The Hour That Changed My Business Forever

Jan 13

There’s a moment I come back to often, a quiet hour that etched itself into the foundation of everything I’ve built since. I’d signed up for a homeschool conference in Portland, excited but nervous. I’d left early, worried about traffic, and found myself with a pocket of time before the event began. The conference was held at McMenamins Kennedy School, a quirky, converted building with a restaurant tucked inside. I decided to sit down for a burger and fries, something I rarely did alone in those days.

For an hour, I was free from the pulls of motherhood and the weight of an unraveling relationship. It was just me, my meal, and a blank page in my journal. As I ate, I began sketching ideas for what I wanted to call Studio Blue 27—a name born from quiet dreams of creating a design studio that would serve small businesses and entrepreneurs like me. I imagined the lives I’d touch, the creativity I’d pour into each project, and the independence it would bring. That hour was a moment of clarity, but also a decision: this was what I wanted to do.

Just not yet.

Readiness isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you create through action.

The Quiet Before the Storm

I told myself I’d wait. My kids were two and six at the time, my spouse worked long hours, and I was stretched thin managing a home. Life was already a delicate balancing act, and launching a business seemed like a dream best saved for later—when my youngest was in school, when I had more time, more skills, more certainty. But life, as it often does, had other plans.

By the time my son was four, I was a single mom. The timeline I’d imagined was shattered, replaced by a reality that required immediate action. I didn’t feel ready—not even close—but I knew that waiting any longer wasn’t an option. If I wanted to create the life I had dreamed of during that quiet hour at McMenamins, I had to start, imperfect as I was.

The Myth of Readiness

We’ve been taught that readiness is a prerequisite for success. That before you take the leap, you need to have every detail perfectly planned, every skill honed, every doubt erased. But here’s what I’ve learned: readiness isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you create through action.

When I started, I didn’t have a polished portfolio or years of professional experience. I had a passion for design and a determination to make it work. I began building websites on WordPress and Squarespace, charging $100 for logos and $500 for websites. My first clients came from Facebook groups, and I fumbled my way through projects, learning as I went. Every mistake was a lesson, every imperfect launch a step closer to the business I dreamed of.

Embracing Imperfection

Entrepreneurship isn’t about having a perfectly laid-out plan; it’s about adapting, learning, and growing. It’s an adventure, one that’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply rewarding. Each stumble teaches you something valuable. Each unexpected turn shapes your path. Without the imperfections, there’s no story worth telling, no journey worth taking.

For too long, I let the fear of imperfection hold me back. But when I finally chose to start—to take that first messy step—I discovered a strength I didn’t know I had. I found clarity through action, confidence through experience, and momentum through each small, imperfect step forward.

Tools to Lighten the Load

Starting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Whether you’re taking your first steps or refining what you’ve already built, there are tools and resources to support you. That’s why I created my Studio Day Pass—a one-day intensive where we work together to build a fully designed, functional website. By the end of the day, you’ll have a foundation you can confidently share with the world, no more waiting or second-guessing.

For those who prefer a do-it-yourself approach, my Web Template Shop offers beautiful, user-friendly designs that make launching your site simple and approachable. These resources are here to remind you that starting doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to begin.

The Power of Starting Now

I often think back to that quiet hour at McMenamins, my journal open, my dreams taking shape on the page. That moment was significant, but it wasn’t the act of dreaming that changed my life—it was the decision to start, even when the timing felt off, even when I didn’t feel ready.

If you’ve been holding onto a dream, waiting for the perfect time, let me be the voice that tells you: there is no perfect time. But there is now. Take the first step. Let it be messy, let it be imperfect, but let it be yours. Your future self will thank you for the courage to begin.

Hi, I'm Beth, the creative behind Bravely Inspired.

I help ambitions business owners craft their stunning and strategic online presence. I believe in life-first business and I design websites and branding that reflect your vision, values.

Dreaming of a beautiful online space? Let's create it together!

BOOK A FREE CALL