Why women like me get a -Bad Rap

Let's jump right to it... Yesterday, I posted a reel that got a lot of traction and I noticed a trend in the comments. The women who had the most to say were other business owners, like myself, who primarily operate and sell through social media.

I know why this is, and I want to talk about it....

When I started Sarahfide Creations, I faced a lot of scrutiny over posting pictures and videos of myself. Not all the scrutiny was verbal. Some friends and family just stopped following me or just plain stopped interacting with anything I posted. What I'm going to say might shock you, but it NEVER occurred to me that I would have to step in front of the camera and become the face of my brand Sarahfide Creations. Truth be told, if someone told me I'd have to be in front of the camera all the time, I never would have started this biz, and that’s a fact! I’m glad I didn’t know because this has changed my life and my health. If you knew me before I started this biz, I was way more likely to post pics of my family.. I’ve never had a problem getting in front of people and publicly speaking (that’s what I did professionally for years) but having my picture taken was an entirely different thing.

BUT!!! The fact is, I'm in this for the long haul.

Sarahfide is part of me and when I say she’s a part of me, I mean she is like a fourth child, a part of my genetic makeup, born from the creative love I have in my heart. Because of Sarahfide and you, I'm willing to step out of my comfort zone, onto a limb, and do what must be done to thrive.

To thrive in business means you must make money. (I’ll add… I love creating beautiful jewelry but if I don’t sell the jewelry I create, I don’t make money, therefore, I can’t buy supplies and I can’t do what I love, which is create beautiful jewelry for beautiful women. (Seriously.. It’s a complete cycle.)

To thrive, I have to model my jewelry and talk about my jewelry. Advertising used to be a picture in a catalog, then it was a picture of jewelry and a link but that doesn't cut it anymore. We want to see people using it and living in it, which means opening my life to the world. Ninety-seven percent >>>(((97%!!!))) of my sales come from social media outlets and I'm sure it's the same for the business owners who commented on my reel yesterday. Friends, it is challenging to own a small business but it is so important that small businesses exist for our economy. (I think I'll do a separate blog about that. LOL). Not only is it difficult to be a small business owner but add Christian and Woman to the title, Yikes! I'm not only navigating the business side, but first and foremost I'm navigating my business with a Christlike mindset. It's hard enough to do business but throw in a spiritual compass...WOW!!!  Words like modesty and testimony and statements like, you represent our church are used. It isn’t a small or easy task. The world's view on business is that “It’s not personal, it’s business and anything goes. ” But for me, I can’t take God out of the equation, He lives in me! This leaves me, as a business owner, swimming against the current of modern sales tactics. (In the fashion industry, “sex sells”… and I do not, will not operate under that mentality!) I’m sure it is the same for other women like me in business, which is why I think it struck a conversation point yesterday. 

If I was a CEO, had a large office downtown, in the tallest building, it would be expected that I would dress for success, make public appearances and show up for social media events. I would be expected to advertise my product. People wouldn’t say, “She just wants attention” “She is trying to attract men” “She is so vain”. (or maybe they would???) But the reality is, why is it as a community -especially Christian community (((yikes)))- where women like me, who operate their business using a social media outlet are scrutinized and given the stank eye… yup, I just went there (and I hate that I have to!).

We have to start having this conversation with our friends. We have to be the woman who says, “Woooooe… I think you're reading that business owner ALL WRONG!” Lets change the conversation. Not only start changing the conversation but lets start interacting, hearting, and sharing content created by CHRISTIAN WOMEN IN BUSINESS!! I need you to like my content, because people with a -sex sells mentality- aren’t going to! I need you to comment. I need you to interact with me. You (and creating jewelry) is why I’m out on this limb. This limb has the best, most beautiful exhilarating view, and I’m here for it!!! BUT, It is going to take an entire community -every-single-one-of-you- to make this small business and other Christian women small owned businesses thrive.

No More Secrets

I’m not keeping secrets any more.

