One year to the day. 52 weeks since I said “so long” to my last boss to pursue full time entrepreneurship. 365 days of building my dream instead of someone else’s.
And holy cannoli, WHAT. A. ROLLERCOASTER.
I’ve been in this industry for over 20 years. I’ve worked on projects that have exceeded 1 million square feet and 1 billion dollars. I’ve coordinated teams of 100+ professionals on multi-year award-winning projects.
I thought I understood professional responsibility, but hanging your own shingle is a completely different ballgame.
I have learned at least 365 different lessons this year (probably a lot more) about the mechanics of running a successful business, but easily the most important one is the depth of responsibility I feel to every single person I speak with about how I can best be of service to them.
It probably won’t come as a great shock to you that I wasn’t really a “punch-in/punch-out” kind of employee. I have a hard time turning work off, and would often lay awake at night thinking about my projects. But it was just that – the projects. My to-do list. How to meet an unrealistic deadline set by someone else.
But now…it’s so much more, because it’s all about you.
It’s getting to know my clients so well as individuals that I can anticipate what they don’t even know they want themselves.
It’s going to 3 more showrooms to look at fabrics because even though I’ve already exceeded the “estimated sourcing time” I need to know I’ve seen every possible option to make the best selection specifically for them.
It’s jumping out of bed at 5 am to sketch an AHHA moment I was dreaming about before I forget it, and then sending a teasing email at 9 am that I had a genius idea that they won’t get to see for 3 weeks but I know they’re going to love.
I don’t even have the words for how much joy, purpose, and gratitude this brings me.
In so many ways, this has been the most rewarding and fulfilling year of my life, and it just wouldn’t have happened without you.
So Happy Anniversary!
I have SO MANY exciting updates and new work from the last year to share on the website, blog, and social media (did I mention the lessons about time management and delegating responsibilities??) so please keep your eyes peeled. I promise you won’t want to miss it
And I can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to schedule a Complimentary Design Discovery Consultation. This is literally what I live for, and every conversation I get to have with someone about design is a gift.
Till next time…
Madelaine
