If you’re a freelancer or a small business owner you may feel my pain–I just paid my 2014 taxes and I am super broke right now. I’m so bad at putting 1/3 of my paychecks away right when I deposit them into my account and the result is that come early April I’m seriously scrambling to get those tax dollars together and keep my business afloat. But this week, even after paying my taxes, I am feeling really happy that I made the (often tough) choice to pursue my own business as a designer and artist. Even though some months we’re kinda broke and some months we’re more flush, the juice I’ve been getting from my work hustle lately has been worth the squeeze…Here’s a snapshot of some of the amazingness of this week:
1.) Two commissioned editorial artworks I did, one for the Washington Post Magazine and the other for the cover of the new issue of Artful Living Magazine came out. All of the sudden I’m feeling like a legit artist.
2.) I somehow made it to 100K on Instagram! {If you haven’t read my post on how to grow your Instagram following fast (and you want to grow your IG audience) you should read it. That sh*t works.}
3.) Grace from Design*Sponge wrote such an amazing review of #TheNewBohoBook that I actually starting tearing up, (then jumping up and down) as I read it…and then…
4.) #TheNewBohoBook became the #1 Bestseller in the DIY category on Amazon. Holy Guac. I mean. What? It’s not even out yet!!
So yeah. I may be broke BUT I’m broke and happy AND feeling psyched about all of the effervescence around the book and art projects. Boy oh boy do I have a lot to be grateful for. So thank you merci. :) You guys are always so crazy supportive about everything that I’ve got going on. I’m so thankful for you and for this community.
Have a great holiday weekend, friends.
Photography by Dabito
Styling by J. Blakeney (duh!)
Pretty cards by Paper and Type
Honey, you’re not broke, since there’s nothing to fix and you’re perfect the way you are – and so is your business. You just don’t happen to a have a lot of money right now. Perception is everything! A loving husband, child, sister, and other family, along with a growing business and dreams… that’s something that don’t need to be fixed. YOU AIN’T BROKE!
You are right sweet Kellyjo — I have a lot to be grateful for and my life is very rich in so many ways!!
So many good things happening!
I love everything you do! The money is coming!!
I seriously just paid our self employment tax this morning (my husband owns his own business), so yes I totally relate to this! We too have been pulling all the money together the last couple months,cause ya we suck and didn’t plan ahead. Total stress mode. Glad I’m not alone! Congrats on the book!!
Thanks and no you’re not alone! Being self employed is SO hard around tax time!!
Hell yes lady!! So exciting!
woot woot! thanks homegirl!
Justina you’re not broke!
you’re rich with talent and creativity…
You have a beautiful little girl and wonderful husband and family!
All your fans love you!
I am so grateful for your blog because it brings me and many others so much joy…
I send you blessings…
Thank you for sharing this! We are facing the same pain with our taxes this year, and at first we questioned, “is it even worth it?” But then after a day like today, where we chose to take a little break, walk our pups, and work in the garden, we were quickly reminded why we see this lifestyle through. There is nothing more beautiful than living our lives full of purpose and walking out our gifts. Your journey is such a beautiful reminder of this…and broke is way better than bored. <3
True that! I think that should be a poster! ‘Broke is better than bored!’ Ha!
Your humility and honesty is killing me here. I love your blog and style so for you to be so up front with your fans is the icing on the cake. Congratulations on all the successes lately! And thank you for sharing your knowledge about growing IG followers. You are truly awesome! :)
Thank you Frances!! it’s always nice to hear kind words like yours!
You are immensely talented with an original vision.
Love your work.