Welcome to another episode of Pursuing Uncomfortable! In this episode, we are joined by the inspiring Lauren Hackney, the author of The Lolly Shop children's book series. Lauren's incredible story teaches us the power of pursuing uncomfortable situations and embracing unexpected opportunities. Get ready to delve into a journey marked by resilience, personal growth, and the pursuit of dreams.
Unleashing the Magic of The Lolly Shop:
Lauren Hackney, affectionately known as Molly, is the proud owner of The Lolly Shop, where all the lollies have temporary magic. Molly's passion for storytelling led her to create characters for her lolly shop, captivating children's imaginations with enchanting tales. Despite not having any formal writing credentials, she self-published a book after witnessing the love and connection children had with her stories. This experience opened her eyes to the possibilities of pursuing her writing career.
The Trials and Triumphs of the Writing Journey:
Like a mountain climber embracing the unknown, Molly embarked on her writing journey, navigating uncharted territories. Along the way, life presented unexpected challenges. Her husband's life-altering heart attack shook her world, but Molly's unwavering determination pushed her to continue pursuing uncomfortable situations. She found solace in her friend, who discovered their talent for crocheting despite battling an autoimmune disease. This serves as a reminder that pursuing uncomfortable things can lead us to discover hidden talents and unforeseen opportunities.
Navigating the Pandemic: From Job Loss to Unexpected Opportunities:
Lauren's journey took an unexpected turn when she faced job loss due to the pandemic. Uncertainty and financial concerns loomed large, but even in these difficult times, she discovered the power of storytelling. While camping, she entertained children with her own stories, prompting friends to suggest she write a book. Financial constraints initially hindered her path, but another lockdown pushed her to seriously consider writing and recognize it as a potential new career path.
Embracing Rejections, Collaboration, and Growth:
With determination and resilience, Lauren faced multiple rejections from Australian publishers. However, instead of giving up, she saw these rejections as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Seeking guidance, she reached out to a book PR person who connected her with a successful local author, opening doors to interviews and events. Through this collaboration and unwavering persistence, she discovered that success doesn't always come in the expected form.
The Power of Confidence and Personal Growth:
Lauren's journey from self-doubt to confidence serves as a reminder of the hidden gem that lies within pursuing uncomfortable things. Like those who throw themselves into fitness or cooking, Lauren threw herself into storytelling and built confidence along the way. She emphasizes that growth and self-belief are not always tangible, but can create transformative shifts that shape our lives.
Appreciating the Journey and Unforeseen Blessings:
Reflecting on her journey, Lauren expresses deep gratitude for the memories and experiences she has accumulated over the past two years. Despite the initial lack of knowledge and unexpected hurdles, she acknowledges the people she has connected with and the support she has received along the way. She embraces the uncertainty and the unexpected, acknowledging that the path not taken could have deprived her of the opportunities and connections she cherishes today.
Lauren Hackney's journey as an entrepreneur and self-published author is a testament to the power of embracing the uncomfortable. Through her own perseverance and resilience, she transformed setbacks into opportunities and discovered hidden talents within herself. Her story teaches us that pursuing uncomfortable situations can lead to unexpected doors opening and personal growth beyond our wildest dreams. So, let's embrace discomfort, chase our dreams, and create our own remarkable stories!
Thanks for signing up!
