KY Pitch Competition

Never did I think I would be competing in a pitch competition. I mean... what even is it?

How it happened..

I was almost to the finish line in college. Anxiety was incredibly high. I was stressed for many reasons some typical of a college graduate and some crazy things happening in my life. I was exhausted and felt I had nothing left to give. I just wanted to graduate and be done. Quite frankly, I didn't care if I graduated I just wanted it to be over.

I had been hearing chatter around campus about an upcoming pitch competition. But again, with some crazy things happening in my life, not really knowing what a pitch competition was, and flat out exhaustion - I felt strongly that it wasn't something I could commit to.

Girl just apply..

When asked by one of my mentors why I wasn't applying. I let him know of my concerns and overall lack of knowledge of what it even was. At this point, I thought all of the spots were taken anyway so I wasn't pressed. At the last minute I was notified that there was a spot left so I applied.. Imagine my surprise when I found out I had made it past the first round... Lord have mercy...

When people say you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.. They aren't lying!

Support

I simply wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my entrepreneurship professor. His belief in me and my ideas carried me on so many days when I didn't believe in myself.

I do feel that I am creative and hardworking but I also struggle with so many mental battles. Am I doing enough.. Am I smart enough.. Can I actually handle the things I am wanting to accomplish? There are many days when I am on a ledge and no one around me knows. Jeff Varrone has talked me off many ledges.

"Competing in a pitch competition is one of the scariest things I've ever done and I'm so glad I did it."

I am not really shy when it comes to public speaking. I understand that I am a human and not a robot. I prepare and practice to the best of my ability. I do my best. And I give myself grace and know that if I get stuck on a word and mispronounce something, it won't be the end of the world. Pitching your business is slightly different. It is the presenting of your passions and your ideas. You feel incredibly protective over it.

I had really intense pitch practice with my professor/mentor and also a friend of mine who is over an organization helping women entrepreneurs. I worked hard to present my ideas in a clear and precise way. I wish I had taken photos of me practicing, but here we are.

Pitch Day...

The day of the pitch came.. Although I invited my family, I was adamant about driving myself to the competition. I needed the full 90-minute drive to relax, but also focus. I wanted to have a quiet drive and listen to my songs. So that's exactly what I did.

Once I got there and saw all those who would be competing and observing, the nerves hit. Nothing crazy.. but I felt the pressure. I thanked my anxiety for protecting me but told it that it was not needed. I told my nerves that there was nothing to be afraid of and that I was safe - That calmed me down drastically.

I am so proud of my classmates who also competed. They killed it! I went home with the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award and a $1,000 prize. And to think.. I wasn't even going to go.

That was such an amazing experience for me. I learned so much and grew as a speaker and a founder.

There are so many ways to push yourself outside of your comfort zone! I trust that you will put in the work and make it happen one way or another. Let me know in the comments something you did that made you uncomfortable and what you learned or how you grew.🖤

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