When One Door Closes…

red 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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