There’s a Haitian proverb that I’ve found myself repeating this year: “Remember the rain that made your corn grow.”
Kindred has finally sprouted. But not without lots (and lots) of rain.
I almost entitled this blog post, “All the Mistakes I’ve Made.” That would be accurate. Starting a business with no business background is both agonizing and thrilling. I’ve made more mistakes and screw ups this year than I maybe ever have in my entire life.
But it’s incredibly fun. I’ve laughed my way through every mistake – because mistakes mean it’s real. I’m doing it.
Finally.
We launched a website in October (bekindred.org). We had Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sofa Sunday and Cyber Monday sales. Most nights after work (and, let’s be honest, most mornings beforehand) I’m in my basement workshop with my nose to the grindstone.
It’s hard work, but yes – it’s also fun.
Every single sale is exciting. Every single sale means one more item I can buy the next time I go to Uganda, one more thing our artisans can make. One more opportunity for one more person.
And every sale reminds me of my why, which can be summed up in an old Maori proverb that ponders, “What is the most important thing in the world?” The answer:
he tangata – he tangata – he tangata
It is the people… it is the people… it is the people.
