Past, Present and Future- My #PowerofConfidence Story

Receiving a government award for excellence in business in September of 2012.

This post has been generously sponsored by Schick Hydro Silk as part of the #PowerofConfidence series.

As a #SchickAmbassador I’m so excited to announce that I have something for you, thats right, just for you! But first, today’s series is inspired by a personal story that I wanted to share. This calendar week marks the halfway point of the year, that’s right, 2017 is half-over. With this came some unexpected reflection, and I decided that I’d like to finally share a story with you guys. You are reading this today because I decided to take a risk one day, marketing myself online as a Kosher food blogger, not knowing how far it could eventually take me. At the time it was for fun, my first post was a tribute to my mom. She bought me a lovely set of hand-painted tee-towels. The beautiful turquoise flowers on the cloth somehow struck a chord with me, and I decided to dedicate my very first blog post to her- someone who I still find very inspiring.

“The things that make most people feel safest are exactly what put us at the greatest risk. Therefore, we must embrace fear.”

I’ve always been under the impression that success doesn’t go to you, you go to it. This has stuck with me and I’ve always strongly believed that anyone can make big things happen for themselves! With that said, forging your own path comes with the immense fear of risk and failure (the latter being the reason that I believe most people never start).

When I was 17 on camera at Business News Network

(this is a picture from a TV screen so the colour is a bit hilarious here)!

I grew up in an entrepreneurial family, where I was always told to work hard but to do it for someone else. My family has been through it all and back as entrepreneurs, and they've seen so many beginners fail. They didn't want me to have to endure the stress and instability that comes with running a sole proprietorship. No risk no reward though, right?

This photo is from the day I arrived in CNN newsroom at the world headquarters, one day after the Boston Marathon bombing.

I’m often told how lucky I am to be able to do what I’m doing now, (believe me) I couldn’t agree more. I don’t really think that luck had all that much to do with it though, especially when looking back. I feel like this journey forced me to look within to find the inner confidence that I needed to propel myself forward and to stay motivated despite setbacks. The benefits of having a normal job and the stability that comes with it are enough to pull any strong-willed entrepreneur out of the game. Unlike in the beginning I rarely doubt my abilities to overcome obstacles now. Not because I'm some super-human, immune to the struggles of self-employment but because I've looked outside of myself for inspiration. I've came a long way but I'm nowhere even close to where I'd like to be yet. In the meantime, I look to other female entrepreneurs across all industries. I do my research, try to learn about how they overcame adversity, and try to embody the same strength and carry that with me on my own journey.

My family at my university graduation last October. I studied English and Business.

I love this quote by Theodore Roosevelt, "Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing". Schick is here to help too, by offering the chance to receive free samples of the new Schick Hydro Silk Razor (see below for more info).

At the 2017 JUNO Awards, where I participated in the Official Juno Blogger Program

I’m encouraging you today to start the second half of your year off on the right foot. #GoBeyond personal doubts, face adversity head on, and push yourself to excel each and every day.

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