entrepreneurship Archives - The Virtuous Creative

Discernment/ August 11, 2023August 11, 2023

Protecting Your Vision

Every year I look forward to creating my own vision board and even attending vision board parties if there are any. Those can be so much fun and enlightening to say the least. One year, I attended one of those parties. I was so excited to share with a small group of like-minded women of my short-term/long-term goals and hopes.

When it was my turn to share, you can tell the excitement of how big I smiled. I was so hopeful. You just had to be there.

After sharing with them my vision board, unexpectedly, I got a laugh and a scuff. Two reactions I did not see coming. I was told I was unrealistic, and my focus should be about my husband. Here is my disclaimer before I go any further. I love being married. My goals would include the one I love and those who mean so much to me. My goals also are about how I can obtain the purpose God has given to me. No paper or poster can really say that. Our purpose in life is like an unfolding mystery. God reveals this to us in due time. Relationship with God reveals purpose alone.

Back to my story. Doubt was cast and even the laughter made me feel pretty low. My hopes to become a mom and a social worker, among other aspirations, were somehow unattainable because of their doubt. But here’s what I gained from my experience:

1. Everyone cannot handle the vision God gave you.

2. Everyone is not for you.

3. The vision God gave you is for you, and doesn’t involve the haters, doubters and naysayers.

4. In this situation, it may have been premature to share what I have been praying for in private.

Although I felt the doubt temporarily, I prayed to God and also spoke to my husband about what I saw for my life. I knew my goals were not going to be achieved in a year. I have faith but I am also have wisdom. It came to a point where I had to decide between believing God or believing someone who isn’t omnipotent. To alleviate my fears and worries, I gave it back to Him; the Author and Finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2)

I share my story to say, know the difference between what is true and what is false. What God has showed you is what is true. Protect your vision.

Nehemiah also protected the vision God gave to him as he set off to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He told no one what God placed on his heart to do (Nehemiah 2:12). Sometimes we need to take a page from the prophet’s book and hold on to what God gave us. There is a season for everything and what God has plan to come to pass will happen in due time.

If God has given you a vision for your business, make a plan. Write it out. Pray to God first and then move accordingly.

Rachel

Self-Care/ August 11, 2023August 11, 2023

What Does the Bible Say about Balance? And What Does It Mean for The Virtuous Creative?

Hello Virtuous Creatives! I’m back to share words of wisdom and encouragement as you journey in your business life, home life, and your spiritual life. We often try to compartmentalize them in their place (business, personal and spiritual) and sometimes forget to include God in all those areas. For entrepreneurs, there is often a struggle to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Working all day is somehow rewarded or seen as the goal. But what happens when it affects you physically and even spiritually?

Balance is the recurring theme that we speak on often on social media and in conversation with our girlfriends. Why? Because there is power in having balance. The art of balance ultimately falls on prioritizing and using wisdom. Creating balance in life can be challenging, but it is essential for spiritual growth and our overall well-being. God is concerned with you wholistically, for it says in 3 John 1:2 (ESV), “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. He’s concerned about us. God has already laid out plans for each of us specifically. We must hold fast to that truth.

When I think of the word balance, the pan balance comes to mind. Placing too much on one side can take you off balance, leaving the opposite end depleted. Someone once shared with me that ” Sometimes we think balance is categorizing and breaking things up when sometimes it’s getting rid of things”. There often come moments as an entrepreneur when you need to step back, evaluate the priorities that are pulling you in different directions, and determine if they align with your goals. Balance looks different in every season of our lives. What holds the most weight in terms of our priorities?

One of my favorite scriptures of the bible has to be Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (NKJV) I am so encouraged when I remember this scripture in moments of discouragement. It quickens my spirit instantly; As the Word should. It is so easy to apply this particular scripture to our many situations but in context, Paul is not saying that “Rachel can do all the things, she puts her mind to.”

Empowering but not applicable.

We are not called to do “all the things” my dear sisters. We are called to do the thing He has assigned us to do. We all have a purpose and a calling. The work we do can also divinely intertwine with our calling. I discovered my spiritual gifts often overlap with my work as a social worker and an entrepreneur. There is a necessity to find a balance between the two. I cannot do all the things and expect to be successful. I can feel myself going off balance just thinking about it! We are called to seek His Kingdom first and His righteousness first (Matthew 6:33) . For context, read the prior verse. And it says, “for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things”. Seek God’s wisdom first and ask Him to guide you as you prioritize in the season you are in.

Holding tight to that scripture, also consider these tips to create balance in your current season of life.

