My Many Mini Mentors

One thing that I have always thought was missing in my career was a mentor. I have pretty much done everything with a trial and error standpoint, with no real framework for starting or growing a business. I also had very little real life work experience before starting my first jewelry line at age 23. I had pretty immediate success with my costume jewelry line and used that along with technical training to springboard into Jane Pope Jewelry. I found that once I had spent many years running a successful business, finding a mentor was tricky.  

I have always craved that seasoned veteran in my industry or an adjacent field who I would sit and sip tea with. I would ask my many questions and they would provide me guidance and insight from their experiences. Imagining all of the Mr Miyagi-style super wise advice I would get from my imaginary mentor. 

I have had my eyes and ears peeled for this person to walk in to my life, have had meetings with inspiring people who I admire, hoping for a connection, but alas no dice on the single mentor. In my search and openness to this all knowing one, I realized that I have a mentor! She is a conglomeration of all of the influences and sounding boards and coffees spent talking business or design or growth or struggles. I have unknowingly created a network of many mini-mentors who I have bounced ideas off of, have been the recipient of some great advice, and most importantly have built a community.  

The things I craved most was something I already had. How great is that?!

xx Jane