Start where you are!

This quote by world #1 professional tennis player Arthur Ashe has been one of my great motivators in recent weeks. It relates, in a few words, to my life’s journey.

Within the past couples years, I’ve added a new position to my CV - Business Owner. Well, some may say, “weren’t you already a business owner? As long as I’ve known you, you’ve been selling one thing or the other.” Yes, that’s true. To an extent.

I’ve always “dabbled” with business but never really took it very seriously. See, it’s in my blood and sometimes, when things come so naturally, we tend to take it for granted. I’ve been interested and involved in sales as far back as I can remember. During my high school days, I would sometimes sell my school supplies. How many pens would I need anyway?

This passion for commerce continued when I migrated to New York City and found a way to make a few dollars in my local church by selling inspirational t-shirts and novelty items! Business was just natural to me. So it’s no surprise that my first business, Keyword Transcriptions, has been birthed!

This eventually came to pass after years and years of excuses, procrastination and doubt. I often thought things like, "it’s too late", "too much time wasted", "too many other people in your field", "you can’t compete", "you don’t have the capital" and on and on. However, while I was at home recovering from major surgery, I did a lot of self-reflecting. During one of my “Me Moments” (personal reflection time), I ran into that quote by Arthur Ashe. “That’s so true!” I said to myself. “It’s not too late for me! I just have to start, use my skill and do the best that I can! That’s all!"

So I did just that! I started where I was - at home, on sick leave, used what I had - my sturdy Macbook Pro and my expert typing skills, and did what I could - transcribed audio recordings to the best of my ability! And from there, my first business Keyword Transcriptions was born!

I can’t describe the feeling of finally being in business for myself! Hearing my company name announced at the Queens County Clerk office was absolutely exhilarating! I said to myself - “Finally Karlene, finally!”

So I’m sharing this with you today to encourage you. If you have a vision for your life that has not yet manifested, don’t give up on it. It may not necessarily be a business.Whatever it is, you may not have all the resources you need yet, but you can still start! Start researching your field, developing your skill or studying people already doing what you would like to do. The most important thing to do is to start!

I hope you continue with me on this journey! My hope is to encourage you to discover and develop your own God given gifts and strengths so that together we can accomplish our life’s purpose!

Until next blog,

Karlene.