While this isn’t a sponsored post, there are affiliate links included below. Â All that that means is that when you purchase a cute shirt or one of my favorite bracelets, I make a small commission at no cost to you.
I’m not sure exactly when I decided that I’d be an entrepreneur. Both my Mom and Dad had their own businesses. Â My Mom worked hard painting clocks, walls and more when I was growing up. Â My Dad started a waterpark/water features company with a partner when I was eight years old. Â With a lot of hard work and support, Â he became top in his field, eventually getting inducted into the Waterpark Hall of Fame. Â They lived the American Dream. Â And they passed that onto each of their kids.
At 10 years old I had babysitting cards made, threw parties for my babysitting clients and took it seriously.  In junior high I bought candy and sold it at school for a higher price.  Later on, I had a card designing business with a good college friend and a basket making business.  Neither one of those stuck for too long.  My sister and I started the Queen Bee Market and grew it into something we never dreamed of.  A year and a half ago I walked away from it to focus all of my attention on this blog of mine.   What a whirlwind it’s been.
Right after that tough decision, a door opened with writing Make and Share Random Acts of Kindness. Â I’ve had the chance to work with brands that I absolutely love and other bloggers that I admire. Â Slowly but surely it became clear that Thirty Handmade Days could become a full time thing for not just me but for Josh as well. Â We talked about it over and over again. Â And as exciting as it seemed, I knew that it would be really scary too. Â
Josh has always worked out of our home. Â Always. Â Since he was around 12 years old, he has been the same industry. Â It’s everything he’s known. Â And also what he is really good at. Â But he’s also had to commute an hour each way for 17 years. Â There have been some challenges in his industry over the last year or so. Â We started to get serious about him working with me and growing my business even more. Â Then a few key things happened and it became crystal clear. Â He gave his notice and on May 1st, he started working at home with me. Â Really…. I still can’t believe I typed those words.
Little did I know when I started 30days, that this is where we would end up. Â I started it because all of the crafty stuff was taking over my personal family blog way back in 2007. Â Yep, almost 9 years ago. Â I knew that I wanted a separate spot to store my ideas and so I came up with “Thirty Handmade Days” — with the idea to share a different creative idea every day. Â Since then, it has morphed into something completely different. Â I started sharing my own ideas somewhere along the way and haven’t stopped since. Â It has been a long road with a lot of blood, sweat and yep some tears. Â (Looooots of them if I’m being totally honest) Â My site isn’t an overnight success. Â But it is proof that if you put in the work and keep showing up day after day, that you can accomplish far fetched goals. Â Like your husband working alongside you and being a real team.
I tell you all of this because you are a part of this story. Â Yes YOU. Â The one reading this. Â I can’t tell you how appreciative I am for the people who come to my site every day. Â You see my recipes, printables, organization ideas, kid stuff and budgeting posts. Â You take a little something here and there that fits you and you use it. Â It is the best!! I want you to know that you are a part of my American dream. Â Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
So even though sometimes I don’t feel like being brave and like I’m not good enough. Â I know that no matter what —Â Â with a lot of hard work, anything is possible. Â And without a doubt I know that I’m fortunate to be living the dream…
I’m excited to let you know that Cents of Style is giving away a free American Dreamer t-shirt (normally $29.95) with every $30+ purchase for their Fashion Friday today.  It is the perfect time to get it — just in time for the 4th of July.  As you can see from the picture above I have my outfit all picked out.  But I won’t be just wearing it on our holiday, I’ll be wearing it often to remind myself that I truly am an American Dreamer…Â
You can pick out annnnnything you want from their site. Â As long as you spend $30 or more, they’ll throw in that shirt. Â Just in case you need a little motivation, here are some pieces to encourage you:
- Carissa Striped Top
- I can’t adult today shirt
- Polka Dot Jeans
- Linen Joggers
- Paige Stretch Bracelet setÂ
- Swing Stripe Dress
- Whatever I’m getting cheese fries t-shirt
- Juliana Aztec Kimono
- Colorful T Strap Sandals
But seriously. Â I could link up about 3892489289928389283 other things because I love them all. Â You might have noticed that I’ve been sharing more Cents of Style products with you lately. Â Not only do I love their stuff but I love the people behind the business. Â Courtney (creator, owner of Cents of Style) has her own version of living the American Dream. Â I’m happy to support and share with all of you because I believe in their company and I think you should too.
Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke says
So happy for you, friend, living your dream! I love that your husband is working with you now, my dream, too!!
Mique says
Thank you so much KDuke!! I know you can do it too…. (if he wants to do it. ;) xoxo