24/05/2021
Ten years ago, I was still in college, doing design side hustle for my extra allowance and extra savings as a student.
I had no clue what I wanted to do in life. But since I did not have a lot of money, I had to figure out a way to pay for my college expenses. I made some collaborations with a friend and sold university T-shirts and lanyards. But selling shirts and lanyards are seasonal on campus, so I switched to creating final plates for my co-students. I up-skilled creating android game final plates that became my highest income source at that time. By the time I finished university, I had continued making plates for my friends because I considered it just a great side hustle, and now it was time to get a ‘real’ job.
I tried several jobs, but I never had the feeling that working for a boss was for me. So after a few years, I decided to become my own boss (which I have been doing ever since!). I tried opening my own brand of mall beverage kiosks. But it took a lot of time to manage and get ROI with this kind of business, so I also tried thrift clothing and opened up my thrift store. From thrift store I moved to dropshipping fancy jewelry with a webshop until I have to pause the operations of these businesses slowly since, COVID and lockdowns happened. 😔
Only recently, I started thinking about my businesses. Back then, I always saw e-commerce and retailing are the only way make stable money. I never considered myself an entrepreneur by being a freelance graphic designer. I thought I was too lazy to work in a corporate job, and I didn’t have any other skills.
Now, 10 years later, I realize I got such a kick out of setting up my own business, market my brand, and finding ways to become more successful. It turns out I was already an entrepreneur 10 years ago. I just didn’t know it myself.
To cut to the point: Sometimes, it’s good just to do something because it feels right, not because it fits your future plans. Only years later, you might realize that these steps actually defined your life choices. ✨
