Doing What Scares You: A Journey Toward Growth

As I write this at the end of January 2025, I find myself reflecting on this chilly, sunny day in Southern Oregon. It’s the kind of rare winter day where I can take a long walk by my favorite pond, listening to the sounds of geese, ducks, and cheerful birds. These moments allow me to pause, breathe deeply, and let inspiration flow.

Today, I want to share something that’s been on my heart: doing things that scare you. I’m not talking about putting yourself in danger, but about taking leaps of faith. You've likely heard it before: “Put yourself in the room you want to be in. Sit at the table you want to be at.” A little over a year ago, I finally took that advice, and it has been transformative.

Putting Myself in the Room

In late 2023, I joined a local economic development group for a community I deeply admire. Networking has always intimidated me. As a more reserved person, it’s ironic that I’ve chosen a career path that thrives on connection and sharing. But my passion for small businesses and community outweighed my hesitation.

Through this group, I met incredible people at different stages of their lives and businesses, all working to navigate the complexities of family, work, and entrepreneurship. This connection led me to an exciting opportunity: finding a beautiful historic building that checked off every box for a long-held dream of mine.

Building a Business That made Me nervous

For years, I had envisioned creating a hub—a space where people could rent by the hour or enjoy memberships for photography, video production, workshops, events, vendor markets and more. When I discovered the building, I hesitated. It needed new floors, and I wasn’t sure if my idea would resonate with the owner. But I took the leap and proposed my vision, along with plans to renovate the floors.

The owner responded enthusiastically, and before I knew it, I had signed the lease, registered a new business, and begun setting up shop. That sinking feeling of fear hit me hard in the days that followed. Declaring my plans to the world made it real, and I knew there was no turning back.

We opened the studio in April 2024, even though it was far from ideal timing. I worried about the risks and the possibility of failure. But by fall, the space started booking for rentals consistently, and the positive feedback from the community fueled my motivation. Hosting pop-up markets, participating in events like the Sip, Shop, Stroll, and Stay, and collaborating with other small businesses made the studio everything I had dreamed of and more. You can check out the space here!

Taking More Leaps

The theme of doing what scares me continued into the new year. In December, I reached out to a local wedding expo long past their booth registration deadline. To my surprise, they had a last-minute cancellation and offered me a spot. It was a perfect opportunity to connect with other small businesses and share my vision with new audiences.

Most recently, I joined the local Chamber of Commerce for my new business. During a meeting with their executive director, I was able to showcase my space and brainstorm potential collaborations. This conversation reignited my excitement for another aspect of my work: helping small businesses with marketing and brand strategy.

Overcoming Fear

Every step of this journey—from signing the lease to starting a new Instagram account for the studio—has been marked by fear. But I’ve learned that fear and imposter syndrome can either paralyze us or propel us forward. It’s all about how we respond.

So, I challenge you: What’s on your heart? What dream feels just out of reach? What’s holding you back from taking the next step or asking for help?

Fear is natural, but growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. Whether it’s reaching out to a mentor, starting that project that you’ve been dreaming about, or joining a group that intimidates you, the courage to take that leap can lead to incredible opportunities.

Let this be the year you choose to act, even if it terrifies you. You might be surprised at what you can accomplish.

Want to receive occasional, encouraging and time efficient insights to inspire you during your small business journey? Sign up for the email list here!