I like to do a blog post at the end of the year, more so to give me an opportunity to look back over the year and celebrate the wins and learn from the mistakes.

It’s certainly been a year of ups and downs, and by far the toughest year in my entrepreneurial journey. We started the year with a vague knowledge of potentially how the Lucy Rose shoe could be made, and we’ve ended the year with a working prototype that I can wear and proves the concept which so many have told me will never work. When I look at the latest prototype, I am filled with pride and enthusiasm for the future, because I know this can be developed into something amazing, with a nod to the ones who told me not to bother.

It hasn’t been without turbulence though. I remember going to see an old school shoemaker who could potentially help bring the latest prototype to life, and how he showed me all the roadblocks we’ll encounter. We took it to someone else, who said he could do it there and then. This taught me not to believe everyone’s point of view. Their imagination is limited by their reality, and one man’s no is another man’s yes. I’m carrying this through my finance raising journey too which has been more difficult than I ever imagined. In a weird twist of common sense though, the no’s make you bolder, more confident and tenacious, eager to eventually show them what they missed out on.

2019 has been a year of firsts. First Lucy Rose shoe, first investor rejection, first breakdown and first step in self-belief. It’s not been easy, but I’m still on the road. After all, it’s the journey that’s the fun part right?

Join me and Lucy Rose in 2020 by signing up (top right-hand corner) and register your interest in the most innovative women’s shoe on the market. Be the one who knows, about Lucy Rose.

Emily x