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The Caroline on Design Journey: From Fear to Creative Entrepreneur

Published on:

1/01/18

written by:

Carrie Barker

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carolineondesign carrie barker home officeWelcome to my maiden voyage … my very first blog post! I will rarely write personal posts but I want to start this blog with some background of how I got to where I am today. What started as a creative outlet has grown to so much more! I want to share my journey from fear to creative entrepreneur. Possibly one of you is in a similar situation and is just too scared to pull the trigger. I TOTALLY GET IT!

The journey to creating Caroline on Design started two years ago when I was sitting in Starbucks (a daily thing for me) and something propelled me to start a public Instagram feed to simply post pictures of my custom home that I designed. I needed a creative outlet since both of my daughters were in school full time.

I created my Instagram account, posted one photo, and then suggested (ahem, forced) my sisters and one best friend to follow me. I didn’t tell anyone else about the page for a while. I let it grow organically and after a month or two decided to tell my actual IRL (in real life) private Instagram followers about this public page.

I was terrified of what people would say. I was terrified of what people would think about me for posting pictures of my home. However, for the first time in my life I didn’t let the fear control me … I kept posting to this public feed. I kept gaining new followers.

Once I hit 50K followers, I started thinking about creating a website. I get asked the same questions over and over so I wanted a place to answer these FAQ. I wanted a spot where people could easily get information about my home. I wanted one more place to connect with others.

I honestly have no idea what propelled me to start my Instagram design feed, but I do know that it has been an amazing experience (albeit, rocky at times … more on that in a later post!). I have connected with SO many wonderful women from all over the world and I have realized that I do have something to offer beyond being a stay-at-home mom (which is a wonderful gift and I wouldn’t trade that job for the world!).

I’ve been working on this website for months with my AMAZING guide, Tana www.yourmarketingbff.com, and it is seriously one learning lesson after another. I mean … it’s like learning a foreign language. I’m learning the backend of websites. I’m learning how to do Photoshop. I’m learning SO much HARD STUFF and for some reason, I just don’t want to give up. This is unusual for me. Typically the only time you’ll ever see me running is when the going gets tough (or if the house is on fire)!

The fact that I’m embracing this extremely hard learning curve reminds me that something greater is propelling Caroline on Design forward. I am sure I will SUCK at blogging for awhile BUT just stick with me. I won’t let fear stop me. I won’t let learning new languages (aka, website code) stop me. I’m ready to dive in and learn as I go. I hope you’ll all join me on this journey from fear to creative entrepreneur!

Please take a look around my website and see all that I offer! THIS PAGE is a great place to start when navigating my site!

  1. Carissa says:

    Happy New Year Carrie!! I’m so excited for youR new adventure!!

  2. YAY! Congrats on launching your site… and it’s been my pleasure to walk alongside you. There is definitely a learning curve, but you’re starting out of the gate running on the right foot. Congrats friend!!! And HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

  3. Margo says:

    Congratulations Carrie!! Will enjoy seeing what you post.

  4. Ann F says:

    Congratulations, Carrie! Looking forward to following along!

  5. Amanda says:

    Congratulations Carrie!! Such an exciting year ahead for you!!

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I designed my own custom home from the ground up, inside and out. A home that is cozy, comfy, laid out perfectly for the way my family lives, and makes us happy every single day. Oh, and did I mention I did this all without blowing the budget?! 

Yep, it’s true. I’ve been there, done that, and actually lived through it … and you will too. Pinkie promise!

a.k.a. Caroline on Design

I’m Carrie Barker.

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