How Gaia Greetings Came to Be—My Story. Revised.

Gaia Greetings is the combination of a childhood passion, the "Humboldt influence (not THAT influence),” and the ever so perfect unfolding of my life since I became a single mom.

Flash back circa late 70’s when drawing was my thing. My best friend and I colored "gorgeous" greeting cards. We went door-to-door in our neighborhood, selling our precious original works of art at bargain prices. We worked on those cards for hours. And I remember, loving every minute of it.

When I first considered the idea of having my own business—in 2000—the idea was quite simple. I wanted to start an environmentally friendly (THAT Humboldt influence) company selling recycled paper greeting cards.

I enrolled in San Diego City College—where they had a stellar graphic design program—just for the sake of learning. That path ultimately led me to my current 9-5—as the (Print) Production Manager for a cross-media branding agency—where I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience—not to mention some amazing relationships with some amazing folks—in the printing industry.

I have always prescribed to the philosophy that what's meant to be will, and though I may not have always understood why I was faced with certain challenges, I believed they were happening for a reason. My goal was always to learn from them, whether the meaning of the experience was clear to me at the time or not.

It wasn't until recently that I could view my life from a big picture perspective. These days, I understand how the evolution of my life has laid the groundwork for my future and led me to this point. Today, I can confidently assert that I am exactly where I'm meant to be at this moment in time. And—even more amazing—the more I commit to my purpose and passion, the more support, love and encouragement I receive—exactly the things I need to keep me going.

Flash back circa 2004. Enter beautiful baby boy, single motherhood, a HUGE responsibility and a burning desire to lead by example. Yep. I had my "aha" moment.

In the past seven years my life has evolved from a life characterized by trepidation and lack of direction to a focused, driven life. I know now that action and calculated risks (take baby steps!), belief in myself, connection with others and working towards the greater good are the keys to conquering my fears and living my dream—a dream that has evolved into an awakening!

And while I still plan on selling recycled greeting cards, the concept for this company has morphed into such fabulousness, I'm giddy thinking about the possibilities. I’m thankful that the ideas for this company have unfolded slowly over time. Now that I’m ready, Gaia Greetings will realize it’s full potential. And I hope you’ll be as thrilled as I am. I am excited to share it with you.

With love and gratitude.

Bridget Gast

Qs 11-16 : Ready, Set, Go!

The last in an installment of questions inspired by a blog post by Seth Godin, 16 Questions for Free Agents. A little introspection on my plans to begin Gaia Greetings as a new entrepreneur. You can also view Q's 1-3 and 4-10.

Q11: Choose: teach and lead and challenge your customers, or do what they ask...

The way I have thrived in life is in being taught and inspired. I read, I seek, I challenge myself—and I hope the Gaia Greetings tribe is open to new lessons and leadership, influenced by my experiences and powered by a vision that has a positive effect on those it touches.

Q12: How long can you wait before it feels as though you're succeeding?

I already feel like I am succeeding. I have always been inspired by this quote (usually attributed to Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe but I just learned it is actually from W. H. Murray in The Scottish Himalaya Expedition, 1951).

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”

Paraphrased by Goethe, “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!”

It is because of that quote that I was able to move out of fear and into success—personal success, an intrinsically motivated feeling of accomplishments for moving forward, working hard and creating something from my ideas.

Q13: Is perfect important? (Do you feel the need to fail privately, not in public?)

While failure is ever looming and a difficult pill to swallow, I am not in a rush to become an overnight millionaire. I have been failing privately for as long as I can remember so, just taking the risk and beginning this venture, though scary, is forcing me to work harder because everything is public. If I fail publicly, so be it. At least I took a chance. I know I can approach this business with an open mind and as long as I have enough to put back into it, I can continue to creatively market Gaia Greetings until I reach a place where I am comfortable. Perfect is not important, striving to do my best is.

Q14: Do you want your customers to know each other (a tribe) or is it better they be anonymous and separate?

ABSOLUTELY. I want my customers and vendors and partners and distributors to know each other. I want to know them—personally. The fabric of our company recognizes that we are all one and the actions of one affect many. It is imperative for me to work alongside others who share a similar personal and business philosophy. I want this company to affect those who interact with it with a RIPPLE of positivity.

Q15: How close to failure, wipe out and humiliation are you willing to fly? (And while we're on the topic, how open to criticism are you willing to be?)

Hmmm. Tough question. Been there, done that—mentally, physically, and financially. Have I learned from my lessons? Do I continue to grow and build a new future? Absolutely. I will continue to build and utilize my resources wisely. I think the key for me is knowing when to say when. Bring on the criticism because it will only improve Gaia Greetings and the people it touches.

Q16: What does busy look like?

Busy is a 9-5 job, being a 24-7 mom, blogging and interacting on twitter and facebook regularly, planning and executing a business, maintaining a multitude of friendships, spending time outdoors, exercising, remaining true to myself, and finding time for me.

Love and gratitude,

Bridget