Several times, I’ve tried to talk about my real life… but I have trouble finding the words over the voices in my head. The voices shout things like….Don’t embarrass your family. Don’t tell too much. Don’t be negative. Put a positive spin on it so people won't feel bad for you. Be honoring to God. People wont buy from you if they know you're sick. The list is much longer… but, you get my point.

After several attempts to share my real life, but being unable to find a starting point, I’ve decided to come at this from a different viewpoint. In the past, I’ve tried to start at the beginning… but seeing how that is muddled and blurry, it’s almost impossible for me to start there.

So, I start from my current perspective.

A bed.

A Cat

Beads

Paint

And a window.

I’ve been in bed for two days. The short version… Four years ago a doctor accidentally removed part of my urinary tract, my left ureter, instead of removing my ovary. The consequences? Too lengthy to go into today. What I can tell you is that I have issues and it results in seasons where I suffer from cysts that form or infections related to my urinary tract. I hurt. Pain is my constant companion. Because of the pain, I fight feelings of anger that this medical mistake happened. I fight the urge to loathe and wallow in self pity. I fight voices that tell me God is punishing me. I fight demons that tell me death would be such sweet relief.

Before you judge me too harshly, remember, I’m baring my soul here. Be kind to me. Please.

There is an upside, Sarahfide.

Most of the time, I can still paint beads and run a business from bed. In fact, many of you may be dropping your jaws right now, because you didn’t know. Which, in many ways, is how I want it to be. My illness shouldn’t have anything to do with my business… but it does. Sarahfide was born from the bedside of a sick woman. The sick woman being me. In many ways, the woman you see today is because of Sarahfide ~ my jewelry biz. Sarahfide was born because of this medical injury. I started hand making earrings to get me through the day. I am the woman I am today, because of the healing Sarahfide has brought me. One can not exist without the other.

The good news is, I always get better. After bed rest and over the counter IBUProfen, the swelling goes down, the pain dims and I feel normal (my normal) again. 

You might wonder how this affects business… it doesn’t. I have plenty of inventory, so when someone purchases something, I can pull it out of the drawer and ship it. Of course, it does mean that my hubby, John, has to pull out my adorable Sarahfide packaging and tie a pretty little bow; seeing how he was a warehouse manager for almost 15 years, he can handle it. Hopefully I’ve proven, I’m in this… All in. No matter if I’m sick or not.

Opening doors like this always lead to questions…and I want to be an open book. So here’s a little bit more, which might give you some insight into my life and more specifically, my health.

I’ve been as far as the top urologist at Mayo Clinic, there is no fix. I have to learn to live with kidney issues, urinary related infections and my current situation, cysts. This is and how it is. At some point, hopefully a long way off, the pain or a fever will force me to go to the hospital. I’ll be probed and prodded, like I’ve already been 100 times, seriously, I have some crazy stories. Surgery will be discussed and I’ll be encouraged to take medication that will help dull the pain or shrink the cyst or fight off infection, but medication comes at a cost. I know, because I’ve taken them and I’ve taken myself off of them. In all of the cases the medication didn’t seem to work and the side effects were sever. The bottom line, my body will never recover from the internal damage done. I just have to learn to live life, the best I can, and make the most with what I’ve been given. Which by the way…. is a lot. God has given me an amazing supportive husband. So supportive that he purchased my business license and did all the leg work to get me what I needed. God has given me the most amazing daughters who are a breath of fresh air and a HUGE reason I grin and bare it and don’t give into self loathing or drown myself in pain medications. I have parents and siblings that would drop anything and everything to help me, if I needed it. AND!!! I have you. Amazing, supportive, positive women who love me and my creations. Who not only buy my jewelry but wear it proudly. Talk about blessed. God has given me so much. He has been faithful, when I am not.

When I think about God, and His goodness, it’s the number one reason I want to share my real life. The girl you see in the top picture, the beautiful diva decked out in the most amazing jewelry, she’s me.. and the girl in the bed… well, she’s me too. Both pictures are me. Welcome to my real life. No more secrets.

