Dearest Reader,
Two years today during the COVID-19 pandemic, I took a bold step and brought Brand Patron Consultancy to life. I didn’t do this alone, it was alongside people who believed in me and have continually supported me. Between now and then, a lot has happened. There have been highs, lows, and in-betweens. Despite these, I have learned and experienced tremendous growth for which I am grateful.
The journey leading to the birth of Brand Patron hasn’t been the easiest one. I have experienced a lot of things and worn different hats at different times. From being a Patissier to a dressmaker, to a barista, to a personal assistant, to an administrative manager, to a farmer, and by profession, a botanist. At the time, I was confused with no sense of direction because these things felt like they were unrelated. Only to discover later in life that they were all connected in some way.
Every experience down the line has prepared me for this career. A keen eye for detail, following instructions, and creativity in baking and dressmaking. Patience, nurturing, and learning the time and seasons from farming. Planning, organizing, and executing from being a PA and Administrator, Customer relationship from Personal Assistance, Administrator, and Barista. See, each step though unknowingly at the time, is instrumental to the success of Brand Patron.
A glance back at the first course I took Fundamentals of Digital marketing, several courses, and tons of YouTube resources. One thing is evident, growth.
Two years down the line, I am better equipped to serve you, and be your business partner in every sense of the word. While discussing the anniversary with my team, Halimah asked me about the milestones I wish to celebrate. I wasn’t able to give a response. It took me hours of introspecting and sifting through all the highs I have had to see which meant the most. I finally did get it, and that was getting a team. I moved from taking the majority of decisions alone to having a team who not only liked me but also had an ownership mentality. They are individuals that believe in the dream and consistently work towards sustaining it. They are individuals with which I have developed camaraderie and an easy workflow.
Since inception, I have had 3 sets of interns go through Brand Patron, and after three months, a few were retained to join the team from each set.
Having these interns learn through me is something that has given me so much fulfillment. The joy of watching the growth of these individuals as they go through the internship for three months. Gaining work experience while learning in real-time. Reading reviews of how signing up for the internship has had a major effect on their lives, and having them grow to love the brand. This is a major milestone for Brand Patron, a constant source of joy and pride to me.
Lessons Learnt from building Brand Patron in 2 Years
I have picked out a few points on lessons I have learned over the years. Let’s get right in:
- One thing that has been consistent is that it gets tough. At some point, passion might not be enough to spur you on. It will fall on you. Your consistency, and grit. Loving and respecting yourself enough to do the hard work of showing up, especially the times you do not feel like it.
- You have to continually improve yourself. As a freelancer, there is no force mandating you to take pieces of training and level up. However, if you want to remain relevant, it is important you continually improve yourself. YouTube is my best friend. Though no longer a beginner, I still get a ton of useful resources from YouTube.
- I love what I do, and that keeps me going. It is important to be convinced about what you are doing. The conviction coupled with determination and grit will keep you up at the peak of frustration.
- My support systems, partners in my business, people that have been there since inception and have given me the push. Family and friends will come at a call and are invested in the success of my business. It is important to have a support system because trust me, it is easier with them. Your family and friends’ support makes it lighter.
- It is business, Nothing personal. I have learned to separate Alexis from Brand Patron. In dealing with problematic clients or individuals as a business, I look at the things Alexis might have taken exception to and remind myself you are dealing with Brand Patron and not Alexis. Alexis’ feelings can’t come into play here. Rather, Brand Patron will deal with you as an esteemed client. Learn not to allow your feelings to influence how you deal with people on behalf of your business, You are a representative of the business and you can’t display emotions the business wouldn’t.
There is no way I will write an anniversary post without appreciating you, my dear reader. Thank you for sticking with me till this moment. I look forward to continuing to satisfy you through the content you find beneficial.
To my dear clients who have kept Brand Patron in business, my team who has remained committed to Brand Patron and its vision, and family and friends who haven’t for a day withdrawn their support, thank you!
Here is to an even better year ahead.
Bye for now,
Alexis.
