Owning and Operating Replenish Salon, a successful salon brand in Atlanta, GA has been a major/defining chapter of my life journey. I started this endeavor at 26 years old, before fully knowing who I truly am. I decided to close this chapter of my life in March of this year, and it has given me the time to truly reflect on this journey and the beautiful ways it has been my school of life. I knew it was time for this chapter to close because I knew that I had learned the lessons needed from that part of my life and needed to gently close that door in order to evolve into my next chapter.
Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship is more than just a professional endeavor; it is a profound spiritual experience that can transform your life in unimaginable ways, if you step outside of yourself and allow it to. After a decade of navigating the, sometimes calm and sometimes stressful, waters of business ownership, I have come to realize that the soul lessons learned along the way are just as significant as the business successes themselves. There are so many things to learn in the midst of success, failures, and about discovering who you are within it all. In this blog post, I will share with you ten invaluable spiritual lessons that have enriched my life during my ten-year entrepreneurial journey.
Managing Emotions: The Art of Equanimity Running a successful business often means facing a rollercoaster of emotions, from exhilaration to frustration. I was around multiple people daily- helping them, training them, guiding and pouring in to them while fighting my own battles and feeling the energy around me. Learning to manage these emotional highs and lows is a spiritual journey in itself. I started here because I'm naturally VERY emotional, so this has been the biggest part of my journey. Through prayer, mindfulness, and the recent addition of meditation, I have found the power of equanimity - the ability to remain calm and composed regardless of the external circumstances. This emotional balance has not only enhanced my decision-making but also brought a deeper sense of inner peace. This wasn't always the case, and I'm still working on it daily, but I learned that this journey of entrepreneurship has helped me come back to this state of peace within the storms more quickly. Not being able to manage my emotions throughout the years made some of my lessons a little harder, but I'm thankful for them all.
Releasing the Shackles of Perception and Comparisons The fear of judgment can be a paralyzing force, especially in the entrepreneurial world of beauty. However, I learned that worrying about other people's perceptions can limit personal and professional growth. Embracing the freedom of authenticity, unburdened by the opinions of others and released from the standards that comparisons bring to the forefront, is a liberating experience that allows you to fully embrace your unique path. It is too easy to get caught up in comparisons which only seek to dim your light.
Embracing Spiritual Differences Our journey through entrepreneurship often brings us in contact with individuals from diverse spiritual backgrounds and beliefs. Embracing these differences rather than resisting them can be transformative. It broadens our horizons, fosters understanding, and opens the door to valuable insights and connections. This is something I had to continually learn as being raised in Christianity sometimes made it harder for me to understand other paths, which ultimately limits our connection with others. Through this journey I've learned so much about others and that Christianity at its core is really about the consciousness of the teachings of Jesus. Following Jesus's path, I have gained so much peace through embracing others, knowing that God created us all of the same image, and looking within. With that being said, I've also learned that everyone may be on a different part of their journey, so I've had to learn not to not get upset, internalize, or judge if someone isn't as far on their path as I see them to be, including myself at times.
The Mirrors of Self-Reflection In the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship, it's easy to lose sight of oneself. However, the importance of regular self-reflection cannot be overstated. Taking time to be introspective, assess personal growth, and set intentions for the future is a spiritual practice that keeps us aligned with our true purpose. I was able to learn so much through my mistakes and successes vs being triggered and defeated by the mirror that is often placed in front of us.
Life as the Ultimate Teacher I have come to view life, both in business and beyond, as my school of existence. Every challenge, every success, and every interaction is an opportunity for growth and learning. Embracing this perspective has made me a perpetual student of life, eager to absorb its teachings.
Adaptation as a Path to Personal Evolution Change is the only constant in the entrepreneurial world. Embracing change rather than resisting it is essential for personal growth. The ability to adapt gracefully to evolving circumstances not only ensures business resilience but also allows us to become our best selves. My salon was able to stay a top rated salon in Atlanta during it's entirety due to our ability to adapt to change and grow within each of the lessons that change presented us.
The Power of Self-Love Entrepreneurs often pour their hearts and souls into their businesses/employees, but self-neglect can be a hidden pitfall. Cultivating self-love is not selfish; it is a prerequisite for enduring success. When we love and care for ourselves, we are better equipped to love and care for others. It is too easy to fall into the trap of neglect on the entrepreneurial path.
Graceful Love for Others Love and compassion are powerful spiritual tools. In the business world, practicing graceful love for employees, partners, and customers fosters trust and loyalty. This love extends beyond the transactional and becomes a true force for positive change in the world.
The path of entrepreneurship is a spiritual journey filled with challenges, growth, and transformation. Over a decade in business, I've come to understand that success is not just about profits and accomplishments; it's about the spiritual lessons learned along the way. These ten lessons that I just shared have not only made me a better entrepreneur but a more enlightened individual. Embracing these spiritual insights can not only lead to a successful business but also a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
Thanks for reading! Sending you much love,
Brandy