Tis the Season of a Mom Boss
I am feeling a bit nostalgic & grateful about being a Mom Boss and the holiday season. I was on a call as we plan for the Holidays, and November in my business is the best month, so that anticipation is in the air, it awakens that holiday feel, these feelings that are so much stronger (and lighter) than the fear in the world today, and the uncertainty we all live in. Business has evolved quite a bit over the years (and now 2 decades), however, the essence, feeling and spirit of the season is what remains the same, its simply about joy, presence, celebration, generosity, caring, sharing and love.
My first holiday season in my home based business was back in 2002 (18 years ago)—I remember ordering the holiday sets that my company offered, and feeling excited about the season ahead. I can still picture my dining room table (4 houses ago), filled with mini products, bath products and the ribbon, gift boxes/baskets I purchased, cellophane wrap and while I am not crafty, I love great presentation and I was excited to create gift items and celebrate the season in business (I called it my Santa’s Workshop). It was a festive time and a reminder that I really was a Mom in Business (at a time when not many were)—I loved that feeling then and I love that feeling now. I vividly remember my toddlers racing around that dining table, and the reality of my life, I was home taking care of them (and my baby) and I was a Mom with a small business and a big dream—little did I know at that time I would leverage this business as a career path for 2 decades, succeed beyond my wildest dreams just a few years later and further go on to establish living HIPP—empowering women to own their lives.
In those early years, I learned a lot about business in terms of the importance of leadership, mindset, attitude and consistency—yes there was product training and sales ideas, but those are black and white to me, the lessons are really on how to build a better version of yourself through the platform of this business. I will never forget these sea salt scrubs showing up with the oils leaking (my former corporate attitude demanded that was unacceptable), however, successful leaders in the company taught us how to manage it, and how a paper towel and better attitude fixed everything (I quickly learned the power of positive leadership and how to navigate challenges) it was then that I truly began my journey in personal development. I was exposed to leadership lessons and examples that shaped my ability to not only lead but to develop leaders around me. These lessons spilled in to my life in the most profound and positive way, it’s not about what happens, it truly is about how we respond to it (applies to every area of our lives). I had my disappointments that season like getting my holiday open house ready with tons of no shows, or that time I left my order forms at home at a holiday boutique—I learned to embrace the imperfection of the business and the imperfections of myself, I was not growing because everything was great, I was growing because I was trusting the process, deciding to learn from those that have done this and to embrace a positive mindset and leadership.
I think back to each holiday season and how it was exciting to grow my team, share the holiday experience with others, and share my spirit and love for the holidays. There is nothing like family traditions, decking the halls, the smell of the season, the glistening lights and music filling my heart and home, I love the season and all it offers. At my most successful time in business I can remember hosting top leaders at my home a few weeks before Thanksgiving, a fire going, fabulous feeling and spirit among us as we celebrated the season, inspired one another, and then had leadership training and a luncheon. I will never forget the vibe of that event, and how I merged the feeling in my home, with the spirited feeling of my leadership team, it was magical. Over the years I have always hosted some team members in my home, I love nothing more than to open my heart and home to my team, and I do so each year. In my company today, there is so much giving, there is so much to share, and the holiday retail experience is an even greater experience because it truly is our best time, when we offer gifting be it corporate, friends, teachers, family, there truly is something for everyone!
This year I won’t be hosting a gathering and it will be different because of the Pandemic, but I have to say, the feeling that emerges, the spirit of my love for the holidays is as strong and present as ever.
Beyond the amazing gift options we share each year, a gift in this business resides in my heart, and it is what I love most about the season and being a Mom Boss, yes, those toddlers are off at college, and that 6 month old baby from my first season is now a Senior in High School. I have had many seasons of the holidays, and while I have never been a top seller (that is just not my thing), I have always been a top leader, the voice that influences others to shine bright this season.
I am grateful for so much, and these are a few of my favorite things….
—I love the holiday products each year, I get myself a set to enjoy and indulge in.
—I love having an escape during the holiday season, this work is fun & exciting!
—I love to give my friends & family our gift sets each year, always extra love put in to it
—I love being in my home, Christmas music playing, and deciding on gift sets on my list
—I love sending my clients a small gift, such gratitude for their business
—I love sending team members gifts during the season, I love to recognize these women
—I love the spirit of the season, the glow, the hustle and the peace all in one, it is all there
—I love the generosity of others, the sharing of ideas, the positive spirit that exists
—I love celebrating the season virtually with friends across the country and Canada
—I love all the gifts (these are not just products) they are the feeling of empowerment
I am a person that loves the Holiday season, I love Christmas and this is where I merge my business with my spirit, and even try and influence a Grinch or two that could use some holiday cheer. My Eighteenth Holiday Season being a Mom Boss, while I have had my own business and have always enjoyed this season, my spirit of the holidays and season pour in to my business and team, it is my spirit that resides in this time, while it is business, it is far more magical, and far more meaningful. I am in awe of the journey back in my mind, all the lessons and all the love, I am so very grateful for each season, and I look to this season with anticipation, hope and most of all, sharing it with my friends and colleagues.
So, for the Mom Boss reading this…. In addition to the great selling ideas and tips from your company, be sure to let your spirit soar in the season you are in! Your spirit, energy, attitude and role can grow this season. When the product shows up either damaged or an order did not arrive in time, don’t dwell on it, take the opportunity to work on your spirit, make the decision to be the best consultant on your team (meaning not only by performance, but also leadership, attitude & a positive spirit). The season offers so much, and being spirited in the season and in your business will allow you to enjoy it, build memories and truly receive the gift of the business and this season which is love.
Lead your business and life with love, put it in to all you do, let go off the small things, don’t harp on the details, just be present, be positive, and allow your spirit to soar this season and beyond.
Join me, in 2020 to make it our HIPPest season yet. Yes, there is a Pandemic which changes things, but what will not change is our attitude, our spirit, our determination and the gifts we have been given, this gift of a business this season, lets build more memories and celebrate the season together! XO