WHY CharliRose&Co?

Meet Lauryn. She is CHARLI ROSE & CO.

When Lauryn was still living in Florida, she and I met because we worked in the same building, although it was for a very short time. At the time I was hired, Lauryn was getting ready to move to North Carolina. We were like two passing ships.

Lauryn moved, had a second baby and started CHARLI ROSE & CO. I was getting used to a new job and raising my three girls..

Then.

Everything came to a screeching halt for me. I was in a medical accident. While on vacation, in South Carolina, I got sick and ended up in the hospital. During an emergency surgery, my ureter was removed instead of my ovary.

Except for my husband at my side, I was alone. I was in a strange state- city- hospital and I knew no one. I started connecting with friends and family through Facebook. It was the quickest and easiest way to give updates about my health. From my hospital bed, I tuned into the CHARLI ROSE lives on Facebook and looked forward to reading their posts. Seeing Lauryn smiling and telling me, “Stay Beautiful” helped brighten my day. I needed all the goodness that CHARLIE ROSE brought, because my reality was, scars on my body were quickly adding up. I was feeling lost, hopeless… ugly. BUT!!!! Lauryn told me I was beautiful. Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Even though she was talking to everyone watching, in those moments, I felt like she was talking to me. A Sister in Christ speaking to my heart, reminding me that I am wonderfully and fearfully made.

Lauryn openly talked about her relationship with her body. In many ways, hearing her struggles made me feel sane. I looked at Lauryn and saw a beautiful woman and hoped that even though I was struggling with my body, maybe I was beautiful too.

Clearly there is more to the story but the condensed version… The medical injury took its toll on me. I diminished. I was very sick emotionally, physically, mentally.

I fought death. I fought to live and not let this tragedy destroy me. BTW, I still fight. Illness is and will always be a burden I carry.

For fun, I started creating jewelry.

Then, I started selling jewelry.

Then, -IT- happened.

Lauryn from CHARLI ROSE contacted me and asked me to create for her on-line/ in-store Boutique. These are some ChariRose&Co photos!! Love it all!!!

Now, Sarahfide can be found not only at SARAHFIDE but it can also be found at CharliRose&Co. I can’t begin to tell you the impact Lauryn and CR has had on me, my family, my business, my LIFE!

That. is. the. why. That is why, CHARLI ROSE & CO!!!

Some other reasons…. I LOVE the clothes!! I LOVE the beauty and grace they exude and I love seeing how they style everything. I LOVE supporting a small business. When I purchase from CR, I know my money is supporting a family, business, and community, right here in the USA. I LOVE Lauryn. I love her heart. I love her message. I’ve held her hand and cried, sat on her couch, and talked with her little’s. She is exactly what you see. A HARD working mamma, who loves Jesus, family, and county. A woman trying to help other women, like me and like you, find apparel that will encourage them to love the skin they are in.

BTW, it works. I feel absolutely beautiful, when I wear my Charli Rose and of course, my Sarahfide!!! Can’t you tell!!!!

We need women like Lauryn and we need businesses like CHARLI ROSE & CO!!! Let’s show her some love and support!!! Click this link right now and use the CODE I put below!!!

SHOP CharliRose NOW

Happy Shopping and…. Stay Beautiful!

USE CODE:

SARAH15

for 15% OFF

your purchase at

CHARLI ROSE & CO

Wear My Heart

You wear my heart.

There are all kinds of creators and designers; amazing people who re-purpose and craft. With imagination and a little gumption, amazing things can be made.

What I do goes beyond that. Creating, for me, starts in my heart and pours out in the form of hand painted and hand stained wood bead jewelry. It is birthed from within me.

I send out pieces of my heart everyday in hopes that the love I pour into each small bead will shine in a big way, embellishing and bringing JOY to the woman who holds and wears it.

