If you had told me in 2016 that I'd be running a business today, I probably would've laughed awkwardly, made a joke about "needing to finish renovating my house," and changed the subject. But here we are.
When I first moved to Mission, I knew I wanted to build something meaningful. I just didn't know what or how. I truly love small businesses. I love hearing their stories, seeing their hustle, and watching them light up when they talk about their dreams. It is electric and contagious. I want to be a part of it.
Inside The Cart didn't start with a five-year plan, a stack of investors, or even a fully formed idea. It started with guts.
And Google. A lot of Google. So, I did what any ambitious (but slightly panicked) entrepreneur would do: I opened my laptop, typed "how to start a business" into Google, and started clicking. Just kidding. Or am I? (insert evil laugh).
I read articles at 2 a.m. on business strategy, branding, content creation, lead generation, and everything in between.
I watched free webinars where half the advice was "hire an expert" (hilarious when you have a $0 budget).
I DIYed my website with shaky hands, wrestled Canva templates into submission, and figured out how to file my business registration while my dog barked at the mailman.
It was messy. It was overwhelming. And it was also magic.
Every tiny step, even the ones that felt backward, built the bones of what Inside The Cart is today: a business fueled by heart, scrappiness, and a stubborn refusal to quit.
The Ugly Firsts
My first "networking" event? I showed up 10 minutes early, got lost in the building thanks to nonexistent signage, and still ended up late.
My first client call? I panicked and quoted the wrong price — undercutting myself without even realizing it.
My first "real" project? I stayed up three nights straight chasing perfection, only to learn the hard way that "perfect" doesn’t exist.
But here's the thing: I showed up anyway. Terrified. Awkward. Messy — but present.
That's not something Google can teach you. You have to live it. You have to build your courage muscle by getting uncomfortable, over and over again.
The Power of Just Starting
Looking back, the magic wasn't in knowing everything. It wasn't in waiting until I "had it all together" (spoiler: I still don't).
The magic was in starting.
Starting with the messy Canva designs.
Starting with the awkward pitches.
Starting with a simple website and social posts.
Every "bad" first version made room for a better second version. And a better third. And now, Inside The Cart stands because I was willing to stumble forward.
Lessons Google Couldn't Teach Me
-
People connect with real, not perfect.
Clients didn't choose me because I had the fanciest portfolio. They chose me because I genuinely cared about helping them win. -
Consistency beats genius. Showing up, day after day, built more momentum than any "stroke of inspiration" ever could.
-
Your gut matters. Google can give you information. But your instincts? They’re your secret weapon.
-
It’s okay not to know everything. It's normal. You're supposed to grow into the business owner you dream of becoming.
The Real "Untold Story"
Inside The Cart wasn't born in a flash of brilliance. It was built during long nights, messy experiments, small wins, painful lessons, and a thousand Google searches.
It was built by listening more than talking. It was built by caring about the people behind the "target audience." It was built by betting on myself, even when doubt was screaming louder than belief.
And honestly? It's still being built.
Every day, there's something new to learn, a new challenge to tackle, a new "what the heck am I doing" moment. But now, there's also a track record of grit, wins (big and small), and a whole lot of heart.
If You're Just Starting...
Here's what I want you to know: you don't have to have it all figured out.
You don't need a perfect plan, the perfect logo, or the perfect "launch moment." You just need the guts to start. The willingness to be seen starting. The resilience to keep moving when it gets messy.
And maybe, just maybe, a good WiFi connection and a little faith in what Google can't teach you: your ability to figure it out.
Inside The Cart exists to help you do exactly that.
If you're ready to start messy, dream loudly, and build something real, you're in the right place.
Here's to guts, Google, and the incredible journeys they create.
Let's build something unforgettable.
************************************
Inside The Cart: Helping entrepreneurs dream louder, move smarter, and build businesses that change everything.
Would you like some help?
Let’s chat! Book a free 15-minute consultation using my Calendly calendar.
Add comment
Comments