Every Trail Has a Trailhead

Every Trail Has a Trailhead

One of my favourite things to do is hike.

There’s something about standing at the beginning of a trail that I love. A handmade wooden sign pointing into the trees. The sound of the ocean somewhere in the distance. A path stretching ahead, with absolutely no idea what’s around the next bend.

There is probably a beautiful view somewhere up there. You just can’t see it yet, and you know what? You don't need to. When I start a trail I’ve never hiked before, I don’t stand at the trailhead trying to figure out every turn. I just start walking.

The more I think about it, the more I realize how much building a small business has felt the same way.

I've spent years figuring things out as I went.

I built a handmade business from the ground up, opened my own brick & mortar shop, poured candles, packed wholesale orders, built websites, photographed products, updated branding, worked with retailers and spent more hours than I could ever count wondering what comes next?

Want to know what came next?

I recently handed the reins of that business over to a new owner (Shoutout to Sadie at Kelp House!). For a long time, I thought moving forward meant having everything figured out. It doesn't.

One of the biggest lessons owning a business taught me is that you're allowed to change your mind. The thing you built for one season of your life doesn't have to be the thing you build forever. Your path can change.

Which brings me to my own trailhead.

A New Trail for Farrah Marie By The Sea

I'm taking everything I learned from years of building a small business and combining it with something I've always loved: writing and storytelling.
Through Farrah Marie By The Sea, I'm offering freelance blog and content writing for woman-led businesses with a coastal heart. I'm passionate about these stories because in so many ways, I am you. I've built the handmade business. I've opened a brick & mortar location. I've packed the orders, taken the product photos and wondered what I was going to post on Instagram that week. I've done all this as a mum and wife, living in a small coastal community.
For brands with a coastal core heart, the best stories aren't always about what you sell, but the world around your business. Look at what is right there on your doorstep. The fishing village where your inn is tucked away. The neighbourhood your clients might someday call home. The traditions behind something you make by hand. It's the people, places and little details that make your business yours.
Those are the stories I want to help tell. You don't always need more content. Sometimes you just need to notice the stories you already have, right there on your front door. With each client, I find those stories and turn them into heartfelt content that sounds like you, connects with the people you want to reach and gives them a reason to remember your business.

Find Your Trailhead

Whatever you're building, you don't have to see the entire trail from where you're standing. Start somewhere. Take the next step. Change direction when you need to. And don't be afraid to build something different when the season you're in changes.

Someday you'll turn around and realize just how far you've come. I'm standing at another trailhead myself right now and so proud of myself for taking that first step. If one of your next steps is telling more of your business's story, I'd love to help you put it into words.

I offer freelance blog and content writing for woman-led businesses with a coastal heart, from inns and B&Bs to real estate professionals, makers, shops and other small businesses.

Interested in working together? Book a free intro call and tell me a little about your brand and vision.

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