Finding Confidence

As most of you know, I'm an Entrepreneur. I'm a Stylist with Stella & Dot and I have a home decor/antique booth with my mom called Southern Unique Elegance. My Stella business is my full time job, aside from being mama to McKinley, and I'm loving what I'm doing. But, I've been doing some soul searching lately to find out a few things about myself that might ultimately help my business grow.

I had an incredible May, the first big month for me and my business, and I have a new fire of motivation! I have an amazing new stylist on my team, Brandy, and she has the same "get up and go" that I've had since I started. The two of us are going to be a force. I can feel it. And with June, I've got new goals and dreams. However, when speaking with our Crown Jewel leader during a training/motivational meeting with our team last night, I said words out loud that I had only been saying to myself. I lack confidence.

There was a time where I was incredibly confident, or just young and stupid, and I didn't let much stand in my way. I was the top sales person in an eight store region with Harold's. I had a client book(s) that rivaled most in our store. I picked up the phone without a moments hesitation to talk with a customer about an upcoming sale or promotion. I booked client fittings left and right. And it paid off. When I moved to Corporate America, I took an inside sales job. It wasn't super glamorous, but it was job, and a job I was really good at. Whenever was there was a contest around a current promotion, you can bet I won it! You dangle the bait and I'm going for it.

Years later, after leaving sales and becoming a Project Manager, I still had that go get em attitude. And it paid off in that I was the top requested Project Manager on my team. Our manager used to tell us that they may not have liked us while we managed their project, but it spoke volumes to be requested over and over. I took pride in that. And then, I was laid off. A blessing in disguise. I wanted to be home with my son, but I wasn't going to leave the money on the table just to quit. And I didn't have to do that. A blessing.

But along the way, I've lost my mojo. My no fear attitude. My confidence. I don't have the same go get em spirit that I once did. Fear is standing in my way. I fear that I'm going to make someone mad. That I'm going to offend someone if I ask them to host a trunk show. If I tell them that I think they're going to love something because it looks just like them. And honestly, how silly is that? Why would anyone be offended because I told them they would look pretty in something? Because I think they would like to get free jewelry just for hosting a trunk show. And if they are offended, it's not me, it's them. I have to get over this fear. Because if I don't, I'm not going anywhere with my business, or with my self-confidence, and doing myself and my team a disservice. The best words utter last night; "Once you stop caring about what others think, you will have a brand new mind set."

I want to be successful. I want to be able to bring home a weekly paycheck that doesn't keep me from doing things I love doing. I want to be able to buy a new pair of shoes because I want them. Get a manicure because it makes me feel good. To continue McKinley's dance career and all that comes with it. I want to take our family on a trip to Disney World next year and not have to worry about how we're going to pay for it later. (I've never said that out loud!) I want to build a team of Stylists and provide them with the tools they need to be as successful as they want to be. And that includes passing on my confidence as well. To lead by example. But I have to find that confident girl I once was. I mean, if your Crown Jewel leader asks why you aren't a Star Stylist because she believes you should be, you better believe I'm going to make it happen. Why can she see it and I can't? She's in there. She just needs to come out and kick ass! 

Are you a girl that exudes confidence? If so, how do you do it? What is your daily attitude to remind yourself that you can do it? That you're worth it? I would love to know more! 

XO,

Andrea

A New Week

Good Morning All! I've been missing, I know, but I have a very good reason. The flu hit our house and hit it hard. I was down for the count for about three days and my son got it while I was still trying to recover. Do you know how hard it is the still be sick and take care of a five year old? A five year old, that even when he's running a fever, still wants to play? Who does that? All I wanted to do was lay on the couch, nap, watch TV, and do nothing! I have no idea where any of his energy came from, but he was full of it.... at times.

It all seemed so innocent. We went to the zoo on Sunday, walking miles before we ever entered due to the amount of visitors, and then walked even more while inside. It felt great to be outdoors, soaking up the sunshine, and spending time with family. But by Sunday night, I was exhausted. Monday morning was a little more difficult. I was so sore. My legs felt like jello and it hurt to stand. I couldn't believe how out of shape I was! I walk and move all day, so how could a day at the zoo cause me to feel like I had just run a marathon? I immediately started thinking of all the fitness things I needed in my life to get me ready for spring and summer. (That post is coming later in the week.) But then the soreness was followed by aches, chills, and a slight fever. No good! By Tuesday, I was calling my husband at work to see if he could come home to take McKinley  to school, checking the school lunch calendar so that I didn't have to pack McKinley's lunch, and praying for the moment I could simply lay on the couch and just be. And on the couch is where I was for the next two days! 

I cleaned out the DVR, slept, sweated, drowned myself in liquids, popped Advil, slept, sweated some more, and relied on everyone in my family to assist me with McKinley and other household chores. I put in loads of laundry (mostly sheets and drenched pajamas) when I could. Assisted with dinner when possible. But for the most part, I was not much use around the house. And I am the most grateful person today! I made a list of things I am thankful for and I'm sharing them with you.

