Embracing Growth: The Journey of Building a Business
Hello, friends and fellow dreamers!
Starting a business is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and, let's be honest, a fair amount of fear. Today, I want to share my experience of growing Dead Broke Colt Co. and the emotions that come with putting myself out there.
When I first decided to turn my passion for horses and the western lifestyle into a business, I was filled with both enthusiasm and apprehension. The dream of creating a space where I could share my love for horses, teach riding lessons, and craft beautiful western wear was incredibly motivating. Yet, the fear of failure and uncertainty was always lurking in the background.
My Dad and I after receiving the paperwork for Dead Broke Colt Company
One of the biggest hurdles was simply taking that first step. It’s easy to get lost in the “what-ifs” and the potential for things to go wrong. What if no one signs up for my lessons? What if my boutique doesn’t attract customers? These thoughts can be paralyzing, but I realized that staying in my comfort zone would never lead to growth or fulfillment.
Faith played a significant role in pushing through these fears. Trusting that God has a plan for me and my business gave me the courage to take risks and move forward. I leaned on my faith to remind myself that I wasn’t alone in this journey, and that the challenges I faced were opportunities for growth and learning.
One of the scariest moments was launching Mud Creek Mercantile. Crafting custom cowboy hats and leather pieces was something I loved doing, but turning it into a business meant putting my creations and myself out there for judgment. And then there was the added aspect of having to bring the Western clothing style to central Illinois. My Mom and I spent HOURS going over clothing orders, trying to decide what clothes people would love as much as we do. Would people like our style? Would people like my designs? Would they see the value in my work? These questions weighed heavily on my mind.
Mom and I in Dallas, TX., on a buying trip as we were starting Mud Creek Mercantile.
However, the response was overwhelmingly positive, and it taught me an important lesson: people are drawn to authenticity. By staying true to my passion and putting genuine effort into my work, I was able to connect with customers who appreciated the unique, handcrafted items I offered.
Another challenge was expanding my horse training services. Teaching riding lessons and starting colts requires not only expertise but also a deep connection with both the horses and the ride. Building trust with clients and proving my abilities took time and patience. There were moments of doubt, especially when things didn’t go as planned, but each setback was a learning experience that made me a better trainer and business owner.
Throughout this journey, the support of my family, friends, and community has been invaluable. Sharing my fears and dreams with those around me helped alleviate the pressure and provided a network of encouragement. Knowing that others believed in my vision gave me the strength to keep pushing forward, even when the path was uncertain.
As I continue to grow Dead Broke, I’m reminded daily that fear is a natural part of the process. It’s okay to feel scared—what matters is how we respond to that fear. Embracing it, learning from it, and using it as a catalyst for growth has been crucial in building my business.
Me and Wick, my first horse that I could call my own.
To anyone out there with a dream, remember that the journey will have its ups and downs, but each step you take is a step towards something wonderful. Don’t let fear hold you back. Trust in yourself, lean on your faith, and take that leap. The rewards of pursuing your passion far outweigh the risks.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I’m excited to continue sharing my experiences and learning alongside all of you. Here’s to growth, courage, and the adventure that lies ahead!
Stay the course. Hold the line. Burn the breeze.
-Naya