Remember back in Covid when ‘pivot’ became one of those words we all grew to hate? Like ‘new normal’ and ‘sovereign citizens’? Just shut the fuck up, thanks very much.
Anyhoo, over the last few years I’ve been doing so much pivoting – it feels like my life has become an 80s breakdance.
You know that one where one leg is planted on the ground, and the other is pumping around in circles?
Yeah, baby. That’s me 😎
Here’s what happened…
I stopped giving a single fuck about fashion and burnt my clothing brand to the ground.
This new found freedom gave me free rein to indulge my growing love of nature so I slaved over ‘browsing forests’ and alternative fodder. I studied soil, toyed with the idea of post-grad and tickled myself by chatting with a University about becoming a ‘research partner’.
How flash does THAT sound?
To earn a living, I stomped my foot down and purposely pivoted into my next online store. The plan was to sell all kinds of cool and responsible things to help hobby farmers and horse property owners best manage their land.
It was the best of times, then the worst of times.
When this 👆
became this 👇 and everything died.
Some of my horses died, some of my soul died and I realised how hard it was to be a single, rookie farmer.
My agistment horses left as hay prices soared.
Panic ensued.
For the last few months I’ve been pumping water, fixing shit and haemorraging money at a rate I didn’t think possible.
I’ve also cried more than I ever have in my life.
I learned that resilience is fickle, fixing fences is hard and that snot doesn’t need wiping, when more’s on the way…
Post Grad? Forget that…
I couldn’t even finish the final assignment for my beloved Equitation Science, instead I just stood in front of the tripod, paralysed with incompetence and sobbing at the stupidity of my own life choices.
As the drought got more brutal, I got more broker-er and my mental health entered palliative care.
My old friend Imposter Syndrome Simon barged in and said…
“You know this land regeneration business? Is that really appropriate?”
“Cos Girlfrand – may I remind you what’s happening outside in your own little piece of paradise”
As my brain spiralled, it became clear that launching that business was out of the question so with the lacklustr-est of pivots – I started applying for jobs.
And woooweeeeee, lemme tell you those interviews were awkward because I lost the ability to speak without crying.
Yep, the last few months have been a masterclass in challenging times.
But during my complete withdrawal from the world, I still kept playing with plants. I realised that picking herbs and making balms was the only thing my brain could handle.
It was repetitive, non-combative and productive.
So here I am… Still snotty and red faced, feeling like I’m a kid with a lemonade stand… and I pivoted one more time.
“Fuck it.. I’m just going to sell my balms and herbal creations”
It’s dorky.. but I love it. I love these plants, I love my bees.. and I love the life that comes with making this stuff.
Please visit the store. Please let me know what you think.. but I’m not gonna lie – I’m feeling nervous AF about getting trolled.
Also, if you’re going to hatey… just remember I’m unhinged and know how to use a chainsaw 😆
Bravo you 👏 🙌 you’ve hung on and making it through to the otherside… Mr Wendal has been quite the helper in that regard eh
You are so realistic about how shitty life treats us it’s great to identify
Nz is a much kinder country than oz but we have our insurmountable issues too my go to is put my head down n trudge towards preset goal. Phone a friend when real shit happens and hope like shit the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t a bloody rampaging train gone off its rails
Only knew you existed today thx to my mum who showed me your FB reel for your wild rose hip skin drink & yeah she’s placed her order, I will follow suit…also broker-er as fuck…hmm do I eat or buy amazing product & support the raddest human ever?…pretty simple. Love you & sure as shit gonna love your products. Life hey. Fun shit. Keep on pushin’ gf X
I tried last night to leave a comment; while it was ‘moderating’ whatever the fuck that is; it vanished. Fucks me why so I’ll keep it shorter & see what happens. My mum showed me your FB reel on rosehip skin drink, she’s ordered & yea so will I, but also broke AF. I think you are the raddest human & sure as shit I’m sure your products are f amazing. Mental health? I feel you, I have definitely copped more than one human should ever. Life hey. Fun shit. I 100% support you. Keep pushin’ girl.
Chicky
You got this shit! I think you are brave, strong and amazing. When the hard times hit, you may rest on your knees for a little bit, however, it is obvious that you always rise to your feet again and keep on trudging the path. You are resilient, strong and so authentically genuine! YOU are success personified.
I love how REAL you are.
Thank you for being so genuine in a world where everything is masked over. Your authenticity is an attractive quality, don’t ever lose it.
Proud of you for being the ‘Little Aussie Battler’ that you are. Don’t ever stop being you and going after what makes you happy.
Come on Australia – support this beautiful woman to be all that she can be!!!
You’re awesome AF
Well done to you for your resilience (yes I hate that word too). However it’s now my reward as I received my first order of your awesome products and I will be re-ordering lots more for family. I am so glad you have these amazing skills. 🥰
You just made me properly laugh out loud!!! Medicine for the soul 🙂 You are an inspiration! I’m heading to the shop right now 😉
That was the most funny, giggliable blurb I’ve read EVA! After the most shittiest day I’ve had, you have made me smile and laugh. Life is way better when your busy creating… keep going ❤️
Fucken good onya luv. As an animal loving nature witch who’s trying to navigate the world these days and who still, in my mid 40s has NO IDEA how to make enough money that I’ll ever be able to retire AND have us all eat…. I salute you in thinking outside the square and saying “fuck it I’ll have a go!” Bravo! 🖤🖤
Thank god for you being as real as you are….
So refreshing to hear genuine stories from an absolutely real person who has/ is living life the best they can with all the vulnerability that comes with it. One minute you think you’ve got it all sorted, then next minute there’s another huge hurdle…or a bloody few/lots loaded on.
Apart from all that…all that I identify with as well as many others would, the products that you are making are brilliant. I have been using them for a while now, and they live up to every expectation, if not more. I have let my children and friends know about them too.
Please keeping being authentic, and sharing your thoughts. We need more of you in this very fake, made up world. We really just need to look after others around us, and keep our ears, eyes and senses engaged.
Thank you Jemima…. and hopefully you feel better soon. If I lived a bit closer, would be definitely giving you a bit of a hand there at the farm if you let me. Keep being you.