A Special Day to Celebrate!

March 1st is special to me for a couple of reasons.

The first is because today is my grandfather's birthday. Today, he would be 94 years old. He left us unexpectedly in 1985 at the age of 61. He was the first person close to me that passed away. I was 11 years old. I didn't understand it at the moment, but his passing filled me with a fear that I wouldn't come to grips with until much later in life.

My grandfather was an amazing man. Unfortunately, I didn't get to know him very well because I was busy being a child, but I remember the sparkle in his eye and his intense nature when it came to business. I always remember how generous he was to his friends and loved ones. He also had an incredible entrepreneurial spirit. He ventured to Australia back in a time when travel wasn't the most comfortable to go into Ranching there. What he created was nothing short of amazing to me. I like to think that his entrepreneurial spirit was handed down to me. It's what makes me feel so connected to him and in truth it fills me with pride.

From childhood I've been the wild one. I've been the one who when told I couldn't do something would say "later I can". I've been the one to leap before I look. I've been the one who made far too many mistakes to count. I've been the one to dream BIG (that scared some folks). I've been the one who enjoyed being different. I've been the one who knew deep down I was born for something important.

Along with all of those "imperfections", as some would call them, I found myself when I was lost. I found true independence and confidence. I've never felt happier and more fulfilled in my entire life! I know who I am and where I am headed. It's an incredible feeling and there are so many exciting things going on.

This leads me into the second reason I celebrate today.....

The second reason I am excited for March 1st is because 10 years ago today I created my company, Cowgirl Swank.

It has certainly evolved over these years. Even what I specialize in has changed as I transitioned out of custom caps-apparel in 2014 and went into direct sales and I focused more intently on my blogging. Enter in a name change a few years ago as my company is now The Native Cowgirl and we have new apparel launching soon!

Speaking of blogging, I began that venture in 2013 and fell in love with it! I enjoy writing (always have). Blogging and writing for a few publications in my "The Native Cowgirl" column keep me grounded and focused on our way of life. I love to write about my life on our ranch, positivity, ways to create success in your life, and I focus on perpetuating women in agriculture. Those things are definitely near and dear to my heart.

So what's next for me? Well, this website for starters! Today is our launch day!! Another reason to add to my list of why March 1st is special to me. There are a lot of exciting things to come for me this month and beyond so keep watching....better yet, sign up for updates here on my site to keep up to date on what's going on. I have a feeling it's going to be a wild ride!