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EVERY EXPERT WAS ONCE A BEGINNER. 

Let that sink in. No, really, let it sink in until you believe it. 

I so desperately want you to understand this one thing: NONE of us started off knowing what we were doing. We were just trying stuff. 

No one who’s built something successful began with a clue of what it would turn into. 

And no successful person has avoided embarrassing themselves or failure. 

But the one key to success they all have in common? They STARTED. 

They started small. 

They rolled up their sleeves. 

They got scrappy. 

They were willing to get uncomfortable and put themselves out there. 

THIS willingness (not skill or fancy connections) is the one differentiating factor between those who reach their dreams and those who don’t.

Tune into this episode to learn keys to starting before you’re ready from the one and only Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands of Hope, and author of Chasing the Bright Side. 

Headbands of Hope is an impact brand Jess started in college that has grown into a multi-million dollar company in just 7 years. 

I love that Jess started her brand in college, too, and I resonated with so many parts of her story. 

Jess shared her biggest small business mistakes (like wiring $10,000 to a company she never heard back from) and steps she took to get scrappy and make it happen (like convincing Jimmy Johns to sponsor a product photo shoot), and so many more moments that will put you at ease, make you laugh, and give you the courage to stop worrying and just start where you are! 

Some of my favorite takeaways and truth bombs from this episode are:

• Connect your work to your why
• Tough times give us a choice: they’re either an excuse to do less or a reason to do more
• Every expert was once a beginner
• If everyone has to start somewhere, then what’s wrong with right here?
• Rid yourself of feeling like you need to be the next Spotify or AirBNB and just start something that matters to you
• If you want something bad enough, it doesn’t really matter what happens or goes wrong, you’ll find a way to figure it out

I’m telling you, this episode is audio gold and absolute fire in every way. 

Ready to stop putting your dreams off for a tomorrow that isn’t guaranteed? 

Hit the play button and you can thank me later.

PS. Tell me what you think of this episode in the comments! What was your favorite takeaway, story, or lesson?