It’s time for an exciting update on my entrepreneurial journey! Since starting this blog, I’ve embarked on several new ventures that have been both challenging and rewarding. From starting content creation on Instagram (@avilasuccessinstitute) and TikTok (@avila.success.ins) to developing a guide for women with bipolar and other mental health conditions navigating pregnancy and postpartum, here’s what I’ve been up to.
Inspiration Behind Content Creation
The primary catalyst for my dive into content creation was a program about digital arbitrage/marketing. I joined with hopes of making $5-10k per month by selling digital products. Initially, I focused on promoting digital arbitrage, but after discovering a significant difference in core values, I shifted my focus to something I am truly passionate about – psychology.
Focusing on My Passion
Given my Ph.D. in psychology (cognitive neuroscience), I realized that my true calling lay in sharing my knowledge and insights on topics from mental health to parenting. My content covers various aspects of psychology, mental health, and personal experiences. While some of my content on mental health can be controversial, they resonate with audience members and stir up discussions, which is always a good thing.
Building my Audience
Growing my audience has been a challenge. I am still working on getting more than 500 views on my content, and the journey has been filled with trial and error. My goal is to build my channels to a point where I can promote my guide and earn from views and product collaborations. I’m constantly trying to improve my hooks and content quality, and though it’s been tough, I’m determined to keep going.
Balancing Content Creation and Avoiding Burnout
To avoid burnout, I aim to create content three times a week. This balance helps me stay consistent without overwhelming myself. I am learning to manage my time and expectations better.
Creating a Guide for Women with Bipolar Disorder
One of the most significant projects is developing a guide to help women with bipolar and other mental health conditions navigate pregnancy and postpartum. Having bipolar myself, I was terrified of how pregnancy and postpartum would affect my mental health, especially with the increased risk of postpartum psychosis. My guide will cover crucial topics like medication, routines, sleep hygiene, and parenting tips to help maintain stability.
Planning and Goals for the Guide
I aim to have this guide ready by 2025. While I don’t have a concrete distribution plan yet, I hope it will help women manage their mental health and prevent issues such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Most of my research will come from peer-reviewed journals, with some collaboration from professionals.
Working as a Research Assistant
In addition to my entrepreneurial ventures, I work part-time as a research assistant. My primary responsibility involves replicating models with new data questions, focusing heavily on statistics. This role aligns perfectly for my passion for research and complements my career aspirations.
Pursuing a Postdoctoral Fellowship
My dissertation discovery of a new ERP component inspired me to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship. I’m currently working on a grant through the National Science Foundation to fund a two-year fellowship focused on supporting this new ERP component through additional research. My ultimate goal is to secure a tenure-track position where I can conduct research, teach, and mentor.
Managing my Time and Staying Motivated
Balancing all these responsibilities requires careful time management. I work during my daughter’s naps, in the evenings, and on the weekends when my husband is home, and when I have some help from family or from a babysitter. I tackle tasks one step at a time and avoid putting too much pressure on myself beyond my 10-hour research assistant commitment.
The biggest challenge has been learning the ropes of entrepreneurship, as it is new territory for me. However, reaching over 7,000 accounts in a month has been a significant milestone. I remind myself that determination, not motivation, drives success.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those of you considering entrepreneurship, especially fellow moms, my advice is to start for fun. Don’t expect to make a living off of it right away. Enjoy the process and let your passions guide you.
Thank you for following my journey! Stay tuned for more updates on my adventures in motherhood, academia, and entrepreneurship.
With determination,
Stephanie
