This week marked one whole year since I took that leap of faith + became an entrepreneur… time flies faster than a toddler on a sugar rush when you’re chasing those dreams, am I right?!!
And now I’m celebrating one wild year of entrepreneurship!
If you’re new to our Sassy Speaking Squad – my name is Kahla Evans + I spent about 20 years working in television + radio, interviewing people for a living, including the most incredible community leaders, founders + non-profit groups.
Most people I interviewed were so nervous about going on air + sharing their message or their story, which in turn would help so many others.
So I found myself coaching them, walking them through the process, giving them a pep talk, giving them some tips + tricks to get through it. I would see them relax. They would ace these interviews! And seeing them change + become more confident + get their message out there – that quickly became my favourite part of my job – that 10 minutes or so I would spend with them before we went live.
And I just thought “This is it. This is how I can truly help people.”
The rest of the job, however, was becoming fairly miserable… waking up at 2:30am was taking its toll, as was hearing negative pandemic news for 10+ hours a day.
I loved the guests + my work fam, but little things started piling up after doing this for nearly two decades.
Things like having to be in bed for 8pm, not being able to drink too much coffee, keeping your hair, makeup + clothes “neutral”, having the station fill up my calendar with too many events + appearances that I felt exhausted all the time.
It might sound ungrateful, but that’s how I was starting to feel.
I loved most of my career + wouldn’t change a single incredible experience or person I met, or opportunity I had.
But one morning last summer, I woke up + I laid there in bed thinking “I can’t do this anymore.”
I can’t be told who to be or what to say or how to look or what to do on the weekends.
I knew right then + there that I had to make a change.
So I left, taking the best parts of it with me – my friendships + relationships I built with the people I admire + care for, + started my own public speaking coaching practice.
Hey Kahla Media is everything I want to give to the world – support, encouragement, my knowledge. And it’s given me what I wanted most – freedom. And I’m celebrating one wild year of entrepreneurship!
Freedom to create my days, + live a life for myself, exactly as I want to.
Now I happily drink coffee all day long, working with a bulldog out in the backyard or at the cabin or at my Mama’s house.
Working on whatever I want, with the coolest, kindest clients. Now I truly represent myself + do what makes me happiest.
So… one year after taking the leap + starting my own thing – here’s the biggest thing I’ve learned…
if there’s something on your heart that you’ve been thinking about, I cannot encourage you enough to give it a shot.
I’m not saying quit your job to start a blog or podcast tomorrow – absolutely not – have a game plan, an exit strategy!
What I am saying is that as scary as it was (+ still sometimes is) following my gut + taking the chance to do my own thing + build my own career + life was hands-down the very best freaking decision I have ever made.
I’ve never been happier.
I’ve built something incredible, something that makes a difference.
And I want the same for you.
So, cheers to one wild year of entrepreneurship + to all the amazing things yet to come in the second! Thank you for being here with me.
PS: SUPER pumped to share my new workbook “PRESENT IT: The step-by-step guide to building a powerful presentation that will leave your audience hanging on every word” that’s going to elevate your speeches + presentations! It’s a step-by-step framework to write amazing, impactful talks. 🙌🏽🎤 If you’re ready to captivate your audience + leave a lasting impression, click the link in my bio to grab your copy now!!!
–Kahla