Rejection is protection.
A friend of mine shared similar words in July of 2010 when I was at a crossroads in my life. I had just made a choice in my life that went very wrong, or so it seemed. I was ready to run from the move I had just made and he basically told me a quote “Rejection is God’s protection”. I’ve learned to apply this in all aspects of my life, if I can overcome my dislike of rejection at first.
This brings me to my last blog. I was seriously close to purchasing a pizza shop that had enough space to do both concepts of what I like to do so much, pizza/cooking and coffee. In the same process I had also applied to multiple farmer’s markets. I was throwing bait in the water to see if anything bit, looking for the right fit and opportunity. I was optimistic of both of these opportunities, the farmers markets I applied to were on church properties (both of which I attend) and another in my town. In addition the pizza place was in a wealthy area with low overhead, and the owner was assuring me that the franchise would work with me on being able to produce my coffee in the shop so long as it didn’t interfere with the image of the franchise. Sadly all 3 of the farmers markets said no, 2 without explanation and the third said coffee is discouraged since local business’ sell coffee in the town center.
At first I was definitely discouraged, considering a week before I decided to stop my pursuit of the pizza shop when the president of the company contradicted all the other people I previously spoke with. He essentially said the most I could do is store my coffee equipment. In addition they would not be offering any support in adjusting my hours of business. This wasn’t going to work for me since I am newly married and unable to attend a business 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. When you rebuild a pizza shop, it’s never on your own and it takes 3-6 months to build a team, which in this current season would be detrimental to my marriage. After all of this disappointment I received some hope. The farmers market I applied for in my town asked if I would be interested in 3 other locations, which I initially said no, but in prayer realized I could be blocking my blessings. Many times one door is kept shut, to lead you to the place you belong (never look back or turn around). The overhead is a lot lower in these markets, and they are in better populated areas. In addition I was encouraged to sell at the local town festival of where I live. This could be a great set up to get my name out in the community of what I do. It has all been very intimidating, and I am again reminded of why so many choose a paycheck over starting a business, but in the end if you really want your liberty and freedom in that slice of American pie we all desire, you truly have to be your own boss and have your own company that fits your schedule, personality and beliefs.
A picture taken in Cefalu, Sicily during my visit. I always love similar images. Everyone’s freaking out, because it’s not going according to their plans/understanding. Sometimes you just have to trust and have faith, it’s going to work out, when nothing else is.