1) My husband! Instead of just going off to work and leaving me to figure it out, he took the time to work from home in the morning to get McKinley to school. He made breakfast, assisted with lunch, packed him up for school, and did all the necessary drop off details so it appeared seamless to McKinley. He ate not so great meals for dinner because there was no way I could cook actual full course dinners. And he washed more loads than normal, sterilized everything around him, and did all the nighttime rituals with the McKinley. And when I couldn't get out of bed to get Advil and water in the middle of the night because my fever was so debilitatingly high, he did without question. I couldn't have done it without him!

2) My parents! They are always waiting in the wings for something around here and last week was no different! They picked McKinley up from school, took over to their house for snacks, playtime, and after school activity work. They offered to take him to school so Joel wouldn't miss work and to take him to the doctor when they weren't sure I would be able to. They came by to pick up the kitties so McKinley would have his beloved blanket for the afternoon. And took the toys he requested before he left for school. Again, my saviors that are always there for us! I couldn't do anything in life without them!!

3) My job! I love my job!! And I am so thankful that I was able to be sick, tend to my sick child, and not worry about work! I didn't have to take vacation. I didn't have to take sick time. I didn't have to do anything but take care of me and my son. And my job was there for me when I needed. I still worked. Just ask anyone that follows my Stella VIP Page. Just ask my current hostess. I worked when I could and took the time off that I needed. This is honestly the best job that I have ever had and it's all mine!! So thankful for the opportunity that Stella & Dot has provided me! 

4) My health! I may not have been super healthy for about a week, but I was able to recover from a bout with the flu and walk away. I am thankful that I was able to fight it off with just a week of Tamiflu. I am a healthy 43 year old and so grateful! And, it's made me realize I need to start taking better care of myself. Again, more to come later in the week!

It's a new week! A new outlook! A new beginning. And, we're looking at a new month in just a few days. What are you thankful for today?

XO,

Andrea

Stella Style - Spring Collection

As most of you know, I'm a Stella & Dot Stylist. I took the leap of faith over a year ago and I've never really looked back. I love  everything about the company, but more importantly, I absolutely love the product! The designs just keep getting better and the versatility is amazing! You can wear it in the carpool lane or dress it up for a night on the town. The kind of style needed for this busy stay at home mama!

The new spring collection launched yesterday and I'm obsessed! So obsessed that I've been scouring the net for cute pieces that will not only compliment the collection, but showcase it. And, with all the incredible sales taking place, it's time so scoop some of the pieces up! I've put together five different looks using only one focal piece. These are items that may already exist in your wardrobe or you may just want to put them in your cart now. One sweater is only $9.99!

As we move through the collages, I will let you know where I found the article of clothing and what the pieces are from Stella & Dot. 

I found this pink off the shoulder top at Zara and it's on sale for $25.99! I love the sleeve, but the minimalist fit is what drew me in. And, it will allow the necklaces I chose to lay perfectly at the neck. And, the earrings will be center of attention when worn alone!

Top Right: York Necklace; Center Right: Collage Statement Necklace; Bottom Left: Cecily Chandelier 

This top is only $9.99 at Zara! Look at that sleeve! I love it! And because it's so laid back, I thought we could pack a punch with the Lindsay Layering Necklace. The new ear climbers are gorgeous and again with the Collage Statement Necklace! All of these pieces will amp up a simple gray sweater!

 Top Right: Lindsay Layering Necklace; Middle Right: Haven Ear Climber; Bottom Right: Collage Statement Necklace

Velvet, yes! Cute jacket, yes! Statement pieces, yes!! I realize I'm talking about spring looks, and you're thinking why have I added velvet, and I'll tell you why. When March rolls around, it's still cold! You need a little bit of warmth but you may not want a bulky sweater or coat. This velvet jacket is the perfect solution and it's $19.99!! Again from Zara, and it goes perfectly with these statement pieces!

Top Right: Ezra Statment Necklace; Middle Right: Cecily Chandelier; Bottom Right:York Necklace

This blue top is darling! I would add this to my wardrobe in a heartbeat. It would look lovely under a navy blazer. Chic with winter white pants. And it would be gorgeous with gray. And look at the stunning navy and brilliant blue pieces from our spring collection!

Top Right: Marine Collar; Middle Right: Iris Tassel Earrings: Bottom Right: Collage Statement Necklace 

A navy blazer is must! It goes so well with a great pair of jeans and a simple white tee! Classic. This one is from Ann Taylor. And with these pieces, it just elevates it that much more!

Top Right: Lindsay Layering Necklace; Right Middle: Cecily Chandeliers; Bottom Right: Marine Collar

What do you think of the new Spring Collection? Have a favorite? Share it with us. And, how you would style it for spring! I would love to bring you more of these throughout the year. You know I love fashion!!

XO,

Andrea

Shop along with me any time! My personal website is below. And let me know if you are ever interested in hosting! I can help!

Stella & Dot: http://stelladot.com/andreakrasnow