I’m writing to you from my brand new desk, in my brand new office that I just spent the weekend setting up! Words can’t describe how good it feels to have my very own space to create, work and dreams from. I have already picked up lots of pretty little decorations, because I want this space to inspire me every time I walk in the door. For the past few months I’ve been working from home, and as nice as it is to not have to put real pants on, I knew I needed a change!
Last week was one of the craziest weeks of my entire life. So much happened and I’m still processing it all. There are time when such big shifts occur, that you know life will never be the same. It’s overwhelming, exciting, scary and totally freaking extraordinary!
For the past few weeks I’ve had a terrible cough. It’s not a cold, but just a really, really nasty cough that got worse and worse everyday. I finally went to the doctor last week and was told I have pneumonia and was put on antibiotics. There’s a lot of flu/cold going around, but I know I’m sick because my body is going through a lot of transition. As much as being sick sucks, I always look at it as a blessing because I know it means I’m up-levelling to something bigger. This time it couldn’t be more true.
Last week, I officially bought my brother Chandler out of Make It. This is something we decided back in the fall after we were in the final stages of selling Make It to a large media company based out of Toronto. They had big dreams for the brand and even offered me a job, which is really weird to think about now. At the very last moment, I had a change of heart and decided I wasn’t ready to let go of Make It, but Chandler felt differently, which led to his decision to leave the company.
The process of buying out Chandler has been tedious, complicated and emotionally difficult. We’ve been in business together for almost 8 years, and built Make It from a small community centre craft fair, into one of the largest shows in Canada. It’s been a crazy journey of ups and down, but we were always in it together.
I feel so blessed to have a brother who has not always been an amazing business partner, but also my best friend. We sometimes fight and get annoyed at one another, but I know with total certainty that he always has my back and loves me unconditionally. Taking over Make It is bittersweet, but I know in my heart it’s the best decision for both of us.
The deal officially closed last Thursday, which was the same day I moved into my office, hired a new employee and late that night Chandler took off to Bali (so jelly!). All this while hacking and wheezing from pneumonia. It kinda felt like drinking from a fire hydrant! SO many changes happened all in one day. I even decided to flip on my video camera, and record my thoughts because I know it will make for great content for the documentary (exciting updates coming soon).
So yes, the Make It empire is officially mine! I’m SO reenergized, motivated and pumped to make the upcoming spring shows the best yet! Sure, a part of me is scared of running the company on my own, but I know that I’ve got this and have been working very hard to ensure they are outstanding. I know I’m meant to be a girlboss and this is part of stepping into my true potential. My goal this year is also to do a million dollars in revenue, which would be the first time Make It has hit seven digits!
I have the belief that life is happening for me, not to me, so despite having such an intense week I know I’m going to look back and remember these transitional moments forever. They are the shift that are going to change the trajectory of my life and allow for opportunities that I could have never otherwise imagined. My biggest growth has always happened when I feel challenged and uncomfortable.
In 2012 there was another big decision I made that changed my destiny. I took a huge leap of faith and signed up for Marie Forleo’s Mastermind program. There were 20 other women selected for the group, and we were personally coached by Marie, and then met up in LA, NYC and Mexico for retreats. I paid $20,000 to be part of this group…and that didn’t include any travel expenses!
This was a HUGE investment for me, but I knew if I didn’t take the leap, I would always regret it. Paying this kinda of money for the Mastermind felt very uncomfortable and scary, but I knew it would also make a massive difference in my business and my life. And it did! My year with Marie was transformational in so many ways, and I can’t even count how many times over the investment has paid for itself. Plus, it was the last year she ever offered the program so if I didn’t say yes I would have missed an incredible opportunity.
This Wednesday is the last day you can sign up for Marie’s B-School. If you are on the fence and need some clarity to find out if the program is right for you, I would be happy to set up a phone call. I have personally done the program 2 times in the past 4 years and it has made a massive difference in how we run Make It. I really can’t recommend B-School enough if you are at the point where you want big things to happen.
As I continue processing everything, I’m reminded that every time I’ve taken a leap of faith and believed in myself, it has always worked out. Maybe not always the way I planned, but there’s always been a greater lesson that has presented itself. One thing I know for sure, is that these next steps are going to be big ones, and having Marie’s and other mentors in my life has prepared me for it. As an affiliate, I’m also offering 2 hours of coaching plus all my Make It University courses. B-School can be pretty overwhelming, but I’m here to help you through it and keep in mind you have lifetime access to the program. If you are feeling the pull to sign up, here’s the link to make it happen.
Here’s to new big beautiful beginnings!
