In an inspiring episode of the “Manifesting Photographer Podcast,” host Breeanna talks with entrepreneur Hanna, who shares her journey from working a full-time human resources position to pursuing her passions in wedding planning and curated gifting. The dialogue between these two professionals unveils valuable insights into navigating career transitions, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the significance of community in the entrepreneurial world.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Community Engagement: Building relationships and seeking guidance from peers can be transformative for personal and professional growth.
• Managing Imposter Syndrome: Recognizing the commonality of imposter syndrome and finding strategies to combat it is crucial for entrepreneurs.
• The Value of Authenticity: Staying true to one’s values and passions, even in business decisions, leads to more fulfilling outcomes.

Nurturing Entrepreneurial Relationships

Building a network of supportive relationships is a key component in the entrepreneurial journey. Hanna articulates the importance of finding someone in the same business stage to exchange ideas and advice with, underlining the mantra of “community over competition.” In a world where starting from scratch can be daunting, having a go-to person for guidance or a friendly ear can make all the difference.

One of the most potent aspects of Hanna’s story is her emphasis on connecting with others who can empathize with the hurdles of entrepreneurship. “Find someone that you can relate to, ask questions, because community over competition is huge,” she says. This underpins how essential it is to cultivate a non-competitive community where shared growth is valued over individual success.

Moreover, the spirit of collaboration and support can span beyond personal connections. Social media has become an invaluable tool for entrepreneurs to share their journey, seek advice, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Tackling Imposter Syndrome Head-On

“Imposter syndrome” is a frequent companion for many entrepreneurs, including Hanna. Despite her success, she confesses, “I see wedding planners who have been in the business 5-10 years longer than me, and I just feel like, you know, will I ever be good enough?” The podcast candidly discusses the realities of this psychological pattern, where highly skilled individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud.

Hanna’s strategies for coping with imposter syndrome include consistent social media presence and a focus on authenticity rather than emulation. She rightly points out that while it can give rise to self-doubt, being present on social media is essential for business growth. Her approach of not trying to be like everyone else offers a fresh perspective and underscores the importance of carving out a unique identity in the industry.

Embracing Authenticity in Business

When it comes to her gifting business, Hanna reveals a crucial decision to re-orient her offerings to reflect her true passion. “I want to be able to use my passion for gifting,” she states, wanting to provide high-quality and thoughtful products instead of the “pancake mix” she feels compelled to sell because others do.

Businesses often fall into the trap of mimicking competitors under the guise of market needs. Hanna’s wish to focus on what she truly enjoys illustrates the significance of aligning business operations with personal values and interests. It’s about being genuine and playing to one’s strengths, which resonates more with customers and ultimately brings greater job satisfaction.

The podcast emphasizes that entrepreneurship is not merely about chasing profits but also about finding joy and fulfillment in your work. This aligns well with Hanna’s philosophy for her planning business, which is to balance quality with quantity, ensuring that she and her team can provide the best service to their clients.

Recapping Transformative Entrepreneurial Insights

From the enlightening conversation between Breeanna and Hanna, key lessons emerge that serve as beacons for entrepreneurs. The power of a supportive community cannot be overstated; it serves as a solid foundation for growth and innovation. Imposter syndrome, a familiar struggle, can be managed through proactive personal branding and maintaining a genuine presence on social media platforms. Lastly, the authenticity of one’s business approach leads to not just monetary gain but also personal fulfillment and satisfaction.

Through Hanna’s narrative, entrepreneurs are encouraged to persevere in their business ventures, fortified with the knowledge that challenges are universal but surmountable with the right mindset and support system. The path to entrepreneurial success is uniquely carved by each individual, as seen in Hanna’s journey, where honesty with oneself and commitment to passion form the cornerstones of a thriving business.

Notable Quotes:

• “Community over competition is huge, and being able to have someone that you can kind of go to for all those questions really, really helped me get to where I am.”
• “I always told myself that I wanted to wait to quit my full-time job until we had a house or until we felt more comfortable.”
• “I started the business because I loved client gifting in my wedding planning business and that’s what made me realize my true passion for gifting.”
• “I booked my first five people that inquired with me, and I thought I was set… I really didn’t have a ton of time to shadow other planners and see how they handled things on the wedding day, which is something I wish I would have done.”

Resources:

• Hanna Marie Events Website: hannamarievents.com (sign up for email list through the pop-up box for a free wedding checklist)
• Sage & River Gifting Website: sageandrivergifting.com (sign up for email list for a 15% discount on first order)

Dive into the full episode for a dose of motivation and insightful discussions that shed light on the realities of leaving a secure job to pursue a dream in the entrepreneurial world. Stay tuned for more episodes that merge the worlds of art, business, and personal growth in such a resonating way.

About the Guest:

Hanna is an accomplished professional with a diverse career background. She served in the Army National Guard as a human resources specialist, nurtured a five-year tenure at Culver’s, and completed a bachelor’s degree in business management. Recently, she transitioned from her HR role to fully dedicate herself to her entrepreneurial endeavors. Hanna is the proud owner of Hanna Marie Events, a wedding planning company, and Sage & River Gifting, a curated gift box business. She’s also a passionate dog mom and Taylor Swift fan, with a knack for decision-making and a people-pleasing persona.

BREEANNA KAY’S INSTAGRAM:  @breeannakayphotography

BREEANNA KAY’S WEBSITE: breeannakay.com

MANIFESTING PHOTOGRAPHER PODCAST SHOWNOTES:  breeannakay.com/going-fulltime