It’s important to be self-aware, and that includes recognizing when and where you need help. I turn to various companies, other entrepreneurs and individuals in my personal network for guidance in the areas I don’t have the time or expertise to handle on my own.
Running a business can be extremely exciting when it’s something you are passionate about. Each day I am taking steps that bring me closer to accomplishing my vision for LOUMI; knowing that gives me energy when my feet hit the floor every morning. Energy and passion are only half the battle, though, staying organized, managing my time, and knowing when to hit the gas versus the break have been key to the company’s success thus far. I started LOUMI Skincare in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, so a key priority was establishing a firm foundation for the company to grow. I know I am in an industry with a vast amount of options, and how retailers market and sell is changing drastically every year; the only way to survive that is to have a strong vision and make sure that everything we do supports our mission of natural, high-quality products that are effective.
Time Management Has Been A Focus Of Mine
I am always on the go, so staying organized and packing appropriately for each day the night before helps me stay sane. I calendar everything, or my day will run me; I know the night before when I will get the key activities for my business completed, but I also know where I can find a few minutes to run a quick errand, walk my dog, or even head to a yoga class.
The other day I knew I would be at the salon for a while, so I brought my laptop and was able to sit in on two meetings, finalize a content calendar, and orient one of my newest interns. If I am strategic with my day, it eliminates the feeling of being overwhelmed or stressed, which enables me to remain focused and continue to prioritize the growth of my company.
Delegating Projects
Fortunately for LOUMI, I have an amazing team of people I can rely on, which takes any apprehension or stress out of delegating. Writing out a task list for the next day, along with who is managing what part of the workflow, has been helpful as well. I believe autonomy within defined roles is important; allowing people to have the authority to make decisions without running everything by me is admitting that I don’t always know better than the experts on my team in exchange for more time. Lastly, hiring in different time zones was an incredible decision, because it allows my personal workday to extend, and I am always able to find some extra support when needed.
Join Networking Groups To Eliminate Trial And Error
This is so important and something that has been a lifesaver for my business. I am constantly networking, and I am very active in many online groups. Since launching LOUMI I have joined an e-commerce group, a female founder’s group, and an entrepreneurial learning group, just to name a few. I am a solo founder, running a self-funded business, so needless to say, I have lots of questions. I hate wasting time, so it’s important to have a community of people to provide their feedback and experiences on various topics. Some of my strongest business relationships are online with people I have never met in person, but they are definitely the most impactful.
Prioritize Time For Yourself
The term “self-care” has been thrown around a lot recently, and when we hear something too often, we can become numb to the idea, or write it off as a trend; I implore everyone to find their own version of self-care and calendar it.
To be productive, you must have a good mindset, and for me, I am lucky to have a ton of friends in the wellness space, which has been a game-changer. I do guided meditation and breathe work and take a hot yoga class almost every day to keep a balanced approach to my hectic lifestyle. However, if your version is blaring music in the car, creating something, or reading outside, just calendar it so you may take charge of those important moments.
What are you going to make time for today?
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About The Author
Megan is the passionate CEO and founder of LOUMI Skincare. Driven by her personal experiences with allergies and chronic hives, and her deep love for natural beauty and holistic wellness, she embarked on a journey to create skincare products that nourish the skin and soul. From hand-picking ingredients to crafting each formulation, LOUMI uses only clean, natural ingredients—so you can feel good knowing that your skincare line-up is safe and effective.