Hi Christina,

Thank you so much for your comment! I apologize for the site coming off too “fluffy.” My story and beginning full-time is certainly not fluffy, but over the course of making under, I have grown a lot and learned to trust in the process- which has helped me get through difficulties with less strife than before. That said, part of me has kept certain difficulties from the blog for the following reasons:

- When difficulties arise that have to do with my biracial relationship, personal conflicts with friends or family, or with people in business, I do not find integrity in airing those complaints. There are a lot of things I wish could be different in relationships, but since no one asked to be mentioned on the blog, let alone discussed in a negative light, I refrain from mentioning the situations.

- When difficulties arise in my current business, I feel it is unproductive to dwell (too much) on hardships personally or on the blog. I prefer to learn the lesson that comes from the situation and then share that meaning on MML. In addition, I personally am working to truly take the quote I shared by Godin today, “Stuff happens. We dance with it. The better and happier you dance, the better you do.” seriously.

- And lastly, I’ve hesitated to share some harsh realities of the past when starting the business, because I though some readers might get angry because their situations are not the same. The No Plan B is a great example. This was a huge lesson for me when I was 23, and helped me become successful today. I think many people can benefit from hearing it. But I also know a lot of readers are mothers with kids (aka: more responsibility), mortgages, and a million reasons on why they can’t take a “No Plan B” course of action. So I have in the past stayed away from these topics. However, I am encouraged by your comment and others, to be able to honestly share my story without fear of reproach.

I hope this gives you a better idea of my life and perspective and I look forward to hearing from you.

Have a great day,
Jess!

@ All: Of course as you know, I usually send personal emails, so check your inboxes! I did feel that Christina’s comment warranted discussion here on MML, so I shared my response above.

I am also an all-or-nothing type and I work in the world of politics where there is always a new project or deadline, but the constant go-go-go burns you out (or gives you panic attacks) in no time unless you learn to breathe and slow down.

Another way to think about it is, “How do you eat an elephant?”

“One bite at a time.”

I think we all go through those ups and downs, so its refreshing to see someone that has traveled through her own “trough of sorrow” and did not quit.

I ended up buying two things, which, by the way, I never do. I rarely buy jewelry. But, come on! Your aesthetic is just so simple and beautiful.

Good for you and not having a Plan B. This venture is going to go big!

I think middle ground is good as you run your business, knowing that things are not always going to be super successful, but, by not having a Plan B, you are forced to live those times, rather than defaulting back to your safe Day Job. I’ve been thinking so much about this lately and I’m encouraged by what you say here.

It’s so amazing that you stuck it out and lived to tell the story. It’s very commendable!