Growth, or What a Difference Ten Years Makes

Ten Years Ago

I came across this picture in my Facebook feed. It shows my growth as an entrepreneur. It’s a picture of my table the first time I did the Country Fair at Argyle Lake  in Babylon. Remembering back, I was terrified. Argyle Lake was my first “big event”.  How much product should I bring?  Where do we park?  I asked Brian to come with me, in case there were too many people for me to handle. We needed to leave the house really early in the morning, and once we got there, it was incredibly organized chaos. There were so many people.  Vendors were unloading, the police were moving traffic, volunteers were yelling. We were guided to a spot to empty our car, and I’m thinking, “What do I do next?” I don’t remember much about that particular event, but I do remember the frenzy and nervous energy from the day. Seeing this picture made me smile at how far I’ve come.

Today

 

This picture is from the last Country Fair we did at Argyle. We had a sturdier tent and signage this time. I still get a little nervous before each event, but not like the first time.  What I thought was organized chaos, wasn’t really chaos at all, it was a well oiled machine. And that includes me now.  After unloading the car, Brian goes to park it. We’re always in the same spot, so we said hello to our neighboring vendors. Brian sets up my cash register and I set up my tent. We always get there early. It’s such a great event that people show up before we “officially” open. Being more established makes it easier to relax, and I look forward to seeing my customers. Some of them I only see at this event, they stock up on my soap for the year. So it’s a reunion.

I’m grateful for my growth and for my customers who come to not only this event, but every one I do. Looking back can be fun, but I prefer to look forward. What about you?

 

Yours in Gratitude,

Angela