How I broke free of the mortgage industry, found my passion and you...

Photo Credit: Jasko Photography

Everyone knows the changes the mortgage industry has gone thru over the last decade or so. In fact, most people know of a former mortgage loan originator. You can now add my name to that list. Yes, I am a former mortgage loan originator.
 How did I make the leap and launch my own vintage tabletop rental business? That seems to be the million-dollar question.
The truth is that I was angry and miserable those last few years as a mortgage loan originator. If I’m honest, I felt trapped in a dead end 100% commissioned job. It was hard to see a way out. I had been extremely angry for years from the industry changes. Knowing full well I needed to get out of the mortgage industry but what should I do next, what can I do next.
 One day seemingly out of the blue, a friend said, ‘you should rent china plates you would be good at it”. Rent china plates? It might sound silly to you, but the idea sparked my curiosity.
I did a bit of research and was delighted to discover the idea was a legitimate business happening around the world. And, a relatively fresh concept in Chicagoland. It reminded me of a previous job I had more than 20 years ago.  Prior to the mortgage industry, I sold retail store fixtures. Everything a retail store needed to run their store from shopping bags, display racks to mannequins.  I’ll never forget the time I sold 500 piñatas to a retail store for their window display. We didn’t carry piñatas in our catalog but with a bit of creative ingenuity, I found a way to get them for the customer.   
Fast forward to now, and it seems I’m using that same determination and creativity to support customers.  This time around, I supply beautiful tableware for couples celebrating special occasions. I work hard to help them add their own style and personality to their special day.  It brings me great joy to share my vintage collection and help make their special day truly memorable.
 But how did I make the leap?
In looking back, I would say there were three things that helped me.
 1) A strong self-awareness- I understood my strengths.  
*Positivity-cup is always half full explains why I stayed in the mortgage industry too long.
*Maximizer-natural ability to take something from good to great
*Ideation-I love to brainstorm
*Relator- Natural networker
*Achiever-I have always been Goal oriented
2) Recognizing my values-Bringing joy to my life and to others.
3) Understanding my love language-Yep love language that’s right. Mine is quality time. That’s why I      enjoy my appointments with clients. Spending time hearing their story and helping to meet their           need.
 These three things gave me the confidence to take a leap and launch a business based on my unique strengths and talents. I am sharing this with you in the hope it may help you find your own true passion.
 There is nobody just like you. Embrace your strengths and take a leap! 
 
Janet Mathews
Owner and Founder
Dish & Décor Vintage Rental
www.DishandDecorVintageRental.com

---