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Success With Jewelry
107 - Laryssa and Liz Chat About Managing Anxiety as a Business Owner
00:17:52
Welcome to the Success With Jewelry podcast, hosted by Laryssa Wirstiuk and Liz Kantner, two experts passionate about helping independent jewelry artists thrive. Welcome to episode #107. We’re diving into how to manage anxiety as a business owner....
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- [00:00]
A
Welcome to the Success with Jewelry podcast where we invite you inside our conversations about business success and marketing for jewelry designers and entrepreneurs, where Larissa and Liz.
- [00:11]
B
Jewelry marketing experts with the combined 16 years of experience in jewelry marketing and proven track records and helping jewelry brands meet their goals. When you listen to or watch this podcast, you get an intimate and exclusive peek behind the curtain of all the things you wish you could know about earning success in this industry.
- [00:28]
A
Welcome to episode 107. Today we're going to be talking about anxiety. Stick around for the bonus content where we'll share some of our experiences with anxiety and strategies to manage it. Hey, Larissa, let's get into it.
- [00:43]
B
We had mentioned this on a previous episode about how we should probably talk about this topic.
- [00:49]
A
Yes. Just a disclaimer. We are not mental health experts.
- [00:53]
B
Oh, right. We should say that off the top. Although sometimes they feel like I have to be in my.
- [00:59]
A
I know, I know. But I think that, you know, we decided we were going to do this episode, and it's kind of like the episode we did about imposter syndrome. It's like we need to talk about these things because I know a lot of designers are feeling it, but talking about it and putting it out on a podcast gives me more anxiety.
- [01:18]
B
Well, as long as we make it clear neither of us are licensed therapists.
- [01:24]
A
We are not licensed therapists. But I think that, I mean, it is hard to own and run a business. It's hard to put yourself out there. I think that anxiety is just part of it. I think that if you are operating a business and you're, like, doing it and like feeling totally confident all the time and not having any of these struggles. I want to talk to you.
- [01:47]
B
I want to know your. We want you on the podcast.
- [01:50]
A
Yeah. Please send us a message.
- [01:53]
B
And it's funny because, I mean, Liz and I have admitted this on the podcast before. I think we both struggle with anxiety. But, yeah, we've chosen to be business owners, so it's like we're signing up for something that's actively challenging us on a daily basis.
- [02:11]
A
Right. And I mean, I experienced it in. When I wasn't an entrepreneur, too, in. In a lot of work situations as well. Well, and I think that. I don't know, again, not mental health experts, but for me, it. Sometimes it feels like it comes from the fact that I just. I care so much. And I think you've said the same thing.
- [02:31]
B
Yeah, I care. I want to do a good job. I want my clients to succeed. Relationships with clients are not Always perfect. Even though you're both, like, in service of the same goal. And so there's just so, so much to navigate in that dynamic.
- [02:48]
A
And we mostly talk about this topic in the insider episode. So the fact that we're doing it in a public one, you know, I mean, we're putting ourselves out there because I think that. I think one of the goals of this podcast is to make people to be vulnerable and make sure people have information and support and don't feel alone.
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B
Absolutely. Yeah.
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A
So, you know, in. In the spirit of transparency, I am. I am afraid of my inbox right now. You know, I think that ever. I go through this phase every once in a while, but right now, just like every email that comes in, I am feeling very nervous about.
- [03:32]
B
I definitely have moments like that, too. That's when I put limits on the times of day that I'm allow myself to look at my email. Because worst of it always happens when I just happen to be on my phone and maybe I'm just, like, refreshing my inbox almost out of, like, habit, and something comes through that, like, pisses me off.
- [03:54]
A
I know. And after, like, the past few weeks and few months, I think that it's so many things. I mean, it's not just work that can come at you. It's like so many like, you know, news notifications and, like, or a hurricane, which is not like a tech, like, not coming through technology, but, like, I just feel like recently I've just been hit with things that I just was not expecting, and it's just. It's a lot. So I think that's kind of what's triggering my fear of it right now. It's nothing to do with my actual inbox or work. Just, like, all the things that have happened in the past few weeks. Yeah.
- [04:29]
B
And on. On the other side of that, too, as a business owner and you're selling jewelry, you have to guess that maybe at least some of your customers are feeling that way too. And so being sensitive, that. And I don't mean don't market to them because you don't want them to, like, have anxiety, but, like, just understanding that may also be how they feel.
- [04:54]
A
That's a good point, because you do want to reach out. And I'm working on my next email to go out, and I'm just kind of thinking about, like, how can I really, like, write to everyone and connect with them based on kind of, you know, everything that they could be feeling based on the past few weeks? So, you know, thinking about where your customer could Be at and trying to meet them. There is something to consider.
