Show Notes: Taking Risks in Business—How a $30,000 Bet Changed My Life

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Topic: Taking Risks in Business—How a $30,000 Bet Changed My Life

Intro

Welcome back to The Marketing and Heart Podcast! Today, we’re diving into risk-taking—the kind of leap that makes you wonder if you’re on the edge of a breakthrough or a total misstep. I’m sharing one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken in my jewelry business, The Wicked Griffin, and the lessons that came with it. If you’re feeling stuck or are on the fence about a big decision, this one’s for you.

The Decision to Invest in a $30,000 Laser Engraver

Let’s go back to when my business was thriving but wearing me down. Orders were nonstop, and every piece was hand-made from morning to night. Even when I was pregnant, I kept up this cycle, pushing myself past exhaustion.

I’ll never forget one particular night: eight months pregnant, hunched over my workbench at 8 p.m., trying to saw through a thick piece of silver with hours of work still ahead. I was grateful my business was doing well, but I was also breaking under the pressure. That night, I told myself that something had to give.

That’s when I decided to invest in a laser engraver—a $30,000 purchase, straight from my profits. I didn’t take out a loan or have a backup plan. It was just me, my business, and a huge leap of faith. I was terrified, but I knew this change was necessary if I wanted to keep my business and sanity intact.

The Reward of Risk: More Time, Less Burnout

When the engraver finally arrived, it felt like a weight had been lifted. I wasn’t spending endless hours on each piece anymore, and I finally had time to breathe. That single decision allowed me to rearrange my workflow and made my business sustainable.

Looking back, it was a life-changing decision. But that risk, scary as it was, taught me something crucial: to grow, you have to be willing to take a leap.

The Reality of Risk-Taking—Wins and Losses

Of course, not every risk pans out. I’ve had my share of misses, too. I once bought a $4,000 Glowforge that now just gathers dust in a spare room—a great idea that never took off. But that’s the reality of taking risks.

Each decision, whether it works out or not, teaches something valuable. The key is to learn from each one and keep moving forward.

Asking Yourself What Risk Could Take You to the Next Level

So, here’s where I want to turn this back to you. Think about the risks you’re holding back from right now. Is there a decision you’ve been hesitating over because you’re unsure how it’ll turn out?

Maybe it’s an investment in a new tool or exploring a new marketing strategy. Whatever it is, ask yourself: What’s the best that could happen if this pays off? Then think about what you would need in place to take that step with confidence.

Tips to Help You Decide on Taking Your Next Risk

1. Define Your Why – Why do you want to make this change or investment? Will it give you more time, help you grow, or ease your workload? If the answer feels m