Happy New Year!! Yes, as cliche as it sounds, I launched this little business of mine on New Years Day. (At least I’ll always remember the day, right?!) Which means today, The Virtual Creative turns one! So much has happened in the past year and I can’t believe how much change and growth I’ve gone through personally and professionally.
I specifically remember my first client call. At this point I was slightly freaking out because the thought of interviewing my first potential client was a bit nerve-wracking! But I also remember the feeling I had once I hung up from the call. The call wasn’t perfect, but it didn’t have to be. My motivation afterwards skyrocketed. I instantly knew I could do this and make this business work. The first of everything as a new business owner presents its own sets of challenges. But as you do them more and more, you find out you’re capable of handling what comes your way. (And then you look back a year later and realize how much you’ve grown and your heart smiles a little!)
This past year, I’ve written hundreds of wedding features across multiple blogging platforms, created a plethora of Instagram captions, designed multiple graphics to showcase amazing talent and beautiful love stories, and posted thousands upon thousands of pins giving small business brands the exposure they deserve. This is just some of the things of the really cool things I’ve gotten to do. And I take so much pride in each piece as if each brand was my own.
While most of the work I do is ghost-writing and/or behind the scenes, I’d like to think that’s one of the most rewarding parts. There’s no better feeling than coming up with some wedding inspiration and seeing the social media comments about how much people love it or seeing the excitement of couples having their wedding featured and sharing it to their friends and family. Sure, I wasn’t the talent behind the wedding, but I got to be the voice behind the words without anyone knowing. Eyes everywhere are seeing what I (the girl sitting behind her computer in her Dublin apartment) wrote and/or designed…and that’s pretty freaking cool. It’s humbling and so so gratifying.
Like any small business, the highs have been so high, but there have definitely been lows. Things haven’t been perfect. But I’m continuously learning and growing and making changes. Being confident is something I’ve always struggled with. But I’ve found that when you’re doing something that you’re meant to do, all the pieces come together and just form something beautiful. I’ve never been more confident in myself than I am now and for those that know me personally, know that those words take a lot for me to say!
They say working for yourself can be lonely. And although I don’t physically get to be around people each day (in addition to living thousands of miles away), I get to be a part of many teams. We get to celebrate successes together. Make plans to grow together. And cheer each other on as I help them achieve their dreams as they help me reach mine.
To my incredible clients that I’ve gotten to work with, I would not be where I am today without YOU. Your referrals, messages, and constant support have meant the world to me. You’ve made this first year in business more than I could have ever dreamed of.
I have some fun plans in the works for 2020 and I’m excited to see where this next year takes me.
Here’s to learning. Here’s to growing. Here’s to the best that’s yet to come! So I’m buckling up, and getting ready! Because I have a feeling 2020 is going to be a beautiful ride!
Happy #1 VC!