An Open Letter To 21-year-old me Starting My Business
As another year comes to an end and another begins, it’s been the first birthday where I’ve felt retrospective and emotional. Year 21 was the year of amazing things like graduating college with my B.A. in Public Relations and embarking on my first solo trip abroad. And year 21 was also the year I launched my business. I had no clue how evolutionary this year was going to be. While most 21-year-olds relished in the new found freedom that comes with being #legal, I craved a freedom far beyond this.
Almost a year later to when I decided to take the plunge to entrepreneurship, I now have so many lessons learned and wisdom gained through my first year in business.
So here’s an open letter to 21-year-old me only one year ago.
Know your worth.
Yes, I’m talking to you. You’re worthy of success. You’re worthy of happiness. And you’re more than worthy of a life that you love each and every day.
That feeling that got you thinking that there’s got to be more than just finding a well-paying job after graduation has started you on this journey. And this journey may even make you question your worth. But I am here to confirm that every “no” and every failure does not make you any less worthy of the life you’re seeking.
Learn balance and enjoy every moment.
I get it, you’re at your tipping point. Balancing school, as social life, gym time, your business, your clients, paying rent each month, and college events is overwhelming.
I know you’re feeling like you can’t do it all, but look at you, you are doing it all.
Know this time is temporary, so enjoy the sweet memories and hustle when you need to. Your business will thank you for hustling this hard, and you’ll thank yourself for taking those moments off to enjoy life. Trust your gut when you’re torn between grinding or having fun, it’ll know best.
Those experiences were worth it.
So you’re going to find a cheap ticket to Europe for spring break. And you’re going to want to embark on your first solo trip. It’s going to be so worth it. Heck, it’s going to change your perspective forever. It’s going to be hard, it’s going to cost money, but this experience is worth it.
You can't do it all on your own. I know you think you can do it all, but you need help.
You need business friends, to outsource for those huge projects, and to take advice even when you’re feeling stubborn. You’re lucky because you have so many amazing people in your life that will support you the entire way. Graciously take their help and welcome the comradery of the new boss babes you’ll meet this year.
You did it.
Hey, it’s your 22-year-old self.
And I’m here to tell you that, you did it. You started a business at the age of 21.
You launched a social media marketing business while studying to get that degree. And you’ve made it. Sol Studio’s doing great, your clients are amazing, you’re living your dream. Each morning you wake up excited for what’s next.
All that hard work you’re doing is going to be worth it. That city you’re dreaming of living in, I’m getting your visa right now. And you’ll soon be working on your dream business while traveling the world.
Trust the process and follow your instinct because it led you here.
Never stop dreaming, Tash.
