The hardest part of running a business is starting it.

It takes courage to put your work (and yourself) out there and say: this is who I am, and this is what I’ve created!

You know what they say about courage, right?

Courageous people aren’t without fear – they feel the fear, but they do the scary thing anyway.

You might find yourself looking at me, or anyone else who’s been running a creative business for a while – who has attained some modicum of ‘success’ – and you may think ‘sure, it’s easy for you to put your work and yourself out there – you know you’re going to kill it!’.

The truth is far different. Every single one of us feels fear and uncertainty – no matter what stage we’re at in our business and creative journey. Yes, it might lessen somewhat, once you’ve had a number of wins (and plenty of losses, let me assure you!) but that self-doubt never goes away totally.

I think that’s what keeps us real – what keeps us honest, and driven, and vital.

And that’s what today’s podcast is all about.

I sit down to chat with my friend, colleague, and all-around awesome lady Kirsten Devitt of Each To Own about her business and creative journey – about creativity and courage – about fear and self-doubt. We delve deep into the murk of our minds, and we touch on some profound truths about creativity and fear.

Oh, and we laugh a lot, too. My gal K is one funny lady!

If you’ve ever thought ‘my work isn’t good enough’ – or, even ‘I’m not ready or good enough’ – this episode is for you.

Quotes and highlights from this Episode:

* As creative entrepreneurs we all have face that nagging worry of ‘are we good enough’ and ‘can I do this??’.

* Sharing your work, and in essence yourself, with the world is is terrifying.

* Don’t feel that you can’t open your shop because it isn’t perfect.

* Share it with the world, and revise along the way.

* ‘You’ve got to be brave enough to just put things out there.’ – Kirsten

* You’ll make mistakes along the way, it’s part of the process.

* There will be times you graduate to the ‘next level’ of success.  Celebrate those moments!

* Also, celebrate those around you.  Don’t expect anything back.  Just be nice, give someone the opportunity to savour some positive feedback.

* Take the time to show customers you care.  Handwritten notes will go a long way.

* Take the time to create personal connections with customers.

* Ignore the pressure social media puts on you to create and cull the perfect life.

* ‘Don’t compare your inside, to someone else’s outside.’ – Jess

* Be genuine in your social media interactions.  People can tell if you aren’t be authentic.

* Displaying your life and brand as totally without flaws will not allow for people to feel connected to you.

* Strive to stay positive in your social media presence.  Without being phoney, create a nice pleasant environment for fans and customers.

* Don’t be afraid to ask people for help when you need it!

* “It’s nice to be important, but its important to be nice!” – Kirsten

* To see more of Kirsten’s amazing work visit her