{Business plans and BBQ.}

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and BJ’s Restaurants but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BJsrestaurants http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

I feel like we should have known our marriage was going to be adventure-filled. I mean, a little over halfway through our wedding reception the power went out due to the country club’s basement flooding from the intensity of the water raining down outside. And that’s not an exaggeration. Zack + I were having so much fun celebrating with our people, and obviously it was a bummer to have to stop earlier than we planned.

But early on we began learning that the end of one good event always proceeds the start of an even grander event. And honestly, I pray we never stop learning this.

It was only five years ago that we got married and promised each other we’d always support each others dreams, and the “out of our control” adventures started following us. Since our wedding day we’ve moved from Detroit to Minneapolis, and most recently, to Los Angeles. To be even more specific, we were job-less for seven months shortly after getting married [yep, both of us!], we’ve traveled together to Tanzania, Africa with Compassion, and we’ve taken huge career leaps together as I left my day job to fully focus on Gussy Sews.

What has helped us soar at that last adventure listed? It’s pretty simple, but I’d love to share my secret with you…

Gussy meetings, and these last few months Zack + I have had countless. Not quick meetings like, “How’s Gussy going?” “Good.” “Yay!”, but hard, challenging meetings. Meetings where I want to stomp off to our bedroom because it would be easier to pout than work through the growing pains we’re experiencing. But then I remember I’m a grown woman and HOW EMBARRASSING if one of our neighbors were to hear me do that.

Who am I kidding, they probably have ;)

It is no small task owning a handmade business. There’s so much to learn about pricing your products correctly, knowing when to say “no”, creating goals. But there’s also so much soul stretching that happens, if you can be brave enough to welcome it — and that’s exactly what happens when we sit down for a Gussy meeting.

Lately Zack + I have been meeting outside our home, which has been so refreshing. Coffee shops are our go-to location, but most recently we went to BJ’s Restaurant and sat down knowing we had endless time mapping out goals for Gussy Sews, problem solve, and discuss its future. It felt great.

Of course Maxwell came along and offered a baby squeak now and then ;) He’s a great reminder that my time is precious and it should only be spent on things that are truly meaningful. I feel like these last few months, since he’s been born, I’ve made smarter, better decisions for Gussy Sews. My time is limited, so my focus is, too.

BJ’s has a delicious summer BBQ menu out right now featuring their Big Poppa Smokers BBQ, so we ordered their Corn Fritters with Bacon Aioli and got to chatting. A few times I stopped to take some notes on my tablet, but we spent most of our time mapping out new plans, verses taking notes and feeling a bit stalled.

One reason why it’s good to have these meetings away from home is the things we discuss can often feel very personal, especially if we don’t see eye to eye on a certain part of the process. Most of what we talk about are my ideas, Zack just helps execute or plan for it big-picture, so meeting in a neutral atmosphere can be really good for the business and our marriage. Besides, it’s always fun to change it up.

BJ’s brews their own beer, too, which is perfect because Zack loves trying new beers. He ordered a flight and said his favorite was the Hopstorm IPA.

We discussed so many goals/processes that once we ordered lunch, their pulled pork and beef sandwiches, we practically scarfed them down. Everything was so, so tasty. But… you know we left room for one of these afterward :)

I love how refreshed I feel after we spend some time chatting about the future of Gussy Sews. Having Zack’s genuine support means the world to me. It can be a little overwhelming knowing exactly which decisions to make, or which ideas to say yes to, so having Zack want to be fully present for this part of our adventure is amazing. I’m really excited to be able to share the full details of what we chatted about over lunch at BJ’s soon. Promise!

The tablet I used during our meeting is the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, and it’s fabulous. More on that soon, too!

Be sure to connect with BJ’s Restaurant on their website, Twitter, Facebook. And if you’re in the mood for some finger lickin’ good BBQ, stop by before September 2 and order yourself some while it’s still on their menu.

SHARE WITH ME BELOW — when you have adventures or goals to discuss, where do you go? What’s your favorite restaurant to visit? And do you have a favorite dessert? All very important things to discuss, please do share below in the comments ;)