Make Room: Clearing Space for Fear, Growth, and Transformation

Hello, limada here. At the start of 2024, I embraced a simple but powerful belief: everything unfolds the way it needs to. This was a belief built from years of feeling stuck, battling imposter syndrome, and facing fear. Fear shows up when we’re about to take on something big — like launching a venture, trying something new in our business, or stepping into a space where we can make an impact. But I knew that growth and opportunity live just beyond that fear. So, I made a pact with myself to feel the fear and do it anyway.

For anyone running a small business, you know exactly what I mean. Whether it’s opening a new establishment, catering an event, or starting a brand, the path is rarely linear. It’s messy, filled with unexpected turns, and requires a healthy dose of courage. But it’s that willingness to step forward anyway that leads to meaningful transformation.

This belief was tested when I launched Tablescapes, a brand I had been dreaming about for years. Tablescapes isn’t just about offering glassware rentals; it’s about creating memorable experiences, helping clients tell stories through the details, and making gatherings feel special. The launch event was what I’d envisioned. Exciting, nerve-wracking, and filled with anticipation.

Photo by: Norma Villatoro

As the night unfolded, I faced a familiar challenge; fear of not measuring up and of not having enough people show up to validate the effort. Only a few close friends came and the majority were acquaintances. While I appreciated their support, there was a quiet disappointment; proof that the journey towards building something meaningful doesn’t always look like what we imagine.

But something unexpected happened. Despite the nerves and initial self-doubt, the event was a success. More than just the physical turnout, it marked a moment of resilience. I learned that events, whether small or large, are about much more than the numbers; they’re about creating connections. The support I received through thoughtful conversations, feedback, and future opportunities was more meaningful than I could have ever anticipated.

As time passed, I reflected on that experience and realized that the work I do doesn’t need to be validated by specific people or outcomes. Support takes many forms, especially in entrepreneurship. Not everyone will show up in the ways we hope and that’s okay. It’s about building a community that aligns with your mission and values.

For anyone creative, this shift in perspective is key. We often feel the pressure to please everyone or chase after certain kinds of validation, but the true growth happens when we start focusing on what truly matters, like staying true to our vision and building authentic relationships. Whether it’s clients or collaborators, the people who resonate with what we’re creating will show up in ways we may not always expect. That’s what real support looks like.

As 2024 moved forward, I began to see fear not as a stop sign but as a signal; a cue that growth is just around the corner. I still feel fear, but I no longer let it control me. Instead, I’ve learned that in every fear, there’s a new opportunity for reinvention and for building deeper connections with community.

In entrepreneurship, the world constantly changes, and we have to make space for that change. It’s not always easy, but making room — for new projects, new clients, or simply new ideas, leads to growth and transformation. It’s about making room for the next version of yourself and your business.

As I reflect on 2024, I see it as a year of clearing space for all that’s to come. New partnerships, new experiences, and new opportunities to connect with people who will share in the journey. It’s been a year of laying the foundation for what’s next, and I’m more excited than ever about the possibilities ahead.

For anyone reading this who’s navigating their own journey; if you’re an entrepreneur or simply someone who is trying to grow, I want you to know, you’ve got this. This is only the beginning.

The work we do, the brands we build, and the communities we create are all waiting on the other side of fear. So, let’s make room for growth, for collaboration, and for the transformations that will bring us closer to who we’re meant to be.