Prioritize your relationship with God: Spend time in prayer and Bible study to nurture your faith and stay connected to God.
Take care of your physical health: Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep to ensure your body is healthy and strong.
Build your community: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who share your values and beliefs.
Manage your time wisely: Set priorities, create schedules, and learn to say no to activities that don’t align with your values and goals.
Find joy in hobbies and interests: Pursue activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading, gardening, or playing music.
Set boundaries: Create clear boundaries between work and personal time. Establish specific work hours and avoid checking emails or taking work calls outside of those hours.

Rachel   

Mental Wellness/ July 17, 2023

You’re Human – Please Don’t Be Hard on Yourself

There are many tasks to manage almost every day. Deadlines. Assignments. Projects. Emergencies. etc….

With time moving so quickly, there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done and also take care of ourselves. This can cause us to neglect ourselves and also have our work fall behind. This isn’t something our creative souls should be vulnerable to.

As creatives, we like to grow, thrive, discover, and maintain peace. This is where we flourish and find delight in our successes and impacts. But what happens if we begin to struggle maintaining these elements inside of ourselves? Our creative spark can begin to fade.

With many expectations in society, it seems that our soulful light is always trying to be dimmed. We are given many unrealistic rules and expectations that it can feel like no matter how hard we try; it never seems to be good enough. When our light is diminished, darkness can seep through. This is where pressure comes through in these kinds of situations and depths. Many of us tend to internalize what we are going through as well until the point where we can’t take it anymore. This will lead us to not feel good about ourselves or the work that we create. These negative thoughts then become more and more difficult to control and can cause us to hit rock bottom.

Creative, if this is you, there is hope. There is a way to reach the surface and see the sun again for the only way to go from here is up.

Jesus offers us comfort through God in Matthew 11: 28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find reset for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” These words are comforting as the loyalty from Jesus was pure and true. No matter how disrespected, ridiculed, or tormented Jesus was, he remained loyal and faithful to God, and he is to us as well. Therefore, do not be afraid to seek out comfort from God and lead by the example of Jesus because who we are and what we do are more than enough to them.

So please don’t be hard on yourself, creative. It is essential to remember that what society declares is not what God declares. When we are strong and when we love ourselves, that is when we can create works of art and accomplish our creative goals. When we feel good and encourage ourselves positively then our light will be ignited and will radiate from us.

We will rise above the deep depths of darkness and onto a beautiful surface of opportunity. And in order to do this, all we have to do is try our best. If you are trying your best, then you are already doing enough. We must do what we are able to and accept what we can do so that when we begin our next project, we will continue to rise and not fall.

Entrepreneurship/ April 30, 2023April 30, 2023

Grace Over Guilt: 12 Questions to Help You Keep Boundaries in Business

When I started my copywriting and brand storytelling business, I wasn’t great at setting or maintaining boundaries. I’d let people book meetings with me at any time during the week and I’d find myself working on tasks that weren’t initially part of our agreement. But over time, I learned the importance of guarding my calendar, making sure that everyone stuck to the outlined scope of work – and that my communication methods were clearly understood.

These days, any meetings on my calendar can only be on Tuesday-Thursday between the hours of 11-5. Why? Because I need my mornings to focus on my best writing and strategy work. And let’s be real, who likes Monday meetings anyway? As for Fridays, I like to reserve those for working on my marketing content and admin tasks for my business, online magazine, and personal brand.

Entrepreneurship can be challenging, but it’s even more difficult without healthy boundaries. Trust in God’s plan for your business and prioritize your well-being along the way.

Now, setting boundaries isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to guilt. And if you’re a people-pleaser, it’s natural to feel guilty when saying no or setting boundaries. However, it’s important to let go of those feelings and remember that you’re not being selfish, you’re prioritizing your own needs. This is exactly why I want to help you get through this with these questions. I’d highly recommend grabbing a notebook to journal out the answers.

Inviting the Holy Spirit your boundary-setting process

What does it mean for you to invite the Holy Spirit into your work as an entrepreneur?
How do you currently incorporate prayer and discernment into your business decisions?
In what ways do you feel the Holy Spirit has already guided you in your business, and how can you lean on that guidance in your boundary-setting process?
What specific boundaries do you need to set right now, and how can you ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern what those boundaries should be?

Letting go of guilt

Have you ever received pushback from clients or team members when setting boundaries in your business?
What specific boundaries did you set that made you feel guilty, and why?
How did those guilty feelings impact your sense of self-worth, and what truths from the Bible can you draw on to counteract those feelings?
What steps can you take to let go of guilt when setting boundaries in the future?

Prioritizing rest in your business

What does rest look like for you, and how can you include more rest into your daily and weekly routines?
What specific boundaries do you need to set to prioritize rest, such as scheduling regular days off or setting boundaries around work hours?
What tasks or responsibilities can you delegate or outsource to make more time for rest?
How can you communicate your boundaries around rest to your clients or team members, and how can you reinforce those boundaries when they’re challenged?