- [05:21]
B
I was just thinking today I was on, like, a client meeting when someone where someone just seemed, like, in a very bad mood. Like, it seemed like they were going through something. And I was thinking, well, maybe that's your customer. Like, maybe they're having a bad day or they're in a bad mood, and it's like, how can you be the person or the business or the brand who maybe offers a distraction or something, some light to them? And that can be hard when you're dealing with your own stuff, but I think it can go a long way.
- [06:00]
A
Yeah. There are some brands that I just always love to see content from or receive an email from. I mean, I've said it a million times, but May Lindstrom, always glad to open an email from her. But. And I always, like, find joy in Marla Aaron's emails as well. And there's many accounts on Instagram that I'm always glad to see post from them. And it's like, be one of those. See if you can be that someone who, like, a brand that, like, really seeks connection. I love that.
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B
Seeking connection. Not, you know, don't be one of those, like, Pollyanna people that say, nothing's wrong. Why is everyone so upset? Everything's great. Great. Like, I don't like that either, but being relatable, transparent, honest, genuine.
- [06:47]
A
It's. I think that for designers, too, like, a lot of it. I mean, it. I don't know how designers do this, really. I know we're putting ourselves out there and put ourselves out there on the podcast and other ways, but, you know, putting your art out there has got to be a lot. I mean, it's got to be so vulnerable to, like, create a thing and put it out there and, like, you know, put a price on it and say, hey, guys, do you want to buy this? I mean, I can't imagine.
- [07:17]
B
I mean, it's really hard.
- [07:19]
A
Yeah.
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B
But I think what I find is, like, the longer that you're in business and you gain that confidence, you kind of start to find your stride. And now I feel like we're getting off topic, but that's how you can balance it with anxiety that maybe you have, like, leaning into that confidence, finding the stride and.
- [07:40]
A
And, like, you know, feeling good about what you're doing, you know, like, knowing your why, knowing your aesthetic, knowing what you're trying to create, knowing who you're creating it for. Sometimes that can make it feel. Make you feel more confident about what you're Doing, too.
- [07:55]
B
Yeah, because the stuff. The stuff that will shake you will always be there. But you need to have some kind of, like, grounding in what you're doing.
- [08:05]
A
Right. And, I mean, there's just so much that keeps coming, like the deadlines, the financial pressures, the, you know, the comparison game and competition that's out there. And, like, you know, just looking to see what other people are doing and comparing yourself. I know that's a big thing that designers struggle with. And then also just, like, the perfectionism of it all. Because with jewelry, I mean, even if you aren't creating something that's, like, you know, perfectly geometrical or, like, you know, a really refined piece, maybe you're creating something more artistic, but there is this expectation of, you know, it being done.
- [08:39]
B
Really well and showing up to the best of your ability. To every customer interaction, every touch point. I was just. I belong to this Facebook group. I think it's jewelers helping jewelers. I don't remember, like, one of those ones.
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A
I'm in that one, too.
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B
There was a post yesterday that caught my eye. I not going to name the name of the company, but it's a really big jewelry wholesale company that pretty much every jewelry store in the US like, uses as a vendor. And I guess recently there had been some posts about people complaining about some customer service interactions they had. And then all of a sudden, hundreds of people in that group rallied, like, in defense of that company. And it was like a whole. That, oh, like, yeah, they've messed up a few times, but, like, overall, their customer service is, like, the best we've ever had. Or, like, yeah, they're human, but, like, they always make it right. And I don't know why, like, reading that, it just kind of made me feel better because in my business, I really hold myself to a really high standard, almost perfection, which I know is not realistic or possible. And I get so anxious, like, if a mistake does happen or if there's, like, a misunderstanding or something like that. And when I read that post, it kind of made me feel better because I think if you're coming to every interaction as, like, your best self and you're trying, it's okay. Like, you're gonna be okay and the world's not gonna end and, like, people will still like you and maybe even rally behind you.
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A
And I. That's something I need to remember, too. But I think that sometimes I feel like. Because I'm juggling so much and I. I'm sure a lot of other business owners feel this way, like, that you're not actually like, you're trying to show up the best way possible, but like, you just don't have the bandwidth and sometimes you're like doing something quickly on the fly or like, you know, trying to check the thing off your list and it's just not, you're not giving it the time because you. That it deserves because you just can't.
- [10:55]
B
Yeah, that's so true. But doing the best you can and doing it authentically, I think people see that.
- [11:04]
A
Yeah, I think that it's tough to like when you are feeling like anxious like, and maybe even like burnt out from that or, you know, it can affect so many different things, especially like to the creative aspects of your business and setting aside time to design and maybe making a new collection or working on a custom for somebody that like you need creative space to do or like for me it's like doing the marketing for my own business and writing the emails and all of that. It's like I end up in this position where I'm like just doing the things in front of me and not thinking, like stepping back and doing the more creative things because I just feel like I can't. Yeah.