When I meet beauties wearing my jewelry, it is like reconnecting with a dear friend from the past. Every creation, every single one holds a special place, in my heart.

A few weeks ago, I met a beautiful stranger wearing Sarahfide, it meant more than I can articulate in words.

I was in a store about 30 minutes away from my home. John and I were purchasing some shoes for our middle child. I heard my name, “Sarah?”. I turned to see a beautiful and loving face with a most welcoming and sincere smile. As I looked at her, she looked at me. I didn’t know her. As her eyes went down to her raising wrists, I realized she was showing me her Sarahfide Bracelets. I’d like to say I responded like Grace Kelly but I think I was more like Kathrine Hepburn. I broke code, with her permission, and hugged her. We stood in the isle talking, about jewelry of course, and her beautiful southern name, Ella Jean. I am horrible with names, but I think it will be a name I remember forever.

We had to take pictures, of course. She was a kind and gracious woman. (The bracelets she was wearing had been custom ordered for her, by her daughter. So special.)

Ella Jean

A picture of her creations before they left my studio.

The third bracelet was on the other hand, I was so excited, I didn’t get it in the picture.

If you are thinking about purchasing jewelry to keep or to gift, I would be honored if you would consider purchasing and wearing Sarahfide. I can’t speak for major retails and hobble jewelers, but I can without a doubt tell you that your comments, likes, shares, purchases, and ultimately wearing Sarahfide literally makes my heart smile. Let me share a piece of my heart with you. Visit my Season’s Greetings Jewelry to see all of the NEW, Hand Stained, beaded jewelry I’ve added to the site, just for you. CLICK HERE

Painting Broken Flowers

Before eighteen months ago, I had never picked up a small paint brush. I’ve painted walls but slapping paint on a wall in a house is a lot different than detailed painting on a small bead. I’ve Never. Ever. considered myself an artist. Creative, yes. Artistic, no.

When I launched Sarahfide.com, I had no intention of painting anything, but as I started building my earring collection, I needed specific colored beads. I looked into purchasing (painted) beads but since many of the earrings were one-of-a-kind, it wasn’t economical for me to spend money on strands of beads when I only needed two or four beads of a certain color. That is when I started painting my own beads. My first paint colors were teal and mustard. These are an updated earring of my original earring designs, now available on my site.

Teal Zeal Dangles All Day Fun Dangles

As Sarahfide grew, I started to receive requests for more intricate jewelry creations. It seemed every month I receive a request that challenge my skills. The thing that scared me the most were flowers. In truth, I have a gift with colors, blending and obviously making a beautiful, wearable piece of jewelry but flowers!!! that takes skill. Artistic skill!!

A few weeks ago, I received a special request for a Mother’s Day gift. I was asked to recreate a china pattern onto a bracelet. Back Story- My client’s Mother-In-Law had one dish from her mother’s china and it had been broken. The pieces were collected and It was being displayed in a shadow box.

This was the picture that was provided to me.

Requests like this are so exciting!! I love being challenged with new creations and I love being a part of something so special!! This was sure to be a beautiful and meaningful gift. BUT…. the china pattern was… FLOWERS!!….

In first grade, Miss. Dubois, my first grade teacher, with gentile patience, would place a small wooden train on my desk and read the book, “The Little Engine That Could”, every time I would say, “I can’t.” Almost forty years later, when faced with something that seems impossible, I still think of Miss. Dubois and the little wooden train.

Truth, I didn’t succeed the first time or the second time, but I didn’t give up.

Friend, I don’t know what painting broken flowers looks like to you. Maybe it is making a huge life choice that terrifies you, or making a commitment that is going to force you to sacrifice a comfort. We all have moments when we are looking at something daunting. Try. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Try, Try again!!

Click the video to see the details up close.

I feel honored that you continue to believe in me!! It was a joy and honor to create so many amazing pieces this Mother’s Day!! Thank you for inviting Sarahfide into your lives and wearing it so proudly!!