Don’t let the fear of disappointing others keep you from setting boundaries in your business. Your time and energy are precious, and you deserve to use them in ways that bring you joy and fulfillment!

Hopefully, these questions are helpful for you to reflect on. And listen, please note that you’re having boundaries isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and self-care. Also, remember that it’s not a one-time event.

Setting and maintaining boundaries takes practice, patience, and self-awareness to establish and maintain healthy boundaries in your business. And get this? When you prioritize your own well-being, you’ll be better equipped to serve others and make an impact with the gifts God has given you.

Entrepreneurship/ February 7, 2023February 3, 2023

Rising Above: Conquering Comparison and Envy as a Christian Creative

We all know that the entrepreneurial journey can be tough, but it can be especially challenging when we compare ourselves to others and fall into the trap of envy.

But as a Christian woman, you have the power to rise above these negative thoughts and emotions and embrace your unique path. Here are some practical tips to help you deal with comparison and envy in your entrepreneurial journey:

1. Lean on your faith. Remember that you are a child of God and that He has a special plan and purpose for your life.

Start each day by reading a short devotional or scripture that focuses on your identity in Christ and the love that God has for you.
Turn to prayer when you feel overwhelmed by comparison and envy. Ask God to give you peace and to help you trust in His plan for your life.
Surround yourself with supportive Christian friends and family members who will encourage you and lift you up.

2. Celebrate your unique qualities and gifts. You have been blessed with unique qualities and gifts that make you who you are.

Make a list of your strengths and the qualities that make you unique. Reflect on these regularly and embrace your individuality.
Celebrate your successes and accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Allow yourself to feel proud of your hard work and dedication.
Focus on your own journey and what you’re doing, rather than comparing yourself to others.

3. Practice gratitude. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, it helps us shift our perspective away from negative thoughts and situations.

Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for and express gratitude. Start a gratitude journal where you can write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
Practice mindfulness and being present in the moment. Pay attention to the little things in life that bring you joy and contentment.
Make an effort to express gratitude to those in your life who bring you joy and happiness. This could be sending a thank you note, a text message, or simply telling them in person.

4. Seek support. Building resilience is easier when you have a supportive community.

Consider seeking out a mentor or accountability partner who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement.
Look for someone who has experience in your industry or has faced similar challenges in their entrepreneurial journey.
Join a support group or community of like-minded Christian women entrepreneurs. Connect with others who are on the same journey and can offer encouragement and support.

5. Embrace your uniqueness. Embrace your unique qualities and gifts, and trust in the path that God has for you.

Embrace your passions and the things that bring you joy and fulfillment. Allow your creativity to flourish and make time for the things that bring you happiness.
Take time to reflect on your values and what’s important to you. Embrace your beliefs and make choices that align with your values.
Trust in God’s plan for your life. Remember that He has a special purpose and plan for you, and that everything happens for a reason. Embrace the journey and trust that it will lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

So, my dear sisters in faith, embrace your journey and celebrate your uniqueness. You are a masterpiece created by God, and there is no one like you. Embrace your gifts and trust in His plan for your life and watch as He blesses you beyond your wildest dreams.

Entrepreneurship/ February 3, 2023

5 Ways to Overcome Challenges in Your Entrepreneurial Journey

As women of faith, we know the power of relying on our Lord and Savior to guide us in our journey. But even with the support of our faith, it’s easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed when faced with challenges and setbacks in our entrepreneurial journey. That’s why it’s important to build resilience – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties and bounce back stronger.

Here are some practical tips to help you build resilience and overcome challenges in your entrepreneurial journey:

Lean on your faith. The foundation of resilience is having a strong faith and trust in God. Make time every day to connect with your faith through reading scripture, prayer, and surround yourself with supportive people who will lift you up and encourage you.

Celebrate your wins. No matter how small, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments. This will help boost your confidence and motivation and give you the strength to keep pushing forward.

Focus on gratitude. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, it helps us shift our perspective away from negative thoughts and situations. Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for and express gratitude.

Seek support. Building resilience is easier when you have a supportive community. Consider seeking out a mentor or accountability partner who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up and cheer you on.

Take care of yourself. Resilience requires a strong mind and body, so it’s important to prioritize self-care. Make sure you’re taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health by eating well, exercising, taking breaks, and getting enough sleep.

By incorporating these tips into your entrepreneurial journey, you’ll be building resilience and bouncing back from challenges with grace and determination. Remember, with faith, self-care, and a growth mindset, you can overcome anything that comes your way.

Now, keep shining and never give up on your dreams.

