Saturday, November 26, 2016

50 Things To Do Before I'm 50 - Buy or Start a Business

Two-and-a-half years ago, I included several stretch goals on my 50 Things To Do Before I'm 50 list, one of which was to buy or start a business. I had no idea what that might look like at the time, however this past year I successfully turned my part-time hobby of teaching into a business!

I taught over 200 women in 30+ classes at five venues. I built an email list with 222 subscribers and earned income that will require me to file a Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) and pay income taxes for this year.

It has been exciting, rewarding, FUN, and a true blessing to be able to share this creative hobby and the Word of God at the same time.

It has also been exhausting, stressful and hard at times, and I have made the difficult decision to cancel/postpone my upcoming class schedule in order to step back and evaluate where the Lord is leading me in this business/ministry. This was a difficult decision because I realize that it will affect the momentum and following I've established over this past year. I have also developed wonderful relationships with many of the ladies who have attended my classes and events. In fact, this has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this ministry/business. However, my greatest desire is to honor the Lord in all that I do. Over the next few months, I'll be taking time to listen for the Lord's direction and to replenish myself physically and spiritually.

[2019 UPDATE - I continued to teach and grow my business throughout 2017, offering classes at local scrapbook stores and teaching workshops at several churches. In 2018, I began offering classes at our home as well as teaching and speaking at private events. In 2019, along with classes at our home and teaching at local churches, I offered a couple of all-day events and continue to feel blessed to serve the Lord in this creative ministry.]

Here's a look at the completed page in my 50 Things To Do Before I'm 50 mini-album.

7 comments:

  1. Taking time to reflect is always a good plan! You've accomplished a lot this year, and maybe a time of rest is just what you need.

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  2. Taking time to reflect on where you are being led is always a good thing, I am doing that too. Congratulations on building the business tho', it's an achievement :)

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  3. You are Special! I wish you the very BEST in whatever direction you take!!!! Keep in touch😍

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  4. Well done you with your business. Bravo you for acknowledging that you need to step back. Sometimes needing the reflection can be a job & listening can take a lot of work because don't we all just want to give hints & suggestions of where we think we should be going.

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  5. I didn't realize you were looking to make a business out of your Bible journaling classes, but it seems you are off to a powerfully wonderfully start. I hope you receive the guidance you are seeking soon. And I guess you can doodle away in the Good Book while waiting, right?

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  6. I hope the direction you need to go becomes clear to you. Funnily enough I just made a page called "direction" yesterday. Sometimes we just need to stay quiet and listen, right?

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  7. Good for you. I was laid off in February and still don't know what direction I want to go, but today I realized that it is all okay. I am not sure what direction I want to go, if any, but I know I don't want to worry about it. 2017 I want to focus on one thing at a time and hopefully it will lead me where I want to be. Wishing you much happiness in all you do.

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Thanks so much for your comment - it's like a ray of sunshine in my day!