Bernadette Joy unexpectedly shut down her successful business, Dressed, after realizing it was becoming less fulfilling and more time-intensive. Despite the business’s success, she felt a strong desire to be her own boss and didn’t want to go back to a traditional job. This led her to experience an “existential midlife crisis” as she grappled with what to do next. After spending three months on her couch contemplating her next move, she learned the important lesson of monetizing what comes naturally to you when starting a side hustle.
Joy’s natural inclination towards discussing personal finance and sharing her own debt payment journey led her to start a podcast that ultimately evolved into a money-coaching business called Crush Your Money Goals. Through coaching, freelancing, and speaking events, she earned $279,000 last year, working an average of 20 hours per week. This new venture allowed her to pursue something that aligned more closely with her passions and skills, enabling her to thrive in a new entrepreneurial endeavor.
Her experience with Dressed taught Joy valuable lessons about passion and finding what comes naturally to you when starting a business. Despite her initial enthusiasm for fashion, the complexities of running a business in that industry proved challenging for her. Dealing with damaged dresses, struggling interns, and the demanding hours of retail work made her realize that her true calling was in personal finance coaching instead. This realization prompted her to make the bold decision to pivot her career and launch a new venture that aligned better with her skills and interests.
Mark Cuban’s go-to career advice aligns with Joy’s experience, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what you excel at, rather than solely pursuing your passions. Cuban’s own success story in the tech industry showcases how aligning your career with your natural talents and abilities can lead to significant achievements. By evaluating where you put in your time and effort, you can identify what you excel at and guide your career decisions in a direction that maximizes your strengths.
Monetizing what comes naturally to you is key to finding success in your side hustle or entrepreneurial endeavors. By identifying your unique talents and interests, you can create a business that not only aligns with your passions but also utilizes your skills effectively. Joy’s story serves as a valuable example of how following your natural inclinations can lead to a fulfilling and lucrative career. By staying true to yourself and focusing on what you do best, you can build a sustainable and successful business that brings you joy and financial success.
In conclusion, Bernadette Joy’s journey from shutting down her fashion business to launching a successful money-coaching venture highlights the importance of aligning your career with your natural talents and passions. By focusing on what comes naturally to you and monetizing those skills, you can create a thriving business that brings fulfillment and financial success. Joy’s story, along with Mark Cuban’s career advice, serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of self-awareness and leveraging your strengths to achieve your entrepreneurial goals.
