We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Megan Ewing. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Megan below.
Alright, Megan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?
Let me tell you, it’s been quite a journey juggling this crazy world of entrepreneurship with mom duties and a personal life. But yes, I absolutely do take vacations. In fact, I love to think of them as my “mini retirements.” I know that might sound strange, but it’s all about changing our perspective, right?
Just recently, I went away to Europe for two weeks. I mean, can you imagine? There I was, taking pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower one day, and the next thing I know I was hiking in the breathtaking Swiss Alps. Honestly, the memories from that trip will fuel me for months to come, and the break was an incredible reset for my creative juices.
I know the thought of stepping away from the business baby can be daunting. You’ve worked so hard to build it up and, suddenly, the idea of leaving it, even for a short time, feels like you’re abandoning a child at daycare for the first time. I get it. But here’s the thing – it’s not just about you; it’s also about your business. Taking a break can actually be the best thing for both of you.
My advice? Automate and delegate. You might be the captain of the ship, but that doesn’t mean you have to swab the deck, man the sails, and keep watch all at the same time. Invest time in building a trustworthy team that understands and respects your vision. Develop systems and processes that can run with minimal supervision. There are plenty of tools and apps available nowadays that can help you streamline your operations.
And remember, you don’t have to go cold turkey. There’s no rule that says you can’t check in occasionally while on vacation. You could set aside a little time each day to check emails and updates, if that helps you feel more at ease.
The bottom line? Trust yourself and trust your team. Realize that you taking care of yourself is a non-negotiable part of running a successful business. So, go ahead and plan that vacation. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a mini retirement, it’s not just well-deserved but essential.
Hope this helps! Now, I’ve got to go as it’s time for my next “retirement” planning – the sandy beaches are calling! Remember, life isn’t just about surviving, it’s about thriving. And what better way to thrive than to enjoy a well-earned break?
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
In case we haven’t crossed paths before, I’m the founder of “I am ME,” a business dedicated to helping all the ambitious ladies out there turn their grand ideas into reality. My mission is simple – empower female entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams with confidence, clarity, and a solid plan!
It all started with my passion for fostering growth and development. I’ve always been a natural planner, always the one with the action lists and the big dreams. So, one day I thought, “Why not turn my knack for planning and my passion for empowering women into something amazing?” And voila, “I am ME” was born.
I love sharing my insights and experiences through my YouTube channel. There, I spill all my secrets – tutorials, tips, and tricks that I’ve gathered over the years. Whether it’s about mastering productivity, harnessing creativity, or just navigating the wild waters of entrepreneurship, I’ve got your back.
I’m super excited about my online courses too. One of my favorites is the “Business of Photography.” It’s a comprehensive guide for all you photography enthusiasts out there looking to turn your passion into a successful business. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg – I’ve got more courses launching this year that I can’t wait to share with you all!
In addition to that, I also offer personalized coaching services. I believe every entrepreneur is unique, with their own set of challenges and strengths. That’s why my coaching sessions are tailored to fit your unique journey and help you unleash your true potential.
What sets “I am ME” apart? It’s the blend of strategic planning and the belief in the power of authenticity. We’re all about real women, real dreams, and real successes. We focus on helping you stay true to your vision while creating an actionable roadmap to reach your goals.
I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built together – a community of strong, ambitious, and inspiring women who aren’t afraid to dream big.
What I want you to remember about me and my brand? We’re all about YOU. I am ME is your space for growth, for inspiration, and for taking those bold steps towards your dreams. We believe in the power of ‘I am’, the power of authenticity and determination.
So whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned businesswoman, or simply someone with a dream, remember – you are capable, you are strong, you are enough. In other words, you are YOU and that’s your superpower! Let’s embrace it and shine together.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Alright, buckle up, because this one’s quite a story. It’s about the launch of my very first online course. The excitement was real, and so were the nerves. I had worked tirelessly on this course, poured my heart into it, and was about to share it with the world.
To launch it, I had planned a webinar. You know, a grand unveiling with all the bells and whistles. I had spent weeks promoting it, perfecting my presentation, and practicing my delivery. I was so ready to empower, inspire, and connect with a community of ambitious entrepreneurs.
Then the day came, and with a thumping heart, I logged into the webinar platform. I was expecting a sea of digital faces, but guess what? Only one person showed up. Yes, just one.
Initially, it was like a punch to the gut. All that effort, all that anticipation, and only one attendee. The disappointment was real. I could’ve been upset. I could’ve cancelled the webinar, feeling like it wasn’t worth it for just one person.
But then, I thought about my mission, my passion. I reminded myself of the mantra that inspired this journey – “I am ME.” This wasn’t about numbers; it was about making a difference, even if it was for just one person. That one person had shown up, ready to learn, ready to be inspired.
So, you know what I did? I put on that webinar as if I had a million people tuned in. I delivered with the same passion, the same energy, as I would have for a larger crowd. And you know what? That one person loved it! She was engaged, asking questions, sharing her thoughts, and by the end of it, she was thrilled about the course.
That experience was a wake-up call and a revelation. It taught me that success isn’t always about the grand numbers; it’s about the impact you make, no matter how small. And it reaffirmed my belief in the power of resilience, the power of staying true to your mission regardless of the hurdles.
So, remember, when things don’t go as planned, and it feels like you’re speaking to an empty room, stay the course. Remember your ‘why’. Give it your all as if the world is watching, because you never know the ripple effect one person can create. That’s the magic of resilience and the power of “I am ME”.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Okay, let’s get a little real here. A lesson I had to unlearn? The old-school blueprint of success: go to school, get good grades, go to college, land a good job, work your way up, and retire. That’s the path I was told to follow, just like so many of us, right?
From a young age, this was the roadmap that was imprinted in my mind. So, that’s the path I initially took. I went to school, graduated with honors, went on to college, and snagged a stable job. I was checking off the boxes, but something felt off.
While I was good at what I did and enjoyed some aspects of it, I couldn’t shake off this feeling of being stuck in a loop. It was like I was living someone else’s version of my life. And the idea of waiting until retirement to really start living my life, exploring my passions… it just didn’t sit right with me.
The realization dawned on me when I became a mother. I wanted to set an example for my children. I wanted to show them that life could be more than just following a pre-set path. That it was possible to build a life that was authentic to their dreams and aspirations, and not be confined by societal expectations.
So, I took the plunge. after I was let go by my corporate job, I braved the world of entrepreneurship, and a few years later started “I am ME.” It was a risky move, stepping away from the conventional path, but it felt right.
Unlearning that age-old lesson wasn’t easy. It was uncomfortable and challenging, filled with moments of self-doubt and fear. But let me tell you, it was worth it. Today, I’m doing what I love, empowering women to achieve their dreams, and showing my kids that success is more than just good grades and a high-paying job.
The real success is in creating a life that’s in tune with your passions, your values, and your dreams. So, if you’re stuck in that old blueprint, know that it’s okay to redraw the lines, to create your own path. Remember, you’re not just an ‘anybody’; you are YOU, unique and powerful in your own right!
Unlearn, relearn, and keep growing. That’s the real essence of “I am ME.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iammeganewing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_am_meganewing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IamMeganEwing
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC73XtYnLOM9O5P5ridGIZDA
Image Credits
Kevin Ewing Photography