How I Found Encouragement Right Under My Nose

About a month ago, I shaved a my beard down to a Fu Manchu. I wouldn’t think it would be a surprise to anyone given that I am always experimenting with my facial hair like a hairdresser with but one canvas to practice.

Never has my face gotten more attention. It was a quite polarizing experience.

I received everything from a ‘thumbs up’ to an, “ I can’t even look at you.”

It evolved into a fairly intriguing social experiment.

People placed themselves into two distinct categories just by their reaction to my Fu Manchu: Those that can appreciate someone that takes a risk, and those that are far too concerned with perception, beauty, and their fear of taking a chance .

I would like to confirm that I didn’t do this to make myself more handsome or socially acceptable. Really, unless I was a cattle rancher in Wyoming or a Late 70’s Pornographer, how could I think anyone would find me more attractive with this on my face?

I sported the facial faux pas for far longer than I expected.

It genuinely caused an emotional reaction in everyone! Go figure. A mustache.

I have always struggled with making my dreams and ambitions a reality. I was scared of what people would say. I was terrified of the person who’s opinion I value most completely mocking me. I didn’t feel strong enough to rebound from these insults like most successful entrepreneurs on their way to success.

Your Fly Guys is my Fu Manchu. Although, we are small and still find ourselves in the initial stages of development, we are excited and driven. Since, it’s soft reveal I have experienced something all too familiar. The same critics of my facial hair giving me sideways glances and asked me questions about the business with a facetious undertone.

Then, there were the dreamers, the creators, the chance-takers. They loved that I was branching out on my own. They could appreciate a person not satisfied with their current situation.

The same one’s that liked my Fu Manchu….

What did I gain from this?

In order for me to succeed and feel successful, I would need to embrace those that thought differently. Those that thought like me.

In turn, I would need to shut out the Naysayers. Ignore those that are more interested in questioning my ambition than encouraging me. Simply, shut them out.

I am infinitely stoked about the possibilities of the budding market of aerial photography and filmography. I have much to learn and look forward to sharing James and I’s experiences with you along the way.

If you would like to check out what we do visit www.yourflyguys.com.

Enjoy the ride.

-Seth