The Courage to Become | Ane Urquiola Lowe
My name is Ane Lowe, and I'm a blogger and social media strategist in Austin, Texas. I married my best friend a little over a year and a half ago, and recently took the plunge into entrepreneurship! I love helping bloggers and small business owners navigate the sometimes muddy waters that is social media marketing, helping them gain clarity and empower them with the tools they need to tackle their social media marketing strategy.
What was one thing you always dreamt of doing, were afraid to do, but did anyway?
Most recently I'd say it's venturing into entrepreneurship! I've always been a curious person and try to do everything myself. Four years ago I slapped together a food blog, and over the years have tweaked it to make The Hungry Chronicles what it is today. I did it without much thought or strategy, and wasn't really sure if it would resonate with people but I did it anyway.
Now, I am following my heart and am pursuing not only something that I'm really passionate about, I know that I can help other people improve their lives or help them with their business. It's a bit scary because I have those "what if" moments--what if I'm not successful, what if no one wants to work with me--etc, but I have to acknowledge those thoughts and then know that I have a solid foundation in place to achieve my goals. Being my own boss is scary and empowering at the same time, I'm excited to venture into the unknown.
How did it feel getting started?
A little nerve-wracking, but the best way to get over that is to have a solid game plan in place. I think it's important to set aspirational yet attainable goals, write them down, and break them down into weekly and monthly goals to make the ultimate goal look less daunting. It's great to check in with yourself every month to see whether or not you're on track, and try to identify what's working and what's not working.
The Hungry Chronicles
Tell us about some of the obstacles you faced when you started your own business)?
I think more than anything it's setting yourself up as an authority figure on whatever it is you're embarking on and gaining credibility and making a name for yourself. In many cases you have to give, give, give before you get anything back in return and you have to be ok with that.
What motivates you to want to help people and their businesses?
What motivates me is wanting to help people and pass on the knowledge that I've acquired through the years, much of it by trial and error and countless hours of sifting through blog posts and doing research. I want to be able to save people time and give them *all the answers* so they can fast-track their blog or business rather than spend too much time running into dead ends (or spending too much money on the wrong things).
Which living person (or people) do you most admire?
My parents. I know they are inherently amazing people (not just because they're my parents!) and they taught me to always do what's right. I feel that my ethics and integrity is a result of the positive way they raised me. They also have a great relationship (although certainly not perfect) but they've been fantastic role models for my brother and I.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I wish that I was more eloquent and better able to express myself. I find that sometimes I get frustrated because I can't precisely explain what I think or how I feel, I have to marinate on it for a while before it becomes clear to me.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I think one of my positive traits that can sometimes bite me in the butt is my generosity. Maybe I'm just really naive, but I know that people have used it against me in the past.
What is your motto?
My motto is life is too short to not do what you love or are passionate about!
What are some things you are proud to have accomplished?
Truthfully, I'm proud to have been able to follow my heart and do what I know is right for me. Leaving a fantastic (and well paying) job to venture into the unknown yet somehow know that this is the right move for me is a huge accomplishment and incredibly liberating. I made a decision taking into consideration what makes me happy to do what's right for me. Often we have to make decisions with other loved ones' considerations and sometimes doing things for yourself can be the best thing you can do.
What are some hopes you have for your future?
I hope to be able to exceed my professional goals and truly help people and give back. I also want to have a happy and healthy family one day and continue to grow in my relationship with my husband and be able to contribute to our financial goals.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women who are about to embark on the journey you are on?
The way I see it is life is too short to not do what you love. It took me several years to figure out exactly what I wanted to do, so I pursued side passions while working full time and explored activities that I was interested in and they all led me to where I am today.
Listen to that voice inside you and get a good understanding of who you are as you make any transition.
Good luck on your journey and let me know if I can help in any way!
Hungry Digital Media / Hungry Regalia / The Hungry Chronicles
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Essay by: Ane Urquiola Lowe
Hi friend!
I'm Catia, a woman, wife, mama, sister, sister friend, you know -- I wear a million hats just like you.
One of my biggest whys is that I want people to feel good about ALL of who they are. Including you.
The threads running through all my work (I’m an author - The Courage to Become, I’m a motivational speaker - TEDx, Choose Joy or Die , I am a private coach ) are hope, joy and empowerment.
If I could choose ten words that best describe me I would say: honest, welcoming, giving, curious, loving, earnest, empathetic, spiritual, playful, and sassy. Let's add: adventurous. That's 11.
Nice to meet you!
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