Hey There.
We know, it’s been a while. As the food coma from Thanksgiving starts to wear off, help us celebrate today. You may have started following us because we launched Garçon Couture in 2016. It was actually on Black Friday, November 25, 2016. Looking back we have learned so much. Take a second to take a walk in our shoes and the top six lessons we’ve learned from six years of doing life through entrepreneurship and brotherhood together.
You Need and Deserve a Team.
Yes, it’s your dream, but the right people will get it, support it, and push it like it’s their own.
Taken at a Fashion Presentation in Miami, FL over 3 years ago.
From steaming clothes to carrying water bottles to models, we are nothing without the people who work with us and for us to make our dreams a reality. Business Owner and young entrepreneur, choose your team wisely! You can’t walk on water alone… Take your time and be picky. Once you find the right people (it may start out as one individual) make sure you consider their onboarding, taking time to translate your passion and their own personal goals.
2. Don’t Wait; Start Now…
and perfect things along the way
The part of the business no one sees.
We know that that sounds crazy but think about it … how long have you been waiting for that perfect tagline or moment? It doesn’t exist. As a business owner, you create the timeline. You create the moment. Let your creativity and ingenuity flourish and make sure to measure your success, review areas for improvement, and do it again. You’re not perfect and you won’t be every time. However, after you improve each time, you will be an expert … and that is priceless.
3. Make Time for Self- Care
A burned-out leader is not a leader …they are a survivor. Not a creative … Not a maverick …
Gilly, self-caring.
Your business needs YOU. The best you and the most attentive you. That person is only possible when YOU take a break. Create opportunities to be refreshed. Get a self-care routine that reflects activities that have NOTHING to do with your business and work. It’s difficult and will take discipline at first, but trust us, it is necessary for the longevity of your success.
4. Stay True to Your Vision …
but pivot when necessary…
Trying to square away the final touches at our 2022 Fashion Presentation Event
Illy&Gilly The Collection was never the goal, but it was an opportunity to pivot once we heard from our customers in our showroom. Customers who were in our showroom for suits and tuxedos showed an increasing interest in the shoes we had on. Yes, the shoes we wore to work. Demand met opportunity and we listened.
Stick to your goal, but make sure you are also open to the opportunities that are around you. Not every opportunity will be the right fit, but the right ones will be LOUD.
5. Do Not Avoid Conflict
Success is usually on the other side…
Classic Becca, a team member of ours, meeting a challenge, head first lol. Picture from our first event in 2016.
During these six years, we have gone through so many changes that resulted in changes in how we worked with the company and with each other. As our personal lives moved around, changed, and grew, our capacities changed; our interests changed. Although it took time to work through, it has made us so much more efficient. This challenge has grown our team, grown us as leaders, and made us better men.
6. Trust Your Gut
Trust Your Instincts and Quiet Your Fears
Us in our college days.
In order to become the men and business leaders we have, we have had to take risks. It has meant researching before deciding, many times asking for help, and above all trusting who we are becoming and not who we have been. Entrepreneurship is like a muscle; you won’t just fall into it without work and a lot of that work is mental. Take the time to grow your thinking. Grow into where you are going by trusting yourself with each step.
To more walks on water as we live our dreams …
In brotherhood,
Illy & Gilly