Labeled

There will never be a Mother’s Day, that I don’t think about the women who have heavy hearts, the forced smiles, and the silent tears.

I was married in 1999 and had my first baby in 2008. Year after year, we tried to get pregnant… and nothing. Hundreds of pregnancy tests, because you never use just one. You use the entire pack, hoping… praying for a faint line. My particular medical condition was Endometriosis. At 23 I was labeled - Infertile

In 2007, after doing {IVF} In Vitro Fertilization a second time, John and I conceived. We had one more failed IVF attempt before naturally conceiving our second and third baby.

No matter your circumstances: Not being able to get pregnant, not being able to carry a baby to term, loosing a baby after birth, or loosing a child, please know, I see you. I’m talking to the women who have no children and women who do. We all have a story.

Sadly, I have nothing to offer to help ease your pain… No magic words or potion. I can only offer my prayers, my love, my shoulder. This necklace is dedicated to all of you.

An empty bead, for those who have never known the feeling of being pregnant.

A date, for those who have loved and lost a baby in their womb.

A gray initial, for those who carried a baby in their arms but had to say goodbye to soon.

A black initial, for those who have lost a child, young or old.

I love you and I see you.

~s (You can view this necklace on my site Sarahfide.com)

The Waters Edge

I was sitting by the waters edge thinking about my life, a pretty serious notion. I had just come from yet another doctors appointment and had just scheduled a small surgery for next week. It will be my first surgery, since starting Sarahfide, a little over a year ago.

Many that know my story, know, poor heath has become a part of my life. Four years ago, a medical accident happened. I went into surgery to have an ovary removed. In error, they removed a portion of my urinary tract. It was horrible. It was painful. It was a nightmare. It was life changing. By the way, I want to share that part of my story, deeply, but not today.

Today, I want to talk about several ah-ha moments.

The first was a verse I was reading, in my morning devotion. It said, “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. Proverbs 12:25 For me, this verse said, “Sarah, your heart is heavy and it makes you sad, why don’t you talk about your struggles and share how God continues to give you strength to press forward. It will bring Joy and happiness to talk about it.

Then, I had a phone call. It was my niece. She wanted to tell me how proud she was of me. She said my jewelry was amazing and I was crushing it. I cried, literally. I told her that I had just come from the doctor and her call was absolutely perfect timing. Her call made me think. Wouldn’t it be better for my niece to see all of the amazing things I’m doing at Sarahfide, while also seeing the daily struggles, and how hard I’m working, EVERY DAY, despite my illness??

It’s time. It is time to see me as I am.

You may ask me, “Why have you been hiding this?”. I’ll tell you… here it is….. I’m scared. I’m scared you will not purchase my jewelry, if you think I’m sick. That’s it. I think that if I post about having a kidney infection, you are going to skip over my White Wash dangles and purchase from someone else, because you’re worried your purchase will be to stressful for me.

BUT!! I’m going to call it what it is. It’s a lie. AND, I’ve proven for the past year, that I CAN run a business, meet every single deadline, fill thousands of orders AND do it all while also being sick.

Because, that is just what I am. I’m sick. A doctor accidentally removed the wrong body part and it resulted in me living with constant infections, constant pain, a life time of antibiotics, possible kidney failure and the medical history of an 87 year old. <A doctor said that to me once.

So, this is me. I’m Sarah. I’m a sinner saved by Grace. I’m a wife. (Married my high school sweetheart 22 years ago.) I’m a mother to three beautiful young ladies. I’m a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. I’m a business owner. AND, I’m sick. I will always be sick, until Heaven.

So, this is me giving you a heads up. I’m making some changes here at Sarahfide. I’m going to be more open on Social Media. I’m ready to show you that even through suffering, You. Can. Still. Find. Joy! Which is why, JOY was my first jewelry collection. I love that it is still the most popular of all my collections. Go check it out…. and be prepared. Sitting at the waters edge today brought me clarity and a new found determination.

