Finding the Courage to Start My Own Online Shop: A Journey in Watercolor Art and Design

Rand El Jarrah

9/8/2024

Starting my own online shop has been a dream come true, but it wasn’t without its challenges. For the longest time, the thought of putting my watercolor art and designs out into the world terrified me. What if no one liked my work? What if people criticized my art or thought my prices were too high? These fears held me back for far too long, but I realized that nothing worth having comes without courage and perseverance.

My Love for Watercolor Art

My journey with watercolor art began as a form of creative expression and therapy. I’ve always been drawn to the delicate flow of colors, the way they blend into one another, and the beauty in their unpredictability. Every stroke feels like a personal reflection of my inner world, inspired by my faith, emotions, and creativity. Over time, what started as a hobby became a passion, and soon I realized I wanted to share my designs with others.

Taking the Leap: From Fear to Courage

The idea of starting my own online shop was exciting, but I was also scared. The internet is full of incredible artists, and I constantly wondered if I could ever measure up. But then I thought: Why not? I told myself that every artist starts somewhere. If I didn’t take the first step, I would never know where this path could lead me.

So I took that leap. I created my online shop, built my website, and uploaded my watercolor pieces. The first few weeks were nerve-wracking, especially when I received some negative feedback or when people requested prices that didn’t reflect the time and effort I put into my work. But over time, I learned that consistency is key.

Consistency and Belief in My Craft

In the early days, I felt tempted to give up every time someone asked for a discount or criticized my prices. It’s easy to get discouraged when people don’t see the value in what you create, but I reminded myself that I wasn’t just selling a product—I was sharing a piece of myself. Watercolor art is not just paint on paper; it’s time, energy, and passion poured into every detail.

I’ve learned that not everyone will appreciate your work in the way you want them to, and that’s okay. Instead of being demotivated by unrealistic expectations or negative comments, I focused on the people who truly valued my art. Little by little, my confidence grew.

Embracing the Journey and Learning Along the Way

Running my online shop has taught me many things, but the biggest lesson is this: have courage and believe in what you do. There will always be ups and downs. There will be people who don’t understand the value of your work or who try to bring you down, but for every person like that, there are others who will love what you create and encourage you to keep going.

I’ve also realized that every piece of feedback is a learning experience, and every setback is an opportunity for growth. Building a business is a journey, and I’m grateful for every step along the way.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through my experience, it’s that fear is part of the process, but so is growth. My love for watercolor art and design is what fuels me, and the joy of sharing that with the world outweighs the fear of starting. To anyone else who is thinking of taking the leap into entrepreneurship or sharing their creative work, I encourage you to start, stay consistent, and most importantly, believe in yourself.

At the end of the day, the journey is yours to make. Be proud of your progress and never let negativity hold you back from your dreams.