Overcomer Series with Lesley Clavijo
What do you do?
I help creative women get organized and meet their goals at home and in their businesses without losing themselves or their minds in the process on my site LesleyClavijo.com.
Growing up, did you always dream that you would be doing what you’re doing now?
No way! In fact, I despised technology. My parents were both extremely creative people. My Mom was a hand-maker and my Dad was a theater set designer. One day he brought home the first Apple computer and that was the day I felt that all creativity was snuffed out. Of course, this wasn’t entirely true, my dad just switched his creative medium to computers instead of set design. It wasn’t until 20+ years later that I realized that technology can be creative and wonderful.
What made you decide to “go for it” in terms of your career goals/ambitions?
I was a stay at home mom coming off of a really busy and purposeful career as a child care director. I loved staying at home with my kids and not having them in childcare but I really missed having something for me. I missed making an impact and teaching others. That’s when I found blogging and was able to teach people through my decorating, organizing and DIY tutorials. Then that lead to my obsession with WordPress and Genesis Child Themes. I wanted my site to look super professional and I found that Child Themes could do that for me. I became known as the “techy” blogger in my niche. I saw a great need for easy and common sense blogging education and decided to write my e-course, “What the Tech?” A Guide to Your Technical Blogging. I’m not going to lie writing a 280+ page book and creating over 25 videos was not easy. I had to push myself to wake up earlier and set goals. I think what pushed me to do this was seeing others do it and succeed. It really pushed me to put myself out there and I’m so glad I did.
Did you face adversity? How did you overcome that?
I have struggled with anxiety and chronic migraines for many years. Often the anxiety is caused by worrying if and when a migraine will hit. Migraine sufferers all know the guilt that comes with letting others in their lives down because they simply cannot function. That itself can cause anxiety, depression and more. I once calculated how many days of my life I have lost to migraines and the number was astounding. I’ve learned to accept that chronic migraines are just a part of my life. I have to give myself some grace when I’m not able to work or if I have to rest. I have learned to plan in the case of a migraine day, so that if I cannot hold up a commitment I am not letting someone else down. Most importantly I have found support in my husband and children. They are the ones that have truly missed out but are always the most supportive.
A lot of women have these big goals & big ideas that they’d like to bring to life, what advice would you give them in terms of how they can make that happen?
Stop watching and listening to everyone.. it’s too much noise. Instead, pick one to three people that are succeeding and are people who you look up to and could see yourself emulating. Take notice of the systems they use and their advice then change it up to fit your personality and your business goals. Secondly, make a plan and execute it. A well thought out plan with step by step actionable goals will help you get to your ultimate goal. Lastly, don’t be so stuck in your “plan” that you don’t pivot. It’s ok if things don’t work the way you planned, it’s all part of the learning experience. Take note of your flaws, the failures, the weakness and then pivot your plan. I have had many failed business attempts but with each one I have learned very valuable lessons and have grown so much from knowing when it’s time to change course.
What’s the biggest regret you have when it comes to your blog/shop/business?
My biggest regret is not being consistent from the start and not having clear planned out goals. I’ve learned over the years that all of the extremely successful people out there have two things in common, they are consistent and they set goals. I’ve had to teach myself how to do this and so far I can say it’s working well.
What’s been your proudest moment so far?
I’m lucky enough to have many proud moments because I’m a teacher. Every single time one of my students or readers tells me that I have helped improve their life, home or business I am so proud. I’m a helper, I always have been. I love to look for solutions and I love to help people resolve areas of discontent in their lives. Even if I didn’t make one dime for what I do, I would still do it because I have so much passion for helping others.
And, just because we like our coffee around here, how do you take yours?
O,h I love, love, love sweet iced coffee drinks. I could suggest quite a few.
I believe in the story of the overcomer. That has been my story and I believe that is your story too. We want your journey here on the blog to help encourage others just like you and me. If you’d like to share that with us, please come over and share your story with us!
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