Before you move on to the next thing, be sure to check out Sarahfide.com. Mothers Day is right around the corner. I offer Free Shipping and the most adorable Cottage Chic packaging. As always, Happy Shopping

Don't Let Your Love Fern Die

Hopefully, this made some of you laugh!! For those of you who don't know, this is a quote from the movie, How To Loose A Guy In Ten Days. -You gotta love a lighthearted comedy, Right?!?

But seriously, having been married Twenty-Two years, I think it qualifies me to give you some helpful advice.

Here it is…..
Tell them what you want.

They can not read your mind. I know!!! We want them to... but seriously, do we really?

One of the best days of my marriage was when I accepted the fact, He. Can’t. Read. My. Mind.

Occasionally, I try to fall back into some kind of a romantic comedy where I have an expectation for him to show up at the perfect location to save the day, but that's not how it usually plays out in real life.

So, if you want flowers, tell him.
If you want him to take you out, tell him.
If you want him to buy you Sarahfide, tell him. :)

It is so fulfilling when you tell someone what you want <and> they Do IT! And!!!! most likely, all that energy they would have spent trying to figure out what you wanted, now turns into energy they put into getting you what you want and doing it in a big way.

So, take it from me, tell them what you. If they ask you to get specific, get specific.

Also, -and this is for your guys- if she says she doesn’t want anything, let me suggest still doing something. February 13th, she may not want anything, and genuinely mean it, but then, February 15th rolls around. She hears and sees what everyone did for Valentine’s Day and… well, you know how it goes.

You have eleven days, so start talking, start planning, get her some Sarahfide!

Shopping with Sarahfide is easy, I accept all payment methods, I offer Free Shipping with no minimal order and, I have the most amazing packaging. You don’t need to wrap it. It ships to gift.

Below are five elegant options that would be perfect for the occasion.

LOVE ME NECKLACE : You can choose between Gold or Silver. Only $15.00.

Below are the: SHY SINGLE LADIES DANGLE EARRINGS These little earrings go with everything. $15.00

This is the: ART DECO NECK DAZZLE NECKLACE- $30.00

You can choose between four different bead options. The Platinum is my personal FAVE!!!

CUSTOM EXPRESSIONS BRACELET STACK only $25.00. You can choose her initials, your babies initials, maybe a word that inspires her, or something significant to the two of you. This bracelet is a win/win.

Everything located on my site is designed, hand painted, and created by me, Sarah. I’m the sole designer and owner of Sarahfide Creations and the gal that is trying to Help.You.Out!!!

Happy Shopping!!

~s

If You Hit A Wall, Swim. Fly!

Have you hit a wall lately in your life? Maybe at your J.O.B., in your marriage, with a friend??

I did. Four short years ago, during a necessary, common surgery, a doctor accidentally removed the majority of my left ureter. (They were attempting to remove my left ovary, but made a mistake.) It was devastating. Life changing. What should have been an outpatient surgery, turned into a half month stent, in a hospital. Three surgeries, a dozen procedures, and top physicians couldn’t repair the damage that had been done. My body was, is, and forever, will be broken. I spent the first three years mostly recovering from my latest surgery or procedure. Then, I received the devastating news from Mayo Clinic, that the pain, infections, and possible kidney failure were just going to be part of my life. There was noting they could do. The damage was done and it was not repairable.

My Brick Wall.

I gave in to the idea that I had lost myself on that surgical table. I was hopeless… depressed. I felt like a giant taker. No longer a functioning contributor to my family or society. I believed I had noting to give. I fell prey to the lies that I was worthless, unnecessary, and unneeded. Just existing was hard.

The details of my recovery are another story, and one I am anxious to tell, but not today.

I will say, that as a part of my recovery, I started trying to create things to give to others. I wanted so much to bring JOY to others. I started making small gifts and it evolved into making jewelry. Then…Sarahfide was born. I had learned to SWIM.

Sarahfide has become so important to me. It is my pride and JOY!

Why?

