What a time to live in, to live through this future history. As a single, female, small business owner, it has been quite an OVERWHELMING time. Never before have I felt so alone, so unsure of what the future will look like, both personally and for my business.
It’s also a time for stillness and reflection. As much of my work is on hold due to the pandemic, I, as well as most of us around the world, have had ample time to contemplate the world around us, like it or not. What direction do I want Hyacinth Orange to go in? How can we evolve as a business? How do I envision my future both personally and in business? How can I show up more fully in all areas of my life? How can myself and my business be of more support to my community?
On top of being female and owning my own business, I also identify as WHITE. The ongoing BLACK LIVES MATTER protests in outrage of police brutality and the systemic inequities for people of color, has brought to my attention, more clearly than ever, the many privileges the color of my skin has bestowed upon me.
Despite my business being on hold and making far less income than I am accustomed too, I am safe and healthy, have plenty of food and am able to pay my rent. I feel so blessed, but I also am compelled to figure out ways to give back, to be of service to the Portland community, to offset the privilege I was born with and to answer my hearts call to connect.
One way I am starting with is by donating a percentage of sales to two non-profits, Don’t Shoot PDX & Growing Gardens, in Portland whose work I believe emphasizes the urgent needs to protect BIPOC folks and our environment. Check them out! I am also intent on physically volunteering as soon as I safely can. As an entrepreneur, I used to feel so stressed with general life-management plus managing multiple small businesses, that I felt I barely had time to breathe, let alone volunteer.
I realize now, much of that overwhelm came from time management and task management. Throughout the pandemic I have been working on following a daily routine which focuses on self care and movement, better workflow organization to my day, using technology and apps to assist in juggling many tasks and thinking of ways to pivot my floral and botanic business to better reflect the current times. I will write a future post on what specific apps I’m using and what my daily routine consists of, for those interested.
As far as pivoting, I’ve decided to launch a houseplant and bouquet subscription service, market my Portland plantscaping services for businesses more intensely, branch out into very adventurous elopement packages for couples who want to keep it small and GO BIG collaborating with other vendors for photoshoots and business opportunities. I’m actually really excited!
Even in times of immense uncertainty and grief, there is always stillness within our souls that we can tap into when we need a break, when we need to come back to what matters. In 2020, I’ve had the privilege to be able to embrace this slowdown and really focus on improving both myself and my business. I can feel the stirring of a new consciousness on the rise and it feels wonderful to be a part of this change. Never forget, ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE!
XO
Sera