jumping-off-hill-red-stripes-white-skirtred stripes look – from 2014

I know I don’t typically get ‘deep’ or personal here on LICP, but today’s post has been heavy on my heart for a while and is something I’ve been asked about more frequently, so wanted to update y’all. I’ve been a bit apprehensive in sharing this {no one ever wants to accept defeat} but hopefully by putting myself, my challenges + my struggles out there, it will inspire or encourage some of you to embrace the imperfect {not to mention it’s somewhat therapeutic}. So here goes…

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always put very high {perhaps unattainable} expectations on myself {and to my fault, sometimes upon others}. I can still vividly remember the first time I came home with a ‘B’ on my report card. I sobbed + cried my eyes out, thinking I had failed in some way. Let’s just say, my Mom never had to get on me about homework or school – I had it covered, haha. That same toughness I place on myself has transcended beyond school, but into pretty much every aspect of my life. It’s certainly not always a weakness {as it’s important to have drive + strength to want more, to achieve more}, but it can also be blinding. It sometimes prevents me from accepting failure, or my imperfections. Something I’m working on.

After about a year + 1/2 of successful freelance PR projects, I decided that taking the next step to expand was the logical move. Because everyone has to progress, right? As many of you know, in April of 2014 I launched REFINE PR, along with my late business partner. It wasn’t long after we set off on this adventure that Nicholl + I split ways {completely amicably I must add}. While my gut told me not to, in true Kristin form, I felt compelled to see the new plan through. After all, I had been a lot of time, creative energy + effort into building a new brand. After hiring interns + an employee {that also didn’t work out}, I found myself drowning in all the responsibility that came along with running TWO businesses…on my own.

Following weeks of back + forth {along with countless conversations of solicited advice from friends + loved ones}, I decided it best to dissolve REFINE PR earlier this year in order to really hone in + focus my efforts here – with Living In Color Print {and continue selective freelance work on the side}. It was as if a weight was lifted from my shoulders! I had been so bogged down with ‘keeping up’, it sucked the fun + joy out of my days, leaving me unfulfilled – that’s no way to live. Now, it wasn’t easy at first to ‘admit defeat’. To come to terms with the fact that I tried something, and it didn’t work out. But a mentor of mine put it best: no one sees this as a ‘failure’ but you. And she was so right {bringing me back to my unrealistic self-placed expectations}. My decision to shut down one business in order to focus on another, that was proving to be more successful, is not a disappointment or a failure. If anything, it’s a strategic move in the right direction – cut your losses + go with what’s working best!

If something is working for you, don’t always feel pressured to ‘take it to the next level’ or get ahead in the game. It’s inspiring to aim high + obtain your goals, but don’t continue to strive towards something at the expense of your sanity, your family, your life, etc. It’s not worth it. Not to mention, I can attest to the fact that managing others is a pain in the ass. Again from a woman I truly look up to, if you’re killing it on your own {setting your own schedule, being your own boss} there’s no need to fill that ‘social norm’ of hiring others or putting more on your plate…for what?

With all that being said {sorry for the lengthly post y’all!}, I feel truly blessed with where I’m at today + just wanted to share a small hiccup in this grand scheme we call life. So while I am no longer the Owner of REFINE PR, I’m pretty freakin’ excited to continue sharing my thoughts + inspirited with you all here on LICP – hope you continue to enjoy following along!

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Comments

Hey there, it’s nice to read an honest post like that – it’s so scary to take those risks sometimes in life. I have found your blogging tips to be very helpful! As I am rapidly approaching 30, the thought of continuing to work for corporate America (or, anyone else for that matter) is completely unappealing, so I keep trying to think of ways to work for myself. Reading blogs like yours makes me feel more optimistic about things, thank you. Do you have any insight for someone in my position…. who wants to eventually do blogging/marketing full-time without working for someone else? Thanks!

Kristin! Wow!! I absolutely loved this post – so inspiring! Definitely translates to others that find it hard turning the page on something that may be bringing them down… You should totally write more posts like this.

xx Cassandra of TheFrillish.com

Freaking awesome post gal! You are inspiring and kicking butt – keep it up and it was so awesome of you to share all of this with us

xo Laura Leigh
http://www.LouellaReese.com

Lady, thank you for being so honest and transparent. It can be so hard to keep up, and feel like everyone is doing a better job. There are many great things about the internet, but also many toxic things as well. You are doing a great job here & I always look forward to your posts 🙂
xx
Here&Now

You are beautiful and awesome!

OMG we have so much in common! Starting from the elementary phase, passing by college and now! lol Sometimes we can’t be our worst enemies. I understand the struggle since I have to deal with it too (full time job plus running LoveShoppingMiami plus Pescecane). It’s crazy and sometimes overwhelming! I’m glad you shared your story with us… Good things will keep coming 🙂 Big hugs!

Steph
TheShopaholic’sCloset

    It certainly is a weakness + a strength! Haha, so happy to hear you can relate as well 🙂 Thanks for the support pretty lady! xx -K

You are one classy lady! Thanks for sharing your story! You’re doing amazing things.
Love Sarah!

    Awe thank you Sarah!! Hope all is well with the little one 🙂 xx -K

Thank you for sharing this. There are so many of us out here that struggle with constantly trying to attain perfection. Can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!

There are so many of us here who have your back (digitally and physically!)

Alyssa | Glitter and Grey

    Hahaha, digitally + physically – love it! Thank you for the support Alyssa, I so appreciate it! xx -K

❤️❤️❤️

I have so much respect for you for sharing your story with us. I think the success of LICP (which I consider multiplatform) is what all bloggers aspire to attain. You have a loyal and engaged fan community across various social networks. We have your back!

    Thank you for the continued support!! It can be tough to constantly put yourself out there, but it’s amazing when my audience rallies in support! – K

Thanks for sharing, doll! You truly ARE killing it and I admire you and your work so much. Don’t be too hard on yourself- your mentor is absolutely right, no one sees it as a failure but you. If anything, it’s a testament to how well you’re doing! Your business is too successful to allow you to split your focus. 😉 Keep your head up and I’m SO excited for you!

xx S
A Sparkle Factor

    You’re the best Stephanie – I appreciate your kind words more than I can say 🙂 MUAH muah! xx -K

In the long run, truth becomes more evident and you will see why this was necessary, although hard.
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com

Love this post. I can completely relate and I appreciate your honesty. Sometimes we fall into doing what we feel we’re supposed to do next instead of what we want to do. Cheers to you for having the guts to do what you felt was right, even if it was hard. You’re so successful with your blog and I’m sure you have only amazing things in your future!!

xo Megan, Lush to Blush

    Thank you love!! I know you’re in the same ‘juggling’ boat as well, so I truly appreciate the support so much 🙂 xx -K

So glad you are continuing with LICP! Love that picture too 🙂

xo, Scarlett
The Trendy Chick

Super cute photo!!
|| D I A N A ||
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com

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