Wonderfully Mei Designs

This series is going to give a deeper insight into the life of an entrepreneur. It’s not just frilly lattes, constant holidays and Starbucks! It’s more than that. It’s hardwork (working on your mental health and putting in the work to get the results you want), grit and determination and saying no to lack, amongst many other things.

To kick start this series, I am going to answer the questions that I have put forward to some lovely entrepreneur friends. I want to give you guys a little insight into my life and a sneak peek behind the scenes … It’s a tough world and demands your all. So here’s a no bars held, totally honest and upfront insight into life behind Wonderfully Mei Designs.

Why did you become an entrepreneur/what made you want to pursue the entrepreneur life?/What was the most appealing thing about this lifestyle?

I actually needed a way to make some money. I had applied for various jobs and no-one wanted to hire me so I made this job out of necessity. It indeed turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. I was asked to design a logo, and then it really moved from there. I love the independence about this type of work too, and the people I get to meet and the variety of tasks I get to do on a daily basis.

What has been the toughest aspect of living the entrepreneur lifestyle?

Knowing when your next paycheck is going to come, can be a difficult pressure to live with. I once had a very tough year, at the beginning of this, when I hadn’t had any clients in a while. Saving up and keeping some money aside for a rainy day, is important in lieu of this.

What changes did you have to make personally, emotionally, physically to adapt to this particular lifestyle?

I had to take a long, hard look at my eating habits first of all. Work is fully demanding and asks all of you. I had to start eating better, healthier and bigger portions too (of course, I do slip from time to time and sometimes don’t eat enough because of stress!). I’ve had to also look at my mental health under a microscope and change my mindset. Thinking poor, will only end up in being poor.

What sacrifices have you had to make for the entrepreneur life?

I have had to sacrifice free-time and socialising on more than one occasion, or indeed having to say no to social events because I needed the downtime/me-time/time off (it’s amazing how much rest I need, from doing work. When I work, I tend to go ham (I don’t see any other way!)

What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about transitioning into the entrepreneur life?

Make sure you have some ducks in a row. Have some money to fall back on, especially if you are getting your feet wet in business. It won’t necessarily happen straight away. There is no magic formula. You just have to figure out what works for you and what makes sense.

What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?

The freedom to work on what inspires me and the ability to work from just about anywhere. I think the biggest positive is that I can work by myself and the quiet solace of my home or by myself in a coffee shop. I am an introvert through and through so working independently suits me down to a t.

What entrepreneurs inspire you?

Ever since watching The Social Network, I am truly inspired by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook and the impact it has had on not only social networking but society as it is. I also watched Walt Before Mickey, which gave a deep insight into Walt Disney’s career as an animator, the struggles he went through before making it big. I really identify with the constant struggle after struggle as he did, and the grit, determination and resilience it takes to get your career moving. Walt Disney is truly an inspiration. Look at the legacy he left behind!

What is your go-to coffee?

Cappuccino with soy milk and sweetener (iced or hot). It used to be vanilla latte but I find that far too sweet and sickly right now.

What does your daily routine look like?

I have tasks that need regularly seeing to on a weekly basis, monthly basis and every so often basis so I do tasks according to time and also priority. There are some tasks that are necessary, for example, networking and e-mail correspondence. Second to that for me, is marketing and general promotion.

I am also divinely inspired to do certain tasks according to what I think will be helpful to the overall business and implement it. This can range from something as simple as reaching out to people on LinkedIn and Facebook or creating captivating posts for my social media. In each of these tasks, I hope that something will come out of it or ideas will evolve. I see my business as an ever blossoming plant, growing, being nurtured and reaching ever upwards.

Look out for the next blog post in this special “Behind the Scenes” series.

COMING SOON!