Taking the Leap: How to Quit Your Job and Turn Your Passion Into a Career ft. Hanna Defoe

Dive into the challenges and triumphs of building a business from the ground up, navigating pricing strategies, and coping with the infamous imposter syndrome. In this episode, host Breeanna sits down with past bride and now entrepreneur Hanna discuss the journey from employee to full-time business owner. Listeners are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at Hanna's professional life, as she candidly shares the experiences that shaped her career trajectory. The core of the episode unfolds as Hanna opens up about her bold leap from a human resources position into the wedding and event planning industry, as well as running her own gifting company. The episode brims with real-world advice, inspiring anecdotes, and the pivotal moments that led Hanna to reassess and align her business endeavors with her personal passions and goals. Key Takeaways: Starting a Business: Take the initiative to seek mentorship and community support, as it can be instrumental in navigating the early stages of entrepreneurship. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Embrace your unique qualities and ensure your business genuinely reflects your identity, rather than mirroring others’ actions. Scaling a Business: Quality should take precedence over quantity, and it's okay to scale back or re-evaluate services as the business evolves. Making Tough Decisions: It's vital to have a supportive network that encourages and reassures you when making big, life-changing decisions. Client Relations: Be selective with discounting services for portfolio-building, but make strategic choices that cultivate the future growth and direction of your business. Notable Quotes: "Community over competition is huge, and being able to have someone that you can kind of go to for all those questions really, really helped me get to where I am." "I always told myself that I wanted to wait to quit my full-time job until we had a house or until we felt more comfortable." "I started the business because I loved client gifting in my wedding planning business and that's what made me realize my true passion for gifting." "I booked my first five people that inquired with me, and I thought I was set… I really didn't have a ton of time to shadow other planners and see how they handled things on the wedding day, which is something I wish I would have done." Resources: Hanna Marie Events Website: hannamarievents.com (sign up for email list through the pop-up box for a free wedding checklist) Sage & River Gifting Website: sageandrivergifting.com (sign up for email list for a 15% discount on first order) Dive into the full episode for a dose of motivation and insightful discussions that shed light on the realities of leaving a secure job to pursue a dream in the entrepreneurial world. Stay tuned for more episodes that merge the worlds of art, business, and personal growth in such a resonating way. About the Guest: Hanna is an accomplished professional with a diverse career background. She served in the Army National Guard as a human resources specialist, nurtured a five-year tenure at Culver's, and completed a bachelor's degree in business management. Recently, she transitioned from her HR role to fully dedicate herself to her entrepreneurial endeavors. Hannah is the proud owner of Hannah Marie Events, a wedding planning company, and Sage and River Gifting, a curated gift box business. She's also a passionate dog mom and Taylor Swift fan, with a knack for decision-making and a people-pleasing persona. BREEANNA KAY'S INSTAGRAM:  @breeannakayphotography BREEANNA KAY'S WEBSITE: breeannakay.com MANIFESTING PHOTOGRAPHER PODCAST SHOWNOTES:  breeannakay.com/going-fulltime