• Shop
    • Prints
      • All
      • Archetypes
      • Silent Generations
      • Slow Living
    • Originals
    • All Wallpaper
      • All
      • Honeysuckle
      • Pure Life
      • Divine Femme
  • Podcast
  • Books
  • Modern Magic by Katie Leigh

  • Coaching
    • Business Coaching
    • Resources
  • About
  • Blog
0

Modern Magic by Katie Leigh

Dealing with Rejection
Business / Slow Living

It’s Not You, It’s Me…Dealing with Rejection

March 6, 2023

I’ve lived with the fear of not being good enough for as long as I can remember. Don’t worry, I’ve been to therapy for this. It’s probably why rejection has always felt like the end of the world. To be honest, in the moment of being rejected isn’t really not that terrible, a little disappointing, some gut wrenching sensations and then I’m over it and on to the next thing. It’s the moments of fear before the rejection that are actually the worst.

I remember asking a boy I liked to go to Homecoming with me in High School. He said no in the nicest way possible and I was heartbroken. For about 5-minutes. I then proceeded to tell an upperclass friend of mine what happened and she marched right up to him to tell him what an idiot he was and what he missed out on. The rejection is 100% worth this memory. It was pure magic.

Dealing with Rejection Pinterest Pin
Save this post to pinterest!

This week I was rejected once again. I received the nicest rejection letter that was so well written and complimentary that I kind of want to frame it.

I’ve been reaching out to licensing agents to see if I can expand my art and business by partnering with other brands and I finally heard back from one of the 6 agencies I’d written to. It was a no.

However, the feedback in the letter gave me a new level of confidence. It wasn’t because I wasn’t enough, it was simply timing. Most of the no’s I’ve gotten in life were a timing thing. Boy’s saying no to high school dance invitations were because I was too old for my age, it would have never worked out. No’s because my art is too similar to an artist they already represent. No because they just started, the funds aren’t in, they just finished a project with someone else and might reach out in the future. And when you wait long enough, some of those no’s actually turned out to be not nows. (not in the case of the homecoming dance. We’ll just let that one be.)

Cold emailing, marketing, and sharing resources have been a part of me since I started my first business at 16. I’ve never been afraid to reach out and try. Because if the worst they can do is say no, then I know I can survive that. I’ll just move on to the next thing, because at the end of the day its all about timing, it’s not about me. If I reach out enough or time it just right I’ll get that yes and things seem to snowball after that.

Don’t be afraid of the no’s. They’ll be there. Sometimes to guide, other times to see if you want it enough. If you do, you’ll wait for it to turn into a yes so that in the end it was really a not now, not a no after all.

Want content like this delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up for my weekly newsletter about slowing down + creating calm.

Sign up

Related

Share
Katie Leigh

Bonjour, I'm Katie Leigh. I wear many hats but I call myself an artist and slow living advocate. Here on this blog, you'll find me writing about living intentionally, stories behind my art, and my life in the slow lane. If you want articles like these sent directly to your inbox sign up for my weekly newsletter.

Bonjour, I’m Katie

I'm here to show you the magic in the ordinary. In slowing down and tuning in you'll find new inspiration in your life and your work. Join me on this journey to living intentionally and see how a little modern magic can transform your world.

Find What You Need

Support Charity Water

One of the many magics of my everyday is having access to clean drinking water. Help others experience the same magic by donating to Charity Water.

Favorite Brands

25% Off Moo

$10 off Birthday Books

50% off 17Hats

20% off August Uncommon

10% off Brighton Cookie Cutters

Grow Your Art Business, Sell Wholesale with Faire

Lets Collaborate Together

How can I help put a little magic in your life? Let's connect!

Connect with me

  • Originals
  • Prints
  • Wallpaper
  • Podcast
  • Coaching
  • Photography

Copyright © 2023 Modern Magic by Katie Leigh. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.