As mentioned in my last post, ever since the loss of my job, I’ve been working really hard on figuring out my astro-herbalism business. And I’m realizing, the administrative stuff is going to take a lot more work than I expected. Ha ha. Even though I have a lot of the foundation built already, (since I’ve been doing this on the side for a few years), there are just so many details to think about, when it comes to trying to go full-time. Plus, the astro-weather isn’t great for launching new things right now anyway.

So, my “new rebrand” is not going to be released within the next month, as I’d hoped. But I am slowly building things out behind the scenes nonetheless, and I am still available for all my normal consultations and readings.

Meanwhile, I’ve done a lot of soul searching, and I’ve clarified a few things for myself:

1) I love writing and researching.

While I also enjoy client work, I want to make sure that I always make space to allow my nerdy bookworm side to thrive.

As I build my business, I want to make sure never to lose sight of the research and writing side of things. I’m not fully sure how the finances will work for that yet, but I’m developing ideas.

Bottom line: My career needs to be a blend of the introverted work and the extroverted work!

2) I can’t do modern “influencer” style branding.

A certain way of promoting oneself has emerged in internet culture lately—certain styles of speaking and writing, certain visual effects, certain aesthetic and social structures… And I know that I would not be able to sustain that. I could learn the ground rules, I could play-act at it for awhile, but if I tried to sustain it, I would burn out. I am 100% certain about that. It’s just not me, not even remotely.

I believe in the value of branding, and I’m not afraid to promote myself, but I will need to find a style that is authentic to who I am. It will look and feel different from influencer culture. That’s just how it has to be. Even if I don’t get instant fame and fortune… well, that’s not my goal anyway. My goal is to create a business that can support my family long-term. To do that, I need to survive that long. :)

OK, that’s all for now! I have some normal astro-related and health-related blog posts coming soon!