Tracey Piechocki, the owner of Illustrated Designs, is not just another entrepreneur. Her journey is a testament to determination and hard work. Transitioning from being a part of a family business to taking the reins herself, Tracey reflects the spirit of a seasoned entrepreneur who is not afraid to carve out her own path.
Tracey was a guest on the Live Full Work Fun podcast, where we had a candid conversation about her entrepreneurial journey.
The Art of Setting Boundaries
One of the most enlightening parts of Tracey’s journey is her emphasis on setting boundaries. She strongly believes in managing her time and setting realistic expectations with her clients. By refusing to respond to emails after work hours or on weekends, unless there’s a tight deadline, she ensures that her personal time is respected. This strategy has been instrumental in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, something many entrepreneurs struggle with.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Tracey’s story also touches on a common issue faced by many professionals – imposter syndrome. Despite her achievements and experience, Tracey admits that she has grappled with feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. However, she has found ways to overcome this, primarily by believing in her abilities and reminding herself of her worth. Her candidness about this struggle is both relatable and inspiring, demonstrating that even successful individuals experience self-doubt.
Resilience and Adaptability in Business
Tracey’s experience during the pandemic underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in business. Her ability to pivot quickly when her event space operations were disrupted is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit.
Cultivating Creativity Outside of Work
Tracey is a firm believer in the importance of drawing inspiration from outside of work. From reading business-related books in her leisure time to kayaking in the middle of a lake, she finds these activities important in fueling her creativity. She also emphasizes the importance of stepping away from technology and experiencing life to remain creative and innovative.
Energized: Tracey’s Word for the Year
Tracey believes in setting goals based on desired feelings, an approach she learned from Danielle LaPorte’s book, ‘The Desire Map.’ For her, this year’s word is ‘Energized.’ It aligns perfectly with her personal and professional aspirations and serves as a powerful motivator.
In conclusion, Tracey Piechocki’s journey provides a wealth of insights for budding entrepreneurs and established professionals alike. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of setting boundaries, overcoming self-doubt, and finding inspiration in the world around us. Listen to the full episode here.