Entrepreneurship/ November 25, 2022December 3, 2022

6 Marketing Tips for New Entrepreneurs

Understanding marketing is essential to your success as a new entrepreneur. Marketing is how your target audience finds you. The first thing I ever marketed was my self-published poetry book in 2011. I learned a lot about marketing on social media and through the book’s website – and Amazon. I used that experience – along with my journalism skills to also market my Christian women’s digital magazine “Virtue and Memoirs.”

And these days, I’m still a content creator at heart – marketing Chayil Media Publishing – my copywriting and brand storytelling business, my digital magazine, and my personal brand. Why? Well simply put, without marketing, you won’t gain the exposure to grow a sustainable brand or business.

Marketing is how you gain the trust of your target audience by showing, telling, and proving that your products, services, or business are there to support them.
Danielle Delaney

The following are six marketing tips every new entrepreneur needs to get started right.

Focus On Building Relationships with Your Target Audience First

Before you sell to your audience right away, learn to build a strong relationship first. In other words, the freer value you provide in the long run, the stronger the relationship becomes — making it easier to market your products at a later time. By the way, if you want to learn more about what your audience needs from you, don’t be afraid to survey them on social media by asking questions or doing polls.

Share Engaging and Valuable Content

No business today, online or off, can survive without content marketing. Without content, your audience will not understand the type of value you provide. This can be done through blog posts, videos, photos or even sharing user-generated content. And if you’re not familiar with user-generated content – It’s content that’s shared on social media by one of your customers or clients promoting your brand. You can easily reshare this content with your followers.

Don’t Skip Email Marketing

Emails offer the highest return on investment compared to all other online marketing strategies. There is a myth that email marketing is dead, but this is far from the truth, with nearly three hundred billion emails being sent around the world today. Email marketing is powerful because you don’t have to battle with the algorithms of the world.

Set Up a Business Blog

A blog on your website is a great way to have sole ownership of what you share and sell to your community. If a specific social media platform disappears, you won’t reach them. However, you know this won’t happen since you control your blog. Making it easy to share information with your customers or target audience whenever you can.

Use Social Media

You can’t avoid social media. Even just one social media account can skyrocket your reach and exposure as a brand. Did you know that nearly four billion people worldwide use some form of social media? This means your potential to reach your target audience is almost limitless. Find out which platforms your audience hangs out on and jump in with a strategy. However, be careful not to overwhelm yourself. I recommend sticking to 2-3 platforms.

Get Help

Marketing helps you reach certain revenue goals and reach your target audience effectively. Without marketing, it is unlikely your customers will find you very easily. If you need help, try to hire someone who can help you. A few roles that come to mind are social media managers, copywriters, website designers, and brand photographers

Marketing doesn’t need to be complicated. As long as you create content that your target audience needs or wants, you will likely be successful. And of course, don’t forget nailing down a strategy first.

Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs make mistakes that can hinder their success by ignoring customers’ needs or not taking the time to share your value.

Curious about what I’m learning every week on my creative journey as it relates to faith, self-care, and entrepreneurship?

Click here subscribe to my weekly newsletter, “Letters for the Virtuous Creative.”

Entrepreneurship/ September 24, 2022May 7, 2023

4 Powerful Ways to Pray Over Your Business

Prayer is the best way to stay connected with God Almighty in all areas of your life, including your business.

I personally, don’t know how you can operate a business without God Almighty. Proverbs 3:6 tells us, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.”

Now, as for praying for your business, here are 4 ways that will guide you through the process.

Pray for God’s Will in starting and operating your business

When it comes to starting and operating your business, you should pray for God’s will. Ask Him to show you the right way to start and operate your business.

Pray that He would help you make the right decisions in starting and operating your business. Pray that He would help you see His hand at work in your business.

Ask the Lord to bring the right people into your business

Asking God to bring the right people into your business is a great way to pray for your business.

The right people are those who will help you succeed, whether they’re clients, customers, employees, mentors, mentees, or business friends. They have a similar vision, mindset, and values as you do – and they bring something unique (or at least different) to the table that makes them uniquely suited for what you’re trying to accomplish.

Ask God to protect you and your team

As you pray over your business, ask God to protect you and your team.

Also, pray for your clients, customers, and the community that is served by your business. Ask God to bless every aspect of it: sales, production, management, and your team’s creativity.

Finally, pray that He will help you make wise decisions regarding finances and growth so that the company remains financially stable (and profitable).

Thank God for what He has provided you with

Thank God for the resources He has provided you with.
Thank God for the people He has placed in your life.
Thank God for the opportunity to serve others.
Thank God for the ability to do what you love.

Entrepreneurship is in many ways a matter of faith. Having a sense of purpose and direction, acknowledging your dependence on God, and committing to making the most of every opportunity that comes your way are all essential elements to success. These steps will help you grow your business, but ultimately it all starts with your relationship with Jesus Christ, the one true entrepreneur.

Tag: entrepreneurship