I would like to take a moment to say THANK YOU to whoever it was who nominated me for the Sole Proprietor of the Year, to those on the selection committee who voted for me, and to all my supporters who were bummed I didn’t win. It really is an amazing thing just to be nominated. Literally hundreds of people are put forth, so to make it through to final deliberations is a huge deal. Honestly, I am really blown away by all the support I had – I really don’t feel like I lost! And many congratulations to Charlene St. Jean of Purple Diamond Marketing, who is a great friend, and I am truly “chuffed” (as we said in England) for her. She works hard for her family, her business, her clients and the Chamber, so it was a truly well-deserved win for her.
I also think it was lovely that the Chamber created this new category for the Sole Proprietor. If you’ve ever been a sole proprietor, you will know just how hard it is. I’ve had posh jet-setting executive jobs in the past, and I can honestly say – THIS is the hardest thing I have ever done. You need nerves and guts of steel. Some days you think to yourself, how on EARTH am I ever going to make today, or this week, or this event… happen. Some days you have to make hard choices – the kinds where you are damned either way. But then some days your phone rings, and things start to happen and you think “HOORAH! If every day were like today I might actually be able to BREATHE!”
So, here’s to Sole Proprietors everywhere. They deserve more than an award! Be sure to buy one a drink sometime, it’ll go a long way to settling their nerves. Better yet, support their business and feel good knowing you are not just supporting a local business, but you are helping somebody make their dreams a reality.
Thank you again everyone!
