07/31/2026
found a pic of dust & I in the courtyard at market right after we bought little light. that bun in my belly turns 10 next month. how? 😭❤️
something I’ve become increasingly thankful for are all the other business owners I’ve met over the years. so many different people, backgrounds, personalities, so many different stories. one thing we all have in common is a “why”. the why may be different, the methods & outcomes too but each one has a why burning in their heart & each one works harder than you know to see it to fruition. whether they post a ton or aren’t on here at all, have a store front or an online biz, started from the ground up, bought or inherited, have big plans for expansion or are happy with small & slow.. i have not met a single one who does not pour out an abundance of time, energy & heart. some are crushing it & some are struggling to keep the doors open. after 10 years (over 20 for Dust & his biz) we’ve been on both ends (all relative to what your definition of “crushing it” is ofc 😆) & mostly reside somewhere in the middle. something i’m continually being reminded of.. clap for the ones thriving & encourage the ones struggling. clap louder when you feel comparison creeping in. thank God for their success & ask Him to increase it. lift up, edify, encourage & share the wisdom/experience you have with those struggling (& the ones crushing it!) ask for wisdom & experience from those around you. habits that guard & free your heart from jealousy & pride & invite you to reap the benefits of a true “community over competition”// Kingdom mentality. when you view the people around you as dream carriers & image bearers, it expands your vision & your heart. it can be so easy to let junk creep in, especially when you’re struggling or can’t see the next steps. speaking from experience, always always.
we are being formed daily..for the good, or not. you have more influence than you realize..for the good, or not. guard your heart, guard your mouth so that you can be radically & authentically generous with both. reminders (for me mostly) on repeat. i SEE all of YOU amazing small business owners out there & I am so proud of you👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