The Evolution of An Early Entrepreneur

Photo by Ember Media

You know the feeling - it starts with a new and exciting idea during your morning shower “Oou! I have a brilliant business idea!” Then you fall into the Next Step Abyss, “all I need to do now is start a website. Shoot! I can’t build a website until I have a logo. Where do I even start with designing one? Maybe I’ll launch my Instagram page instead. What do I talk about?”

Before you reach the lather and repeat steps in your hair care routine, exhaustion hits. And your only next step is taking an afternoon nap. 

Transforming your passion into a profitable business is packaged with a new species of doubt. These creepy crawlers are everywhere! And you have one job: stop them from spinning a web of self-sabotaging lies. You are capable and worthy of designing a meaningful business and life!

“amidst this pandemic and stay-at-home order, I poured all of my time and energy into growing that business venture”

Fighting self-doubt is like a war scene from Starship Troopers!

Don’t get the reference? Imagine a close friend who always has something negative to say. She knows all of your deepest, darkest secrets and uses every negative trigger to stop you from trying. Yuck, right? But there’ll be a day you tell her to sit down and shut it. And when that day comes, you’ll embrace your story and share your journey with the world. Take Leila’s story, for example.

“I now have the opportunity to work on projects that are meaningful to me on my own schedule, investing my energy into manifesting my vision, rather than building someone else’s.”

Leila Jaffuel joined as an Oak + Pine Incubator Member before her passion transformed into a full-blown business. “I’ve taken on occasional freelance projects in recent years, but I didn’t really develop Ember Media until 2020 began,” she said. “I saw an opportunity to provide marketing services to businesses I already love to support, and amidst this pandemic and stay-at-home order, I poured all of my time and energy into growing that business venture.”

In this blog post, Leila shares her experience overcoming self-sabotaging cobwebs and leaping into a new adventure as an early entrepreneur. 

Leila Jaffuel, Founder and Owner of Ember Media

Michelle: How long were you thinking about starting your biz? What was the tipping point?

Leila: I’ve dreamt of starting my own business for several years, but I never imagined it would replace my 9-5. At most, I thought this venture might be a passion project, creative outlet, or side hustle. This pandemic has truly been a catalyst in helping me realize that your passion project can absolutely be your main source of income. Even though our current economic climate forced me to evolve this dream out of necessity, that’s no less reason to celebrate it. I now have the opportunity to work on projects that are meaningful to me on my own schedule, investing my energy into manifesting my vision, rather than building someone else’s.  

Michelle: What was your biggest fear before you launched and how did you overcome it?

Leila: Self-doubt was a huge obstacle for me. I’d heard the term “Imposter Syndrome” several times, but didn’t actually learn the meaning until earlier this year and it resonated with my own limiting beliefs. My fear of failure held me back from publishing my work, pursuing potential clients and charging for my services. In reality, I was always my own worst critic! The first step to overcoming it was simply recognizing what was happening and becoming more self-aware. To avoid self-sabotage, I made a conscious effort to observe and shift that inner-dialogue. This was actually something many members echoed in our mastermind meetings. Realizing other brilliant talented women that I admired were facing the same insecurities was a form of therapy in itself.  

Michelle: Share how you've incorporated skills learned from your personal and professional life into your business.

Leila: In my previous position as a marketing manager and within my personal circle, I’ve experienced the value of a strong brand identity and authentic storytelling. Social media and digital channels provide platforms for brands to connect and engage with their audience in more ways than ever before. Unfortunately, a lot of small businesses, mom and pop shops, locally owned restaurants and charitable organizations have little to no online presence. But let’s face it—when we discover local businesses or mission-driven organizations online, many of us are eager to follow, like, share and support in any way we can! By offering affordable services to build their online community and to educate business owners about these resources I also believe we can support a more sustainable local economy. 

“it was the day that I stopped thinking of Ember Media as a passion project or hobby and started to acknowledge it’s true potential!”

Michelle: What's your biggest win so far?

Leila: Honestly, there was an entire week that felt like a win! I felt pressured (in a good way) by inquiries from prospective clients to further develop my website and to clarify our services. In a single day, I went from publishing my price list and packages to signing on my first client. That was an extremely busy week for me and it was the day that I stopped thinking of Ember Media as a passion project or hobby and started to acknowledge it’s true potential! I’ve been really amazed by the amount of support, referrals and encouragement I’ve received since then, especially in these early stages of launching. People from different aspects of my life have gone out of their way to spread the word and to share their experiences from working with me in the past. 

Michelle: Tell us about Ember Media!

Leila: Ember Media is a creative agency that provides curated storytelling and strategic marketing solutions to elevate your brand identity and build your online community. By integrating data-driven strategies, compelling copy, and bold visual pieces, we can amplify your brand’s reach and generate meaningful engagements with your audience across all digital platforms.

Leila’s story is refreshing to hear and a powerful reminder that the only person in your way is yourself. Everyone else will conspire to make your vision come to life. The Oak + Pine Society creates a safe environment to nurture your business idea. Let me ask you this. When you think about your dream life and business, what do you feel? Excitement. Empowerment. Energy! Hold on to those feelings, and keep watering that seed.

If you’re looking for a safe environment, join us as an Oak + Pine Incubator Member when doors open. Surround yourself with like-minded women who are in the early stages of entrepreneurship, just like you!