Knowledge through Experience

The last couple of months have been an interesting roller coaster. Have you ever mapped out your life?

At one point or the other, we have all mapped out our lives, I'm guilty of it and when things don't go as we expected we as humans feel let down and like failures. The truth is that there is a lesson to be learnt and the universe/higher being is preparing us for something bigger and better.

In the past 6-8 weeks, there have been a variety of opportunities for me to learn and to break free out of my comfort zone.

It started off with taking on a massive project as the marketing lead for the World Partnership Walk being on a high cause I was now able to help make a difference and I had huge plans but soon realized that nothing was possible without having a graphic designer and an amazing team of support behind you. On the other hand, by taking on this project, it gave the practice to make presentations to crowds of people. I never had a problem presenting until the last 4 years were I would become super anxious and nervous about making a presentation. From this experience, I discovered how we tend to get ahead of ourselves and create a story about everything.

Then came the Ismaili Style Dragon Den's Startup Showcase which was an experience of a life time. I had just barely made the application deadline and a few days later to my surprise, I opened my email to find a congratulatory message and to even make things more interesting I was one of 8 presenters chosen, the only female, and the only non-tech business. What a thrill and nerve racking at the same time. I knew my stuff but froze when I saw the audience. I worked myself up for nothing, once I realized what I had done, it was easier to enjoy the ride. The advice received was invaluable. One thing I noticed at that point was that, throughout my life I have always been a risk take,r always pushed boundaries, and have always been the first to do things out of the norm. (Being the original girl to join Scouts, the first born, part of the initial 6 bloggers for RoundHouse Community Centre, just to mention a few of my activities from the inception).

Donating over 30 pieces to a charity which landed in my laps a couple weeks before the Dragon's Den Event and not providing me any return. With my policy of helping or giving I thought this would be a wonderful way to do so and from the business perspective, what is in it for me? I was under the impression that there would be a lot of exposure through publicity and social media. Heck, even I would have exposure to women with spending power and in turn have some return sales. None of the above, came to light. Hmmmmmmm................. Well, I guess I can say through this I was introduced to some designers and stylist.

As I was on a high from my experience and the outcome of the Dragon's Den I thought I could pull off my Grand Launch with ease and gracefully. Boy was I wrong, forgetting that each event is its own and requires its own set of rules. The launch had failed dramatically as I set in the lounge by myself with the owner. How embarrassing and what a waste of resources. What came out of that was my photo shoot. But more importantly, was the level of marketing i had done. Did I market the event, yes but not enough. I did not reach out to people individually inviting them and following up with them meaning I was not authentic. Essentially, I was hiding behind a computer and being shy. For an entrepreneur to succeed, they need to be making connections and stepping out of their comfort zone and talk authentically with individuals.

Finally, came this opportunity which I thought would be the game changer of everything and be my entry into the fashion world. Needless to say, my expectations were not met once again based on what was promised. I did meet a designer, two stylist and met some some great contacts. I also got to spend some quality time my Dad. I was attracted to this event as the organizer mentioned my target market and that my pieces would be used in the live fashion show worn by celebrities. With these last 3 unexpected mishaps I realized that I need ask better questions, to check out an event before committing and finally, never commit to having a table where there is no entry fee as people are flaky and never can really commit to things.

Although at the time, I was upset at the time and the events have given me a lot to think about, my expectations were not met but each step has been gearing for the bigger moment. It was all part of a larger plan that I can not foresee but is bringing me closer to my end goal.

Have you ever felt the need to give up as things were not going according to your well thought out plan?

What is something that you have given up on?

Fatima

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