- [11:45]
B
It'S always hard. Especially if you have seasonal fluctuations in your business too. Like for me right now, and I'm sure a lot of people listening, like, this is your busiest time of year. I put a lot of stuff on hold because like we're dealing with getting our clients good for holiday and that's not the case in like June, May, you know, and so that will happen for you too.
- [12:11]
A
And this is something else. I find that like a way that anxiety kind of hinders designers is that you get to this point where you're like kind of overthinking. And I think we're all at this place with social media. At least a lot of people I've talked to recently, recently being like in the last couple of years even that showing up on social media is like scary now or like if there's so much when you get to this point of like feeling like worried or anxious and like you start overthinking everything and then you're like, I am scared to show up. But like showing up is what's going to lead to the sales or what's going to lead to me moving your business forward. And yeah, so like you have to overcome those things.
- [12:52]
B
I have something to share. I think a few episodes ago, I don't remember if it was in the Insider or what, but I said I feel self conscious about not Wearing makeup on social media because I don't feel professional. And when we talked about that afterward, I was like, this is like an anxiety thing. I need to, like, get over this. It's. It's holding me back because then I'm. I can't do more, like, off the cuff kind of stuff. It always has to be planned. And so I said I was just gonna try it and do it and get over it. And I posted a video where I didn't have any makeup on and it was fine. Who cares? Oh, my gosh.
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A
I didn't even notice that you weren't wearing makeup.
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B
See, that's. That's kind of what I thought. Like, probably no one will notice, whatever. But I'm saying that to maybe overcome, like, one little hang up that you have, like, push yourself to just be like, okay, this I don't feel comfortable with, but let me, like, dip my toe.
- [13:59]
A
Yeah. And I think that. I mean, all. I think when I think of, like, your Instagram presence, I'm like, wow, Larissa really shows up in a way that I don't, but need to. And I think it's a lot of times it's like this, like, serving my clients and, like, worrying about them so much and all of the stakehold members. And then it's like, by the time I get to the point where it's like, you know, I have to write the email or I have to do the Instagram post, I'm just like, So I feel like I've used up all that I have in terms of showing up, and I have nothing.
- [14:32]
B
Totally, totally. And for me, it probably took me like six years for this. Like, when I first started doing more content based stuff, like my podcast and more, like those videos I do, I wouldn't do it unless I literally had, like, a script in front of me and it was planned and, like, I knew exactly what I was going to say and I was, like, too afraid to just improvise. And I'm trying now to do more of that because, like, who can. Who can live like that?
- [15:06]
A
I know you're doing great. It's very impressive. I used to. I used to. But I hit a point where I'm like, I can't do this anymore. Like, fear. Fear came in at some point. But then, you know, I have these, like, little things that I do. Like, I have a promotion coming up where I'm going to be promoting this charm necklace that the Stable Collective put together for New York City Jewelry Week. And I have that whole plan set. And then last March, I did that whole month of stakehold collective content and, like, pushing the stable collective and sharing stories and testimonials, and I did a giveaway. So it's like, when I have the plan and everyone can learn from this, when I have the plan, when I know what I'm going to be talking about, I can show up. It's like when you don't have the plan, that's when you get lost. And, like, so doing that planning work, when you're in a space of not feeling anxious and feeling confident about your business, feeling inspired, like doing the plan then and executing it no matter how you're feeling when the time comes.
- [16:00]
B
Yes. Holding yourself to it, even if you have to set an alarm, because I know you could have a plan and then maybe the whole day goes by and you, like, forgot about your plan.
- [16:12]
A
Yes. Or like scheduling it, you know?
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B
Yeah, pre scheduling it the way to do it.
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A
And I did that with another stable collective push I did recently. It was, like, a little bit out of my comfort zone, so I just scheduled it and I moved on. You know, I scheduled it when I was confident about what I was doing, and I just moved on from there.
- [16:30]
B
And worry about it and then don't overanalyze the results, too. So, like, if you did do, say, a reel that's, like, out of your comfort zone, don't, like, sit there for hours and check how many legs you have.
- [16:45]
A
Yes, 1,000%. Don't worry about the likes, don't worry about the unsubscribes. It's going to happen. And just, you know, you did it, you put it out there, and you're not going to sell anything if you're not putting it out there.
- [16:57]
B
No. And 99% of the time, those things, the not likes, the unsubscribes, they have nothing to do with you. Yes.
- [17:05]
A
That is so true. I think that another thing that I want to point out before we wrap up, and this is something that I had to learn, it's like, I think one of the reasons that there's so much anxiety in entrepreneurship is you don't have structure. You don't have somebody guiding you to what you're supposed to be doing at any given time. So creating your own structure will help you minimize stress, and it might feel like a heavy lift in the beginning, but once you kind of put those systems in place and stick to them, it really alleviates a lot of the unknowns.
- [17:35]
B
Yes, absolutely.
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A
All right, we want to know, do you also struggle with anxiety like us? Visit success with Jewelry.com and if you love the podcast, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message or leave us a review. Thanks for being a part of the community.