When they call you little
As I enter the 12th month of business, I am feeling motivated to speak on my success. Some people may see my business today and think: How the heck did she get here? Some people are completely surprised that my “cute, little side project” has taken off. Well, this blog post is a response to the folx who underestimated me and the power of art and play to transform hearts.
What I have heard
Over this year, I have received comments from “friends” and foes alike that may have been intended as seemingly benign, but really make the point to say how much they have underestimated me. I have heard everything from:
“wow, I am surprised this took off”
“oh, yeah, your little business”
“what a cool little side project”
First of all, why would you be surprised that a radical vision of BIPOC adults tapping into a creative self-care ritual has reached the minds and hearts of our community? Second of all, my business is not little - art and play as a liberatory practice is powerful. Third of all, That Art Party is not a side project - it a dream I have been dreaming my whole life.
What I know to be true
Starting your own business takes courage, discipline, and a relentless conviction in your dream. There is nothing small about learning how to become every single part of a functioning business. That means learning public relations, social media, marketing, design, sales, operations, branding, IT, production, photography, videography, customer service, taxes, bookkeeping, financial forecasting, recruitment, etc. Those are only a few of the skills you have to learn as a boss.
Now, I taught myself all of that, all while constantly coming back to the heart of the business: that rest is resistance and that art and play is a path towards liberation.
What I have done
So for those that are surprised at my success, let me spell it out:
I won 1 award in this business
presented a 1 national conference
served over 100 unique clients through our play dates (with many regulars!)
served over 20 private clients (including foundations, education and medical institutions, and small wellness organizations)
grew over 200 email subscribers
collaborated with over 10 different local, BIPOC artists and creatives
grew over 1200 followers on instagram, organically
facilitated and designed over 12 public play dates
vended at 3 different markets
invited to 4 different podcasts
launched over 4 different products & sold out!
applied to an was accepted by 2 different business incubator programs
Words of advice
When they underestimate you, dust your shoulders off. There are people who will not understand the good medicine, the magic you provide in this world. That is okay. You have to look back on your success - the failures, too - and know that there lies all the validation you need.
There is nothing little about being a boss, jefa, hbic, so keep dreaming, m’ija. I am rooting for you, always.
