Spotlight: Marissa Elder, Founder, You Belong Media + Sacred Growth Dance
While we’re talking about making big plans, taking action and finishing the year strong, let’s also make room for something we don’t talk about nearly enough: sometimes our best-laid plans simply don’t work out.
What happens when people don’t show up for the event you poured yourself into? When no one jumps on that fabulous offer you were sure would resonate? When the campaign you carefully planned lands with…crickets?
This, too, is part of the entrepreneurial journey.
It’s easy (and certainly more fun!) to share the wins. It’s harder to talk about the things that didn’t work, the moments that sting or leave us questioning ourselves. But how we respond, what we learn and how we move forward are every bit as important to our growth as the successes we celebrate.
Which brings us to TLC member Marissa Elder, who recently left the familiarity of a traditional job to step fully into entrepreneurship – with tremendous passion, purpose and heart.
Marissa created a special dance class, poured her energy into planning and promoting it, received several RSVPs…and then no one showed up.
Many of us have been there in one form or another. It’s one of those vulnerable moments that can feel deeply personal when you’re building something of your own.
But what struck us was what Marissa did next.
She shared it.
Marissa posted a video of herself waiting for her attendees to arrive. When they didn’t, she took a breath, meditated and continued with her own dance and movement practice. Then she openly shared the experience – the disappointment, the vulnerability and what she chose to do with it.
It was real. It was relatable. And it was a wonderful reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t only about celebrating what works. Sometimes the growth happens in how we meet the moments that don’t.
So, in the spirit of TLC Real Talk, we asked Marissa to tell us more about the experience and what it taught her.
Thank you, Marissa, for being willing to share the hard stuff, too.
“Showing Up” with Marissa Elder
Believe in what you build, so much, that when no one shows up, you do it anyway. Showing up for yourself is the first step.
I did all the things I thought it took to have a successful first event. And for me, having 3 people preregister for my first class offering in a new space felt successful. I promoted for weeks, personally invited more people who said they would be there. The day came and no one showed up, but me.
2 hours before my event I found out my cat very likely has a tumor around his eye and I can’t do anything about it. I wanted more than anything to stay home and cry, but I worked hard to put on my first dance event. I knew I had to rise to the occasion and go be the vessel of healing light Nia has brought to my life and share it with the people who signed up. When no one walked through the door, I was disappointed, but I was also relieved. I was proud of myself for putting my hair up and showing up to stand in my power in this new journey.
Trusting the universe, the silver linings, and a positive reframe allowed me to be okay with no one showing up, because I showed up. I showed up for what I believe in. I showed up for the possibility of helping share something that continuously heals my soul. And then I danced. I danced for me. I danced for my healing. I danced to connect with a new space that I get to try again next week to show up again and share what I am passionate about.
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