There was so much I wanted to do that the most clear decision was to focus my energy on that which would push me further, i.e., holistic lifestyle that I wanted certification for so I could show others an alternative, answer questions about beauty & hair tips, create the business plan for my nonprofit, network til my words became a sort of script that I would use to share my journey & goals. I had nothing else to do but "create a life". One model's advice: go for it. That included submitting for gigs out of state (I really want to travel) that I would probably have no way to get to (but would a find a way) & even researching the Florida area where I wanted to live and build my life. I literally have nothing holding me back except the funds, which I realized would come as long as I 1. kept pushing & 2. remained faithful. Applying these steps to my life gave me a different outlook and a positive reassurance that everything would eventually work itself out- as it often does. So many others were willing to help me but I definitely had to show them that I was helping myself. Since I changed the way I thought about my life, my execution changed as well. I feel so much more proactive & positive that it's coming across in my work, my spirit & now my pockets. Of course its not where I want to be just yet but we all "reap what we sow". The seeds being planted are just what I needed to grow into the person every one else saw but that I refused to believe was really me. An important lesson I learned was not to ask for it unless I was ready. And although I'm coming out on top I know that that lesson was not learned without difficulty. Not everyone is fortunate enough to be given this task of "creating a life", but now instead of doubt I'm having fun with it ! Before you take that leap, make sure your faith is there to catch you ! 💋
janainaart
dededos
andulkaphoto
germansingergirl
vaporwave