10 Years of Choco le`a

As we wrap up our company Choco le`a’s 10th birthday month celebration, I find myself being asked to be a mentor to other women, wives, and moms, trying to build a side hustle or who are starting a small business of their own. 

Although I consider myself a forever “mentee” with still a lot to learn, a recent surge of upcoming speaking events and celebrating 10 years, got me reflecting on 10 lessons learned in 10 years of business that I could share…

10 Lessons Learned in 10 Years of Business

1. Stay focused on the mission. Make sure you are bringing more peace to our world or joy to others.

2. Take care of yourself. Then you will have the energy to take great care of others at work and at home!

3. Take care of others. You are responsible for those entrusted into your care.  Be honest and respect everyone you meet.

4. Lead by serving others. Be an example of someone who is authentic, grateful, and generous, letting the Word guide you.

5. Keep on learning. You will make mistakes, you can't do everything, and you can't be everything to everyone.  Those are the lessons learned, but don’t give up and keep on going and growing.

6. Find the opportunities now. In the good and bad times, stay humble, encourage others, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

7. Hold onto hope for the future. Set those goals, plan ahead, and keep on believing in yourself and others.

8. Have some fun! Make time for rest and play and remember it’s a journey so find joy along the way!

9. Connect with others and sweeten relationships. We were made for relationships so don't try to go through it alone. It’s better to do it together with others.

10. Have faith. Keep God close as your Heavenly Father, your CEO, your helper, and your friend. He may surprise you!

Coming up with a list forced me to slow down and give thanks in a go-go-go busy celebratory month. It’s as if God is still trying to teach me another lesson! Although I include Him in a lot, I still need to grow in trusting Him and remember that even when I am not working, He is still working!

What have you learned in your work in the past decade?

Let’s find peace by piece in taking a moment to pause, reflect on the journey so far, and write down those things that we’ve learned. Then, let’s share this with those we can mentor the way our mentors have done for us.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” -Psalm 46:10