So as you all know I love to support local and started a segment where we could share, learn and inspire! It is so important to support local and share your findings with others.
During lock down, we are going to do a whole lot of these to highlight these businesses – many of which are taking HUGE strain during this time – and shed some awareness and love to all.
So today’s feature is on a gorgeous local business called Ash and Elm! The founder, Saskia De Jager hand carves the most beautiful wooden pieces of art – earrings, necklaces, wall decor, bowls, wall vases and spoons. Saskia is so talented and her work is unique and stunning! Please support local talent and shop online at Ash and Elm’s brand new shiny website here! And be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook, they would appreciate the love and support.
We chatted to the lovely Saskia and she had this to say!
You started your own business – How does it feel to be a successful #girlboss that inspires others and loves what she does?
It definitely sometimes feels surreal but also absolutely fantastic waking up each morning, knowing I am doing what I love.
It is flattering and humbling to know I inspire others but at the end of the day passion is power.
If you put everything into your passion that energy will shine through and automatically inspire others. “Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.”
What are the top 3 learnings you have had to find out the hard way since starting your own business?
You have to have a thick skin. What people sometimes don’t realise is a part of my soul goes into carving each piece. And when they criticize my work it feels like a personal attack. You have to learn not to take things personally.
You learn through your mistakes. No one was born a master. I truly believe that what separates successful entrepreneurs from non-successful entrepreneurs is pure perseverance. I have wanted to quit millions of times but the little voice in the back of my head reminds me I would rather die of passion than of boredom.
Many new businesses make the mistake of wanting to be profitable from day one. But a business is like a baby. Expecting it to be successful right away is like expecting a 1-year-old to head off to university tomorrow. You can’t give birth to adults!
Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life…it’s a lie! You will work 25 hour days, 365 days a week. You will spend years of your life like most people won’t so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.
Where do you see your business in 5 years? Once we have gotten over the effects of the lock down.
To be honest, I am terrible when it comes to future planning. Six months from now I could be in a completely different space, mentally, spiritually and financially. In 5 years I just hope to still be living out my passion.
What is your advice to women out there wanting to start their own businesses but are too scared?
Life will only change when you become more committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone. Change and growth is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.
Tell us 2 things that are the BEST part about owning your own business and make it all worth while?
Sending out a part of myself into the world and seeing my pieces being worn or hanging in someone’s home gives me the greatest satisfaction.
Being able to explore my creativity instead of sitting behind a desk from 9 to 5 (not that there is anything wrong with that!) 🙂
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