Recognizing when you need help in your business
Growth looks different to everyone, but I challenge the idea that you should do it alone. Technology made it possible for solopreneurs to scale multi-million dollar businesses. Still, there’s a better, funnier, quicker way to build a successful business.
Community, collaboration, creativity, and fun are the seeds of the Oak + Pine Brand and became our foundation based on personal experience.
I decided to launch and share my journey on Instagram in 2018 with one huge problem, I had no idea what I was doing. “Who cares,” said ambitious and slightly naive Michelle. “I’ll figure it out. Now, what to talk about?”
You know the feeling. Your vision is crystal clear, but when it comes to explaining it, you morph into a five-year-old sharing about her imaginary friend, Mindy. So with nothing clear enough to talk about with my 25 Instagram followers, I decided to create something to talk about by wearing a uniform for 30-days.
Everything at that time felt so minuscule. Little did I know that showing up for the growing Oak + Pine community -- getting in front of the camera, sharing my thoughts, and having fun -- was one of two reasons for Oak + Pine’s growth and success.
The entrepreneurial journey requires you to dig deep, untangle your mess, and energize parts of yourself that contribute to your vision. Meaningful lives demand authenticity, and successful businesses require genuine inspiration.
*Peanut gallery in the back* screams, “English, please!”
Translation: It’s a long, challenging road ahead. So as you walk that yellow brick road, keep your eyes peeled for The Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, Dorthy.
So what’s the second reason for Oak + Pine’s growth?
We’re taking the long road home for this one but sit tight. It’s worth it. Let’s take a trip down the last two years of Oak + Pine.
In 2019, Oak + Pine was stagnant for 7-months straight until I let others in. A lesson I should’ve learned the year prior.
The first collaboration was for my first workshop on November 7th 2018, BETA Vision + Vibes Workshop. (Note: the conviction in BETA). Altagrace Hunt, an old co-work, and my mentor Sarah Guay were my sounding board. They gave me the confidence to design a workshop supporting women, even when I didn’t feel like an expert in anything. I thought this event would catapult me to the next level, but I failed to see the lesson.
So needless to say, 2019 was a shitshow. Canceling all scheduled events, losing brand clients, and an abrupt stop in my steady income source, I was nose-diving into the black hole of self-pity. But then I got an email from Carol Surban. “I’ll be in town in October? Are you hosting an Oak + Pine event at that time?” Optimistic Michelle took over the keyboard before I could say “OMG-never-again,” Carol had an email with the big fat letters “Y-E-S” in it.
As I canceled my events that year, so did a few other people in my new and developing local entrepreneurs circle. And all of the sudden, a calm yet quiet voice reminded me that we’re better together.
Aha “Let’s collaborate!”
By the end of the day, Carol Surban, Mal Holcomb-Botts, Sarah Del Castillo, Chelsea Stratso all agreed to an all-day conference. Shortly after, Chavah Grant and Camille Heung joined the party. The moment these women said, “Y-E-S,” Stella got her groove back, and I fell back in love with my vision.
Together, on October 12, 2019, we hosted an all-day conference called The Self-Made Summit. With fifty guests, five workshops, and a fantastic brunch, it was the perfect day. And Oak + Pine stepped into the identity of an Event Company for female entrepreneurs. This gave me the momentum to accomplish The Mindset Summit, Aloha Dreamboard Collaboration, and a 3-Day Online Retreat.
But then 2020 said, “JK.”
The world came to a screeching halt. No events. No gatherings. Lost momentum.
At the end of Oak + Pine’s one year mark from our official launch in November 2018, it started to feel like my vision was impossible. After the grief settled and I realized we can build this community today if we just got creative.
So I looked 2020 right in the eye and said, “watch me.”
That’s when Oak + Pine evolved from an in-person event company to an online membership; where we remain true to the Oak + Pine vision. And just like that, I was no longer 5-year-old Michelle talking about Mindy. I was an empowered entrepreneur who decided to show up on Instagram and share the Oak + Pine vision.
Our vision is to empower women through entrepreneurship. We create opportunities so you can design life on your own terms.
The Oak + Pine Society doors opened welcoming seven, then twenty-four, then forty-one, now fifty members during a global pandemic!
We got creative as a Society throughout the year. Together we launched:
the 3-month Self Care subscription box
an online resource with on-demand workshops and monthly mentor training
an online community where we support and hold each other accountable through these uncertain times.
So if it’s not obvious yet, I’ll say it again.
Community, collaboration, creativity, and fun are the seeds of the Oak + Pine Brand. Empowerment is everything but a feeling - it’s a lifestyle, commitment, support from those on the journey with you. That’s what empowerment means to our community.
As I continue to share this experience with you, I’m excited to announce a new Oak + Pine milestone.
Taking inventory of what is asked of me, I can’t provide the same value and service level to our community without feeling burning out. To keep the vision alive and momentum high, I’ve pushed my ego aside and sought help.
Now, the Oak + Pine internal team is growing! I’m so happy to introduce you to our Marketing Assistant, Janell Agcaoili, and Leka Kiner-Falefa, who is our Community Engagement Assistant.
Take it from someone who attempted to build a business independently. There’s a better, funnier, quicker way to build your business. And it starts with our Oak + Pine Society.
If you’re ready to join us, click here to see if our membership doors are open. Or if you need more time to get to know us, click here to join our FREE Online Challenge Community.
I’ll see you online!
Michelle