Decide today that you will not give up on your dreams. Press forward and know that you were anointed and blessed with so many opportunities. Each and every one of us is given a gift from the Lord that he wants us to pursue and live out for Him. Are you pursing the Lord's plan in your life?
Let's have an honesty hour. Awhile back, I found some really negative things being said about my business...
'You'll never succeed in this line of business'
'Karma is going to get you one day'
'You are too young, naive, and immature'
'You do not have any business sense and will never succeed'
'There is no way you funded this business on your own. Just go running to mommy and daddy when you need some more money.'
'I hope they teach you business ethics in college'
Those are only a few of the lesser harsh things that people wrote about myself and my business. This crushed me. The way I look at things, I wish everyone the best with whatever they are doing, even other people in the same line of business as myself. I love seeing the success of others. In fact, I often try to encourage others to move forward with their plans and always offer help when they need it. I could not believe the jealousy and hate people had towards the success of my business.
All of this negativity halted me. I questioned whether or not this was the right thing and if it was the Lord's will for my life to be a business owner. Now I know there will always, always, ALWAYS be people there waiting to see you fall or wanting to see you fail, but this was different. There was so many mean things said that it caused me to toss and turn at night wondering if this was what I was really supposed to be doing with my life. So I prayed.
I'm sure some of you have heard the quote:
The Lord answers all questions with three answers.
1. Yes
2. Not now
3. I have something better in mind
Well let me tell ya, the Lord definitely answered with a giant YESSS!!!! And how do I know? He has blessed me with so many new and awesome opportunities since those things were said. Since then, Revive products have expanded into 4 new stores, and I am getting wholesale requests everyday. I was also blessed with a feature on Seventeen.com as well as being introduced to a bunch of people who are SO encouraging and want to help me seek out the success of my business. The positives outweigh the negatives in a giant way. That's how I know.
The Lord's love for each and every single person on this planet never ever ceases to amaze me. Even when you have doubted yourself, pushed him away, or did something you think could never be forgiven, He has already forgiven it! Everyday I wake up feeling like the Lord has just given my a giant hug and said, "Oh hello and good morning my child! What success and good things I have planned for you today." Literally, there is no other feeling quite like the joy I get from experiencing that.
So take the time today to decide to press forward with all of your dreams and plans, for you would not have those dreams and plans if it was not for the Lord.
My new 'Merica officially launched two days ago! People really seem to like the new lemon-rosemary-mint scented soap quite a bit! Looks like I am going to need to make another batch soon.
You can pick up a bar on our website here: http://www.reviveyourbath.com/merica.html
Hope everyone has a Reviving Tuesday!
Caitlin
So proud of you, Caitlin. You're such an inspiration to so many.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI cried reading this and you will never know how it has touched me. My sister and I experienced something difficult yesterday and it had us rethinking our own business. Somehow the Lord gave me the grace and wisdom to not let the negativity impact me but continue to move forward. We too ask the Lord whether He wants us to succeed or in what capacity He wants us to move forward. We love what we do but are also open to other possibilities He may have in store for us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that you've had negative criticism as well. I have to admit I get caught up in the comparison game with other soapers all the time and think that fairy dusk keeps coming their way but none of us know the real story behind a business or how successes came their way.
Bless you and thanks for the perfect message I needed to hear today. When I woke up this morning my sister read me a beautiful scripture that just lifted my Spirits.
Michelle,
DeleteI am really at a loss of words right now. The Lord put this blog post on my heart, and I just let it out! Looks like there is always a reasoning behind everything He wants us to be doing. I am glad that He could speak through me and my blog directly to you and speak to you in a way no one else could!
I encourage you to always move forward with your dreams and business plans. Do not let people bring you down. The Lord has blessed you as a business owner being open for 10 years now I see! That is quite an accomplishment!
I also get jealous of others, but when I think about how the Lord is jealous for us, I can be nothing but happy for the success of others!
Keep in contact!
Caitlin
Caitlin,
DeleteYes there definitely was a reason for this post and I couldn't believe the timing. Thank you for the encouragement. I'm asking the Lord to help me with my jealousy because there is always so much more the story.
I will definitely keep in touch.
I love this post! I am so proud that you are standing boldy for Jesus, just remember that when you do...Satan takes notice. Adversity will come but the Lord has already overcome! I love you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous post Caitlin -the Lord has blessed you with wisdom and discernment beyond your years! I am thrilled for you and what you're accomplishing ...there are always pooh-pooers and jealous folks out there, but I know you will continue to rise above it all with our dear Savior's help. Thanks for giving this "old gal" a boost and a lesson on standing firm! :)
ReplyDeleteBecky, thank you very much! And you are very true - we can do all things with Him. I love following your business - wishing you the best of luck!
DeleteCaitlin
Caitlin, I am so proud of you. Yes, this makes me get tears also. I see God doing great things that I have always prayed for....along with the rest of your family. One way you can know it is God is this....."The devil hates the success of God's children" ....and, I know that you know where the blessings come from......Blessings always bring out the worst in some, but if our heart is right, it is a blessing for all. I know where you give all the praise to. I love you and am so excited......
ReplyDeleteFavorite post ever, period!
ReplyDeleteYour soaps are beautiful and you have a gift for this without a doubt. So sorry you have experienced negativity I see your gift and may God bless you with much success in all that you soap <3
ReplyDeleteLyn,
DeleteThank you so much! Your soaps are also so very gorgeous - each one is its own masterpiece! Your soap stamp is also darling. I have enjoyed getting to read about your business and new products on your blog. Wishing you many successes!!
Caitlin
What you failed to reveal was the reason for the negative comments. I know people on the particular forum where you experienced these comments can be brutal, but what you did was a very unethical business move. In order to succeed in business, it's not necessary to do what you did.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteThe reason behind the negative comments is because I was practicing something I learned in college called targeted marketing. If that is unethical, they probably wouldn't be teaching it at a college business school. I have heard professor after professor talk in my classes about the power of social media and targeted marketing. I do not believe writing Facebook comments stating "We believe our products would be perfect for your store! Visit our website for more information!" on businesses known to carry bath products is unethical. In fact, these comments have lead to business successes, not failures. I do plan on continuing to find businesses and contacting them through social media outputs as this is something my professors encourage me to do and that I have learned in college. I'm sorry if you believe this to be unethical or think it will not lead to successes. I will make sure my blog readers and customers know that I was writing innocent comments on Facebook business's walls, just for you :)
Hoping you much success in your line of business.
Have a great day and God bless,
Caitlin
Romans 12:12
Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.