Samantha Wills - Of Gold And Dust - Book Review in Small Business Startup Journal - The Journey To Starting My Own Brand of Travel Clothing and Handbags

I finished reading Samantha Wills’ memoir book ‘Of Gold And Dust’.

I had always been a fan of Samantha Wills. I remember being in Highschool when she was just starting to hit the scene and she was my idol. I remember wanting to be so like her, as I myself had a love of passion and making jewellery. I went from high school straight to trying to start my own jewellery business because I loved it so much. Needless to say it didn’t work out.

I always thought she was just lucky or that success was kind of something that just happened to others. I was devastated when it didn’t work out. This didn’t stop me from absolutely loving her brand though, and when the brand closed I was so sad.

So on the new that she was writing a book, I was instantly intrigued about what her journey was like. I bought the book as part of my 2022 reading list and then Started on the first of January.

It was mind blowing reading. I never really knew how much she struggled physically, mentally and emotionally, I can’t believe how much was going on behind the scenes.

Anyway from a business perspective here is what I learned.

1. • Learn to listen to your intuition and do not make decisions based on fear
2. • Value your boundaries
3. • Do not neglect your physical health for business, no matter how tempting
4. • Things happen for a reason, it’s cliched, but you can only see it in the long run how things happen for a reason and why
5. • Avoid burn out, as it can affect not only you but your relationships and your business too
6. • If you really want to crack the market, the US is where to go
7. • Do not rack up debt and operate in constant debt
8. • Do not sell large stakes of your business to others
9. • Do not name a business after yourself. If you need to step away or sell your business, then this becomes a problem because the brand is part of your identity
10. • Have a personal life outside of your business, no matter even if you love what you do. Otherwise if or when the time comes to step aside you will have an identity crisis.

The next book I am planning on reading is Will Smith’s new biography. I can’t wait, as I love his work ethic and I have no doubt it will be amazing to read his story.