First, it has helped me see my value. Even if I didn’t have Sarahfide, I am no longer blinded by the lies that I am worthless. I have an amazing husband and three beautiful children and I contribute to their lives, Just By Being Me.

Secondly, I’m ready to contribute. Not only do I want to pick myself up and live, but I want to thrive!!! I want to contribute to my church, my family and friends, and to my home. Two years ago, we sold our home. We couldn’t afford to live there and pay my rising medical expenses, with my declining health. After selling our home, we moved into an old property owned by my parents. It is a mobile home, made in the Seventies. This is where we now lay our heads but it has never felt like our home. We are grateful for our community, our family but I am ready to stand on my own two feet. My dream, my husbands dream, AND our three girls pray that Sarahfide will be successful enough to buy a home of our own. Not new… not large… just ours.

So, you can see, there is much to be done. The wall is still there. Going that way is not an option for me. Daily, I struggle with the consequences of this medical injury. It is not going to go away. I am leaning how to do life differently. I am now in the water and I am swimming. I have a goal, a destination, and I am determined to get there, even if I have to learn how to FLY!

No matter your dream, don’t give up. Never! Give! Up!. If you hit a wall, find another way. There is always a way around. Swim. Fly, if you have to!

CHOOSE Beautiful

CHOOSE.

I don’t care if you shop with me or if you shop with her. I just want you to CHOOSE beautiful!.

Have you noticed an uptick in how many “Shop Small” businesses have popped up since the world changed a few months ago? I have.

This time last year, if you had told me I would have a booming business, a website, and be designing and creating jewelry, I seriously would have thought you were crazy. I wouldn’t have told you that, ~because it’s not nice~, but I most definitely would have thought it.

So, if you look at the Sarahfide calendar, you would see that I launched my small biz February 3rd. Of course, I had been in the shadows creating the actual business for several months, before I launched. The week I launched my biz, not only did I become aware that we were on the verge of an epidemic, but I also found out two women, that I knew personally, had started jewelry businesses. I was told one had been doing it for a while and the second was like me, new. (Once, I stayed up all night cooking and decorating the most perfect cake for my little girls school party. I was so proud of my cake and knew everyone would be blown away by how amazing it was. After taking my first step into my child’s classroom, the next morning, I saw that not only was there a similar themed cake already on the table, but I also noticed, sitting pretty, in the middle of each child’s plate, was the most delicious looking designer cupcake.) Disappointing… THIS felt like THAT…

I’m not going to lie. My heart sank.

First, how was my new business going to make those other two women feel… and secondly, how was I going to have a successful jewelry business, if my community of people, already had two other jewelry businesses to buy from.

Then I remembered… JOY! I love creating. I love creating jewelry. I love creating fun pictures of my jewelry. I loved creating my website and making it my own. I even love writing this BLOG! :)

All that to say, I took a step back and listened to the amazing people I have in my life and started focusing on me, Sarahfide. I ignored the lies of, “what if I’m not good enough” and “what if this makes people mad”. I am still aware of the other beauties selling jewelry.. but there is room for everyone!! I don’t want to compete. I want to encourage!! I want people in my community to be successful and profitable. In fact, I want all small businesses to be successful and profitable. It will help our economy and bring a better future for my children.

Do I see a great design by another designer or an image on social media that spawns an idea in me? Sure!

Do I try to sell my jewelry and try to make my prices competitive? Sure!

Do I pray for those woman, because I know the painstaking hours it takes to run a business, ABSOLUTELY!

So to you, shopper, customer, client, beauty, friend….

I don’t care if you choose me or if you choose her…. I really only want you to feel beautiful, because that is what you are. You are beautiful. Shop for something that makes you feel beautiful. CHOOSE beautiful.

Shop small… jewelry, women’s clothes, children’s clothes, healthy living supplies, books, meal plans, pink drinks, skinny drinks, cupcakes, etc…. #womenencouragingwomen

Start Shopping Small