79- Are we meant to suffer for what we love?

image @kendrabailey

Hi queens, it's so good to be back with a schedule! Yes, it's still me, Justine, the founder of Kwezi. I considered creating a Substack, but who am I without all of you? Funny how written media is making a comeback! Haha, tell them you've been here.

If you're new here, this is your safe space. I write love notes to you bi-weekly so you never have to do life alone; we are in this together. I'm in my 20s and I started this business very young, so if anyone knows a self-development journey, it's me. What makes me feel accomplished is making people feel seen. Kwezi was created for that reason exactly, and "sexy, elegant, impactful" is an extension of the journey a woman goes on to become her.

So today, let's pick apart something that's been at the forefront of my mind. Mainly because I am always re-defining what it means to be a hard-working woman. At some point, we have all wanted more. This looks different for everyone, but every time you decide you want more than your current situation, you are choosing ambition, and the relentlessness and resilience that comes with it.

On this journey, every journey, there's sacrifice; whether it's financial, your time, or even the mental shift required to reach your goals. We always end up losing a part of ourselves that was once so familiar. Now I'm four years into business. I've lost a lot, but I've also gained a lot. I wouldn't change my journey, but I am at the stage where I am making a change.

Getting what you want does take a lot of hard work, but the stress and the pain I was feeling came from believing I had to do and be everything. When in reality, I had to redefine how I show up as a founder.

Yes, if cash flow is tight, you'll see me running around set and modelling, and don't get me wrong, I love it. I'm not talking about the daily tasks that make a startup a startup…I'm talking about the things that make you feel like you're suffering.

Your rituals that keep you sane. Prioritising time to leave your house or office and have direct proximity to the people who will make your dreams happen. "I'm not going" might be the reason you miss your next opportunity. Jobs have been landed through conversations at a bar. I hate the idea of networking, but the best ideas come from organic conversation in the most random places.

Your wardrobe and your beauty should never suffer. I would never buy from someone who looks a mess. You are also more productive and feel better when you look better. Some weeks are no sleep, but at least 90% of the time you should be getting a good night's sleep. I used to romanticise no sleep, telling myself I was so hardworking, that was our slowest month in sales. I looked a mess, I felt a mess, and honestly, it didn't feel much like I was being the queen I am. So I shut the door on suffering.

Suffering might actually be hindering your goals and stunting your growth. The pain you go through isn't directly correlated with the success of your task.

It's actually romantic to manage your time, educate yourself so you're only doing what benefits the outcome, and build something that'll last; habits you can rely on. I am writing this at my hair appointment. I've recently found my signature hairstyle and my signature outfit. I want a life that works with me. I am wearing Kwezi, of course, it's summer, I'll link it here. This is what Kwezi should feel like: a choice to go on a journey of love, discovery, and choosing you, always.

I love that you're here. Please stay, and leave me a comment below letting me know what you thought of this read. I love writing, so this never feels like work.

See you in two weeks for my 10 Date Summer, and what I'll be wearing on every date.

Use this week to restore your faith in the process. Don't rush it.

With love,

— JK