THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY

This is Mary, she is one of my best friends. You see, Mary is not just a friend but an inspiration and I figured if she inspired me she may inspire you as well.  Ten years ago Mary's handbag design business came to a screeching halt, she had officially tapped out of resources and found herself in a predicament where she knew the handbags weren't her passion any longer. With her savings depleted and a heavy heart she took time to re-group. Mary didn't sit on her bum and wallow in her less than desirable situation, nope, she got up brushed herself off and got herself a job tending bar so she could have some income and figure out her next move.  Mary was 38 years old.

Going from a business owner to a bartender would have crushed most people's spirits--not Mary.  She kept an open mind and talked to many people to find out what she would do next.  A mutual friend came to the bar one night, she owned  a jewelry line and Mary set out to sell it. The line took off and other designers came knocking on her door. Mary now owns one of the most successful accessory showrooms on the West Coast (my mom says, "it is so beautiful--it looks like a hotel"). Mary just came back from a 5 week vacation off the coasts of France, Italy and Spain where she treated herself to much deserved 5 star hotels. I am not writing this to brag about how successful Mary is but to give you a bit of unsolicited advice, take it or leave it, but I thought you may be interested as I was:

1. Sometimes you may pursue your dream and find out that once you get there it's not where you want to be at all--Know that it's okay, there's nothing wrong with you. 
2. Be willing to change.
3. Know that you might have to take 2 steps back in order to move forward. Don't fear the set back, but fear stagnation. Keep moving!
4. Research. Talk to LOT'S of individuals to find out what they do--what they like about it, what they don't like. Don't be afraid.  People truly enjoy talking about their careers (yes good and bad).
5. Get a clear grasp on what YOU like and what is a deal breaker. Mary loved accessories and people, she wanted to be her own boss and wanted the sky is the limit on what she could earn. Write down what you want.
6. Envision your perfect environment.  Mary said she didn't want to be stuck in an office but if she was in one she wanted it to be light and bright.  She accomplished that.

I know that Mary's story and her 'can-do' attitude have motivated me on many occasions.  I don't think I would have pursued my love of the interior design industry if it weren't for her, granted it turned out to be something that isn't for me but at least I can say I tried and I won't go through life thinking I 'should of, could of, would of...' I hope she can inspire one of you today as well.