Annena Aikins

Announcing Bra-ology

  

Bra-ology Bra Fit Specialists

A couple of months ago I started another business – Bra-ology a bra fitting service based in the Bay Area.  With 8 out 10 women wearing the wrong size bra, the services that Bra-ology provides is well needed. 

This business has been a long time coming.  I wanted to start it over 4 years ago but procrastinated and never acted on it.  I was waiting for the “right time” to start.  However, the entrepreneurial spirit in me never rests, so one day a few months ago, I said – forget it, what am I waiting for, I am going to start my bra fitting business and away I went.

Fast forward, Bra-ology is growing every day and I am having a blast helping women improve their self image and achieve the proper fit.  We conduct Bra Fitting Parties and Private In-Home fittings for women in the local San Francisco Bay Area, follow this link to learn more about Bra-ology.

3 Ways to Find Motivation In Your Work

1. Incorporate your passion into your work.  I love writing and enjoy building my business around my passion.  At night, I keep a journal and a notepad next to my bed because I dream about my work and want to capture ideals when they are fresh.  Most mornings I wake up eager to get my day started because loving my work is a source of motivation. 

If you are working in a capacity that has nothing to do with your passion, then there are ways to connect the two and bring more enjoyment to your work.  For example, you may own a deli and your passion is world travel.  Unfortunately, you cannot travel as much as you like because your business is still small enough where your regular presence is necessary.  So, the way you connect your passion for world travel and your deli is by bringing the world inside your deli.  Subscribe to travel magazines, place a world map on the wall, hang posters of your favorite places, have specials based on themes inspired by your favorite places, etc. 

2. Place your goals somewhere you can see them daily.  As entrepreneurs, it is necessary to do things that we rather not do.  Admittedly, I was a late comer to blogging and social networking, but because I have goals that I am trying to achieve, I pushed away my discomfort and now I am participating regularly.  

When you find it hard to stay focused and practice discipline, then read your goals out loud to remind yourself of why you are doing it.  Sometimes, I gentle reminder is all we need to keep moving towards our dreams.

3. Share.  We draw inspiration from each other.  Join a community of professionals in your industry where you can find support, motivation and share ideals with one another.  Just by talking to others who understand your challenges can give you the push you need. 

 

Honoring Mom - The Real Success Story

As Mother's Day is quickly approaching, I just wanted to honor all the hardworking mothers.  I have always known that I have one of the greatest mothers on the planet, but it was not until I became a mother that I really understood her.

I now understand why she would not let me ride the city bus alone when I was 11 and why she would not let me accept candy and gifts from people she did not know.

I know how it feels to bring life into this world and to constantly be on guard protecting your children from danger, like a mother lioness ready to pounce.

I have had the sleepless nights, holding and rocking my son because he was sick and could not keep his food down. 

I have felt the joy of watching from the sidelines as my son ran down the soccer field and made his first goal.

To all the mothers who sacrifice, love hard and believe in their children when no one else does - Happy Mother's Day.  I honor you. 

To my mother, all that is good in me comes from you, you are simply the best!

Love,
Annena

Sacrificing For A Dream

Tuesday morning was difficult for me; I was feeling a little down until someone lifted me up…

Whenever I see successful entrepreneurs, seemingly living the good life, I can’t help but to wonder what it took for them to get to where they are now.  What sacrifices did they make while waiting for their businesses to grow?  How many times did they hear “no” before getting their big break?  Did they ever quit and throw in the towel?  What is the story behind the story? 

It is funny when people say things like “you are so lucky because you work for yourself and can do whatever you want.” 

I think to myself – no, actually I am blessed to be able to do as I please but I also have to do many things that I rather not do If I want to get ahead and make my business a success.

Entrepreneurs work hard.  While, you can’t beat reaping the fruits of your labor, many of us make tremendous sacrifices to see our visions come to life. 

Like a woman I know who once owned a small store and on many days, she only made enough to pay the bridge toll to get back home at night and to buy her two children happy meals for dinner. 

And all the women entrepreneurs out there, who are struggling right now, trying to survive but are holding on for that day when everything will change.   

Continue to work smart, and beat down every door you come to.  Do not give up the fight, if you believe then you can do it.  If you do not believe, then no one else will.  

 Every day when you wake up, if no one is there to encourage you, then encourage yourself.  Don’t faint, you are almost there.