This Wednesday, June 1, 2022, is a fairly momentous day for me. It marks ten years since I first became a solopreneur. Data shows that 70% of US businesses fail before they reach the ten-year mark, so I do have something to celebrate.
As I pondered how I would celebrate, I thought I would give thanks. Although I am a solopreneur, I do not work in a vacuum. If I didn’t have clients, there would be no work to do. So, I give thanks for all the people and organizations that I’ve worked with over the past ten years. If I didn’t have a support network of professionals upholding me in everything ranging from website assistance to my own spiritual director, I wouldn’t be able to sustain this work. If I didn’t have family and friends who believed in me, I could not have imagined taking the plunge.
As I have spent time giving thanks, one particular person came to mind. She is just one example of many I could have shared. She was a colleague of mine as I was preparing to leave my job and become a freelance contractor. She supported me by helping design my first logos for Embodied Prayer (pictured above, which I still use today, though the color palette has changed to match my other logos) and Communication Clarified. She knew how to use design programs and was willing to give of her time, energy, and creativity to support my fledgling business in this small, but important, way. I am grateful to her, and so many others who have helped me along the path.
As I mark ten years doing this work, some things have changed while others have stayed the same. Embodied Prayer is a very small subset of the spiritual work that I do today, while Communication Clarified continues to be a primary source of income and inspiration. I could not have imagined, ten years ago, that I would be on the leadership team of a spiritual directors training program. I also had no idea about all the marvelous people I would meet and learn from as I worked to support their endeavors and invigorate their ministries.
It’s an honor to be doing this work of editing, writing, spiritual guidance, and retreat leadership. I am grateful, in a time when so many are struggling to find jobs with a living wage, that I am able, as Henry likes to say, to keep him in retirement. I’m also glad to talk with others who are just embarking on the solopreneur journey, to share my experience and support them as a way to give back to the broader contractor community.
I invite you today to pray for all those who are starting businesses in these turbulent times. Pray also for how you might support, in large ways and small, those you know personally who are embarking on something new. Thank you!
What a dear piece, Shirin, acknowledging and celebrating you, your work, your colleagues, and clients. Just before I began the first part of my morning practice today, I thought how important and wonderful to have longtime supportive friends, colleagues, and clients. How 4-two-at us to now be reading your piece! Thank you.
P.S. I also fully read your Communication Clarified page. Wow. Good for you and for all with whom you work.
Thank you, Joy. I am grateful for you joining me in this celebration. Yes, it has been a good journey for me and those with whom I work.
Peace,
Shirin
Congratulations, Shirin, on pursuing your dream and creating a success! Yes, it’s with the support of others, too, but you listened to the call and responded and the universe opened up. This is a wonderful example for others about hearing their inner calls and taking the leap to their dreams, with supportive relationships along the way, trusting each step. Many more blessings on the years ahead as you edify others with your talents and “directed drive.”
Thank you, Sally. Yes, it is necessary to listen for the call and take the leap. Thank you for the blessings, for myself and all who will work with me in the future!
Peace,
Shirin
This is so inspiring… To read your story. To imagine the risks you took, the support you had, and now the look back at 10 years and the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. I celebrate with you and for you! And wish you many more unexpected and blessed opportunities!
Thank you, Cheryl, for joining me in this celebration. I am grateful for the good wishes for the future.
Peace,
Shirin
Dear Shirin,
We are so proud of your professional and business development! Since your grandfather was nearly always a small businessman, and your uncle ran a small business which supported our mother, there may be some beneficial genetic influence going on?? Your ability to grow and change with circumstances is impressive. We wish you continued success and personal fulfillment.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for the reminder of the importance of family in both providing role models and supporting our dreams. I am grateful for your support!
Love,
Shirin
Congratulations, Shirin! That’s an inspiration for me on my writing and editing journey!
Thank you, Shea. I’m glad to inspire you!
Peace,
Shirin
Thank you Shirin for what you bring to all of us. You are amazing and I am blessed to know you.
You’re welcome, Carol, and thank you. It’s a blessing to know you as well.
Peace,
Shirin
Congratulations, Shirin!
Thank you, Rosana!
Shirin
Congratulations Shirin – it’s quite the journey isn’t it?
Trusting… discerning… sometimes even making mistakes! LOL.
How good it is to listen to the call and have the courage to respond.
Yes it is, Damien. I’m so glad to have the opportunity to work with people like you on this journey, mistakes and all!
Peace,
Shirin