Success With Jewelry Podcast - Episode 107 Summary

Title: Success With Jewelry
Hosts: Laryssa Wirstiuk and Liz Kantner
Episode: 107 - Laryssa and Liz Chat About Managing Anxiety as a Business Owner
Release Date: November 11, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 107 of the Success With Jewelry podcast, hosts Laryssa Wirstiuk and Liz Kantner delve into the pervasive issue of anxiety among business owners, particularly focusing on jewelry designers and entrepreneurs. Drawing from their combined 16 years of experience in jewelry marketing, Laryssa and Liz offer candid discussions, personal anecdotes, and practical strategies to manage anxiety in the high-pressure world of entrepreneurship.

Acknowledging Anxiety in Entrepreneurship

The episode begins with both hosts acknowledging the significance of addressing anxiety, despite not being mental health professionals.

• Laryssa (00:42): "We had mentioned this on a previous episode about how we should probably talk about this topic."

• Liz (00:49): "Yes. Just a disclaimer. We are not mental health experts."

They emphasize the importance of discussing such topics to provide support and make listeners feel less isolated in their struggles.

• Laryssa (01:09): "But I think that, you know, we decided we were going to do this episode... putting it out on a podcast gives me more anxiety."

Sources of Anxiety for Business Owners

Laryssa and Liz explore various factors contributing to anxiety in business ownership:

1. Caring Deeply for the Business:

   • Laryssa (02:10): "Sometimes it feels like it comes from the fact that I just. I care so much."

2. Client Relationships:

   • Liz (02:30): "Relationships with clients are not Always perfect... there's just so, so much to navigate in that dynamic."

3. External Stressors:

   • Laryssa (03:54): "It's not just work that can come at you... I've just been hit with things that I just was not expecting."

4. Impact of Current Events:

   • Laryssa (04:29): "It's like all the things that have happened in the past few weeks."

Understanding Customer Anxiety

The hosts highlight that entrepreneurs must also consider their customers' emotional states, especially during challenging times.

• Liz (04:53): "Maybe some of your customers are feeling that way too... understanding that may also be how they feel."

Laryssa adds the importance of connecting with customers authentically:

• Laryssa (05:20): "Thinking about where your customer could be at and trying to meet them... something to consider."

Building a Supportive Brand Presence

Laryssa and Liz discuss the significance of brands fostering genuine connections with their audience to alleviate mutual anxiety.

• Liz (05:59): "See if you can be that someone who... really seeks connection."

• Laryssa (06:28): "Being relatable, transparent, honest, genuine."

They caution against overly optimistic portrayals that dismiss real struggles, advocating instead for authenticity.

• Liz (06:46): "Not, you know, don't be one of those, like, Pollyanna people."

Balancing Creativity and Anxiety

The conversation shifts to the challenges designers face in balancing creative endeavors with anxiety:

• Laryssa (07:18): "Putting your art out there has got to be a lot... it's so vulnerable."

• Liz (07:39): "Leaning into that confidence, finding the stride."

They emphasize the importance of grounding oneself in the business's core values to navigate ongoing stresses.

• Laryssa (07:55): "Knowing your why, knowing your aesthetic... can make you feel more confident."

Overcoming Perfectionism and Comparison

Perfectionism and the temptation to compare oneself to others are identified as major anxiety triggers.

• Liz (08:04): "The comparison game and competition that's out there."

• Laryssa (08:38): "The perfectionism of it all... the expectation of it being done really well."

They share personal experiences illustrating how community support can mitigate feelings of inadequacy.

• Liz (08:55): "Reading that post, it kind of made me feel better."

Strategies to Manage Anxiety

Laryssa and Liz offer actionable strategies to cope with anxiety:

1. Planning and Structure:

   • Laryssa (15:05): "When I have the plan, when I know what I'm going to be talking about... I can show up."

   • Liz (17:05): "Creating your own structure will help you minimize stress."

2. Setting Boundaries:

   • Liz (03:32): "I put limits on the times of day that I'm allow myself to look at my email."

3. Embracing Imperfection:

   • Liz (09:00): "Doing the best you can and doing it authentically, I think people see that."

4. Scheduled Content Posting:

   • Laryssa (16:14): "Scheduling it pre... and I moved on."

5. Avoiding Overanalysis:

   • Liz (16:29): "Don't overanalyze the results."

6. Self-Compassion:

   • Laryssa (10:55): "It's okay. You're gonna be okay."

Personal Anecdotes and Vulnerability

The hosts share personal stories to illustrate their struggles and triumphs over anxiety:

• Liz on Makeup Anxiety (12:52): Liz discusses her fear of appearing unprofessional without makeup on social media, eventually overcoming it by posting makeup-free videos that received a positive response.

• Laryssa on Content Creation (15:05): Laryssa talks about overcoming fear through structured planning, enabling her to execute marketing strategies confidently.

Conclusion and Encouragement

In wrapping up, Laryssa and Liz reinforce the importance of vulnerability and community support in managing anxiety. They encourage listeners to reach out and share their experiences, fostering a sense of solidarity within the jewelry design and entrepreneurial community.

• Laryssa (17:34): "Holding yourself to it, even if you have to set an alarm."

• Liz (17:39): "We want to know, do you also struggle with anxiety like us?"

They invite listeners to engage with the podcast and contribute to the ongoing conversation about mental health in business.

Final Thoughts

Episode 107 of the Success With Jewelry podcast serves as a heartfelt exploration of anxiety in the entrepreneurial journey. By sharing their own challenges and practical solutions, Laryssa and Liz provide invaluable support and guidance for jewelry designers and business owners navigating similar struggles. This episode underscores the importance of authenticity, structured planning, and community in achieving both business success and personal well-being.

For more insights and support, visit SuccessWithJewelry.com and join the community of jewelry entrepreneurs committed to thriving both professionally and personally.