TEE #008 From Trolls to Triumph: How I Faced My Toughest Week as an Etsy Entrepreneur

Read time: 4 minutes

Let's be real, this week has been a tough one for me, filled with moments of self-doubt, tears, and a desire to retreat into my own space.

Why, you might ask?

A few weeks ago, I was approached by a journalist to provide a quote for a national newspaper. Initially, I was thrilled at the opportunity. I thought it would be an exciting experience, a chance to spread some cheer, and to be honest, I'm not the type to turn down requests easily (guilty as charged, I'm a natural people pleaser!).

Everything seemed to be going smoothly. I even had a delightful mini photo shoot at home, with a friendly photographer, and the anticipation of being featured in a nationwide publication was quite exhilarating.

But then, the article was published. Almost immediately, I was bombarded with hurtful comments about my appearance from online trolls. As you can imagine, the experience was far from pleasant. I've included a few of the more palatable comments below.

Look, I'm well aware that I'm overweight, shedding 20 lbs would be ideal. My weight journey has been a rollercoaster, due to a variety of medical reasons and recurring bouts of COVID. However, I'm not one to sit idle. I love working out, not only for the physical benefits, but also for my mental health. Ever since leaving my corporate job to focus on my five Etsy businesses and my Etsy coaching, I've committed to daily gym sessions. So, believe me, it's not a matter of laziness or indifference.

This week's events have taken a toll on how I show up for my business. My energy has plummeted, and there were times when I seriously considered abandoning everything and disappearing from the online world.

My ultimate goal is to inspire and motivate a million people within the next year. And I can't exactly achieve that hiding under my duvet, can I?

In light of this, I decided to open up to my TikTok community, not for sympathy, but to express that I was struggling. What amazed me was the outpouring of love and support I received for simply being myself, even if it was a version of me less confident and energetic than what they're used to seeing.

Which brings me to the crux of today's post for The Etsy Entrepreneur: the only constants in life are challenges, uncertainty, and the need to persevere. No matter how difficult life gets - emotionally, mentally, and physically - showing up authentically in your business is the most important thing you can do. We aren't machines, we are humans with real-life situations. Sharing these experiences with our customers and community can foster a stronger sense of solidarity.

As Etsy's mission statement says, "keep commerce human." I urge you to apply this to your business. Show up, even on the days when it feels like the last thing you want to do. You'll be surprised at how much you grow as a person, how much deeper you connect with your business, and how it reinforces why you do what you do.

Actionable Tip:

Start a Gratitude Journal. Take a few moments every day to write down what you're grateful for in your business journey. This simple practice can provide a powerful shift in perspective, particularly on challenging days. When you focus on the positive aspects of your business, you'll find that it not only lifts your spirits but also reinforces your resolve to overcome the obstacles that come your way. Plus, these entries can later serve as inspirational content to share with your community, further strengthening your connection with them.

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