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Taking risks can be scary. Life can be scary. The only way to get to the other side of things as they are is to move past the fear in the belief that something better waits ahead. The rewards can be great. As a bonus, you acquire more resilience and wisdom along the way.
In this podcast, Gail and Erin talk with interior designer Ginger Curtis, owner and principal designer, Urbanology Designs, North Richland Hills, Texas. She recently published her first book on design, Beauty by Design, in which she also recounts how she overcame a number of personal challenges and gained the confidence to start her own business.
Gail remarked that Ginger has already gone through so much in her life and accomplished so much professionally. She wondered what was her vision for the future. “The future is bright,” replied Ginger. The challenges she has overcome have given her the tools to deal with whatever comes up. She no longer fears the unknown and has a higher tolerance for risk.
“Life is life,” said Ginger. “You have to do what’s scary, to take risks and push past your comfort zone.” One thing she’s learned for sure is, “No good thing will ever come out of your comfort zone.” There are no guarantees, but you have to go for what you want. “I have to be willing to take the chance to stumble in order to see if I can fly,” she said.
Ginger recently started working with Gail to improve her business. Gail asked her to talk a little about why she decided she needed coaching. “I wanted to take the business to the next level,” Ginger explained. “I knew we were capable of so much more, but I knew we couldn’t get there alone.” You need to seek out partners who can help you see the things you don’t.
Erin was interested in what Ginger wanted to accomplish in writing her book. Ginger said she wanted her story to be an encouragement to other women. She wants to show how the environments we live in can be more caring, inspiring and supportive. She also is looking to expand the firm’s reach into other markets. She sees the book as a way to connect with a broader audience.
Toward the end of the conversation, Gail prompted Ginger to tell the story of how she purchased and renovated an abandoned fire station. Ginger turned it into offices for her firm, a group of executive suites for entrepreneurs, and a spectacular event space. Now known as the Urban Firehouse, it has become the hottest event space in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Wrapping things up, Gail and Erin asked Ginger for three thoughts to leave with listeners. She said,
- No good thing will come out of staying in your comfort zone. The first step is the hardest, but take it.
- You are worthy of beauty.
- When you’re facing decisions that scare you, you’re onto something good. Don’t let scary things deter your growth. I would rather try and fail than to look back on my life with regret.
To hear more of Ginger’s story, how she has grown her business and her team, and why she believes we are all worthy of investing in beauty, listen to the entire podcast.
Mentioned in This Podcast
For more information about Ginger’s firm and to review her portfolio and her blog, go to https://www.urbanologydesigns.com
You can see photos and read more about the Urban Firehouse at https://www.urbanfirehouseevents.com
Ginger’s book, Beauty by Design, is available as an e-book from Amazon and Barnes and Noble as well as in print format from online and local booksellers.
Gail asked Ginger what was a favorite book she has been reading lately. She mentioned Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters You can find out more about the authors and the book on the website for Rocket Fuel University.