I Just Got Laid Off
It was 5:30 on a Wednesday when I got the notification that I had a meeting the next morning. An odd meeting. I was meeting with my boss’s boss, someone I know but don’t typically work with. I didn’t think much of it. In fact, I was kind of excited. Maybe this was something good. I had been working a ton of overtime and put on some really big projects recently.
Thursday morning, ten minutes before my meeting I got a text from my co-worker. She told me she just got laid off… My stomach drops. I ran into my husband’s office. “I have a meeting in ten minutes and I’m pretty sure I am about to lose my job.” Sure enough I was right. Our department was downsized and most of my friends and co-workers were left jobless along with me. Looking back it shouldn’t have been a shock, but it was. The first few days didn’t feel real. It was terrifying but also freeing.
My Double Life
For the past few years I have been living a double life. I was working a full time corporate design job while also pursuing starting my own design studio. It’s safe to say I am a workaholic. Ever since I was a kid I have wanted to start my own business. Going into college, I knew that was my long term plan. But I always struggled with self doubt. Being in your mid twenties means you have a tiny savings account if any, you’re expected to save up for a house and a nice car and pretty much everything even though your income is the lowest it will ever be, and you are just learning how the business world works. I told myself I needed to wait. I needed to wait for financial security. I needed to wait until I was a better designer. I needed to wait until my life felt more together. But now I don’t have that comfort blanket.
Nat Marie Design is my dream. It’s what I spend every spare hour working on. And once I was laid off I was scared but I was so excited. I could finally give 100% to my dream. I prayed a lot and I felt so much peace. I believe in myself now more than I ever have. Don’t get me wrong, this whole thing has still been an emotional rollercoaster. But it has taught me to just trust in God and take everything one day at a time (which is not easy when you’re a planner).
My Dream
I started this business because I wanted to do something different. I have had the opportunity to work in a lot of different design environments and while I am thankful for all those experiences, I couldn't shake the feeling that if I were in charge I would take a completely different approach. What it comes down to is how people are treated and how they collaborate. I feel like there is such a great opportunity for creatives and business owners to work together and create something truly amazing for their brands. My job is to take their vision and bring it to life. To think outside the box and create memorable impressions that make their dream as a business come true. Being a designer in a lot of ways means being selfless. I want to do right by others and know that my work is going to speak for itself and let me grow. Working for myself, I am able to build new friendships. I am able to push boundaries and experiment with creative ideas. I feel right about the way I work with people and the core of my business is helping others.
What’s next? IDK!
It’s only been a few weeks since the lay off. My mind is still racing, but I am having so much fun. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me. I have big dreams for Nat Marie Design and I feel like all of this has just been a sign to stop putting them off and start making them come true.
If you’re still here, thank you for reading. I am honored you took the time out of your busy schedule to hear my story. Please know, I am cheering you on. Whatever your dream is, I’m rooting for you. Whatever your vision is, I hope it comes true.
Please don’t be a stranger. Feel free to reach out and continue this conversation. PS: If you want a postcard like the one above, send me a dm!
<3