The Why Behind Exclusively Ego

Why. A three-letter word that when used as a complete question, can bring out the best (and worst) in people. It’s also one of the five “W”s that helps journalists address the fundamental questions that every story should be able to answer (sorry for the geek moment, I’m a journalism major). So, if every human has a story, why aren’t we constantly asked those fundamental questions?

The short answer is fear. The fear to not have an answer to such a short, but complex question. The fear that if we answer with great ambition, we’ll be held accountable for that answer (sometimes interpreted as a goal). Since deciding to launch my own business, I’ve been asked that three-letter, one-word question more times than I can count. Why are you passionate about it? Why are you doing this now? And sometimes, even the daunting question: Why are you quitting your “secure”, full-time, salaried position to pursue this risky idea?

While some take offense to the question, I’ve found it to be an opportunity to express my passion for my business, vision, and brand. That’s why I think it’s the perfect introduction and first ever blog on exclusivelyego.com (it seems so real as I sit here and type this). I hope that by me sharing my why it’ll help others ask themselves this question more often. The world needs more passionate people in it.

For me, the why began with me. Yes, I was my own why. Why? You may ask. I think we grow up in a society that tries to tell us how to do things. How to feel, how to react (and not react, for that matter) and how to build a life. Growing up, I always thought I would go to school, graduate, get a job, and live the “normal” life. Well, that didn’t go as planned from the get-go. I had my daughter Itzarih my first year of college. Yes, a young mom trying to figure out how the rest of her life would play out. Since then, I tried to get to the finish line as quickly as possible. I graduated with my bachelor’s in four years, and with a few internships under my belt, I quickly began to scramble to find a full-time job. I did, and after six months working “corporate”, I knew it wasn’t for me.

After that adventure, I found myself at a non-profit, and while it was more fulfilling than the previous job, it still wasn’t igniting the light inside of me (I know, that sounds super cheesy, but so true). After dedicating a year to that position, and some backlash from peers, I knew it was time for me to move on.

So, I was back to the same question: what is for me?

A little side note: ever since I was little, I never felt like I was great at anything. I was an average student (GPA 3.66) but never excelled in a specific subject. As a junior in high school, I was able to attend a vocational program for fashion design. I absolutely loved it. It was my sweet of every day. Unfortunately, my lack of self-esteem held me back from pursuing it as a career. The thought that only a small percentage of fashion designers actually succeeded in the competitive industry scared me away, and frankly, turned me off from fashion as a career.

For as long as I can remember, I have been extremely good at putting outfits together from second-hand items. I grew up with a single mom of four, so it was rare when we had the luxury of purchasing new clothes. While you would think that a teenager would have a problem with that, it actually never really bothered me. I really enjoyed it and found a thrill in knowing that I was able to coordinate an entire outfit for only a few bucks. While creating my wardrobe with second-hand items back then was a necessity, I continue to do that until this day, even though I can afford to buy new items from department stores.

As I questioned what would be next in my career, I discovered that I could actually create a business (and a living) doing what I love. Combining the two things I’m passionate about (writing and thrifting) I came up with the idea to launch a wardrobe styling business that would help women recreate their wardrobe using second-hand items. The website also includes a “shop my closet” section, where followers can purchase some of my personal items, proving that clothing can actually be used more than just a few times.

Through my dream, I want to help women build wardrobes they're not afraid of. Wardrobes that include signature pieces that can create confidence boosting outfits every single day, and do it with even the smallest budget. (if you didn’t catch it, this is the problem I’m trying to solve in my community!)

Well, there you have it. A little bit of the history behind me and my new business. While I’m still in the beginning stage and have a lot to prove, I can honestly say that I am the happiest I’ve been in a long time. If there is something that I hope readers get out of this is that no matter what society tells you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing what you love (as long as you figure out a way to make a living out of it).

Thank you so much for getting this far on my very first blog post for Exclusively Ego. I hope you walk away with a little bit of motivation, wisdom, and courage to follow your dreams every single day.

xoxo,
Elizabeth