Confessions of a Lip Balm CEO
My previous goal for Mend was “How do I seem more professional/legitimate”, when, at the time, I was making lip balm in my apartment kitchen. I remember having a zoom meeting (on the floor, because I'd...
Feelings of Inadequacy
Let’s get personal — Lately, my work in therapy has been centered on the subject of failure. Oof, this is tough to write about. As a creative and a business owner, it is easy to put a lot of pressure on myself — especially when my livelihood depends on said business. Mend is not failing, so why do I often feel like I am?
I’m human. I often feel inadequate. I wonder if I’m doing the right things with Mend. I struggle to feel as if I’ll ever reach a “peak” at the top of the mountain, or if instead, I’ll be stuck in a long valley that goes on forever and ever and ever. I get tired. I feel the need to be more, do more, show more, make more… all for Mend.
The cycle feels never-ending. Yes, there’s freedom in having your own business, but not when you’re trapped within your own expectations. Will I ever feel capable? Will I ever feel like it’s enough – like I “made it”? — whatever that means.
My motto in the past has been, “I’d rather try and fail than not try at all” and this remains true today. I look around at my life now – living in a city I love, pursuing my passion full time – and am forever grateful for the successes that brought me here. And yet, (there’s always a “yet” in my mind…)
Yet, I’m not in “big” stores.
Yet, I haven’t hired employees.
Yet, Mend hasn’t reached certain milestones.
yet,
yet….
On the days when those, “yets,” feel overwhelming, I remind myself that good things are coming. I take a deep breath – 4 in, hold for 7, out for 8 – and ask the hard question: is this thought based on facts or feelings? (Hint: it’s usually feelings.). And it’s pretty easy to remind myself of these things when these reminders are on my lip balm (hint hint, wink wink)!
The reality is: Mend is changing lives. Genuinely. I’ve received messages saying that Mend has “literally saved my life”. We are donating thousands of dollars back to mental health care. Hope is being shared and resources are being acquired – all because of a LIP BALM! All because I took an idea I had…and brought it to life?? Yup – going to let that resonate for a bit.
If you’re feeling big feelings of inadequacy, I hope this little newsletter brings comfort, because you’re not alone in that. Don't forget to give yourself lots of grace, pep talks in the mirror (you should try it sometime!!), and rest. How beautiful that we are resilient human beings – always getting up and trying again. So, I’ll remind myself that good things are coming, if you'll do the same.
Thanks for listening, friends.
Rachel Parrett
Rachel is the founder of Mend Lip Balm and lives in Philly. As a mental health advocate, she finds a lot of joy in educating those around her about resources available to them. You can often find her reading a good book or spending time with friends.
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