Building myself: A Brand Story

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney

I started working on Delica Winds two years ago. If I had known then how much I actually didn't know, I'm not sure I would have had the confidence to continue.  For better or worse, I chose to anticipate future challenges with the ignorant optimism of a Millennial with an English degree.  Now that I've created a pattern of pursuit, I'm living the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with the same optimistic vision, but more realistic expectations. 

Delica Winds has instigated a dramatic change in me: from a rigid mindset (I'm so great at this/I can never do this) to a fluid mindset (how can I get better).  It has always been hard to seperate myself from the brand.   This isn't always a good thing and I'm working on that, but persistence has helped me prove to myself that I have the ability to change. 

The first time I felt like a failure, I gave up.   I literally abandoned my plans and prototypes in China and slept for weeks.  "This is a good idea, but I'm not good enough," I said to myself over and over again.  I am so thankful for the amazing people in my life, including my former business partner, for telling me to get myself together: get over it or get on with it. 

I'm reminded of the song by .38 Special that goes: 

"Hold on loosely, but don't let go 

If you cling too tightly, you're going to lose control."

For a whole year, that is how I had to handle Delica Winds.  I put it on the backburner and cooked up some other amazing elements of life.  My relationships with family and friends improved and I found other creative outlets.  When I decided to start working on the product development again, I found new inspiration and opportunities. 

And.... all this: "I can't draw. I can't sew. I can't envision the product. I don't have money, I don't have resources. I don't have the skills. I don't have any idea what I'm doing." 

Then a friend said, with a hint of a smile in an otherwise straight face, "Just draw it out."  Before I could stammer out a response about why I couldn't, he said "just try".  

That was 9 months ago and now I know what Delica Winds looks like and how to make it.  On a personal level, I know what I'm capable of - growth.  This brand is not my #1 priority, but by working on it every day, it is shaping my present and future.  I am never going to fail; I am always going to learn. 

I am tempted to launch into more of the story but this is a blog post, not a book.  In fact, this is my very first blog post!  It feels good to put all this into words so thank you for reading. 

I have the courage to pursue my dream for Delica Winds

I now realize those dreams are constantly evolving as I do.  I hope this encourages you to view your aspirations as an opportunity for personal growth.