Thank you for the tag Mika, your story is inspiring and yes your writing and thread chats have made me feel less alone on my substack journey and in life journey, in general. Forever grateful for that :)
Mika! Congratulations! I am just catching up with some Substack reading! And I just love that you reached 1000 subscribers! That is incredible and I am so proud of you and pleased for you. I love the honesty in your writing, and have found Musings by Mika so refreshing and inspiring. I hope you celebrated this milestone!
Thank you Emily, this means a lot. 💕 Do you have some sort of schedule for your reading etc of Substack newsletters? I bet you have a lot to go through.
I do! I tend to read a couple of pieces in the mornings, both ones I subscribe to and any new people I've discovered. I save interesting posts/newsletters throughout the week and then go through these properly and catch up on Sundays! How about you?
I listed to a workshop by Sarah Faye where she had a guest straight from Substack who gave the advice to make your best work free. Such good advice - helps to bring people into your world without a barrier. I am now making all of my issues without a paywall. It feels good. I am working on my paid strategy, which will likely deliver 1-2 biggger issues a month of a given topic (such a gut health) with a recipe book, menu plan, actionable health coaching tips, etc. Something with a bit more juice to it. I am part of a membership like that - the monthly issues are amazing and I love the format (social curator). Although I won't be charging $60 a month!! I am truly LOVING Substack and having most issues for free feels right for me at the moment.
Is a work in progress! I am excited about it! It really has to be sustainable for me to create while also working a 9-5... but also super valuable to my audience :-).
Congratulations on your 1000 subscribers and handful of paid ones. I am about 3/4 of the way to 1000, which makes me feel 'not quite there' as one of the Big Boys, but on the large side for SmallStack which gives particular attention to the under 500s.
When i turned on the paid option, making it clear that i) no one would be excluded – I give paid and unpaid exactly the same material (this is sometimes called 'the Wikepedia model' and ii) the income would all be given to charity, I had roughly 30-35 people unsubscribe immediately. That was a shock. I later heard from a European friend that she would happily pay me, but she didn't want to pay into an English charity and then that made her feel guilty and she nearly unsubscribed. How complex people are!
Guess what Ann. After reading your comment, I went and had a look at my subscriber count, and I think I lost about the same amount of subscribers as you. I’ve never really really counted to work it out before. It was a bit of shock. I’m trying really hard not to focus on it, but it’s interesting how some things repel people. I guess it’s a good thing that people who want to stay, stay and the people who don’t want to, leave. 😊
Yes, I am growing at a reasonable rate and think I will make 1000 in time, perhaps – but not necessarily – by Christmas! BUT the drop-outs over paid subscribers really really irked me, because they weren't losing anything. I was thinking of writing a post about it, but then decided it looked churlish and is only of interest to people with their own Substacks (and I get a lot of subscribers from outside). The sad truth is that only a few of our subscribers really read what we write, so we think we have an audience, but it is probably very small. Sarah Fay (do you subscribe to her?) says few people read past 300 words or something like that - don't quote me, I don't have the figures in front of me but they are quite chastening.
I love seeing your growth! And as someone who talks about money alll the time, I think as long as you're mindful and talk about upgrading as a invitation for others so they choose to, it's fine by me. People have the option of scrolling past the spiel ;)
Ooh so many thoughts and feelings I recognize Mika!
And it's funny, I have a line in my newsletter from today that is so close to what your write: 'Nurture your community'. That's the right focus I believe and you are a prime example on how to do that 🧡 Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!!
Ugh, I just want to say how much I appreciate you. 💛 Your energy gives so much positivity and warmth and it inspires and uplifts all around you. Thank you for being you, for showing up, and sharing your thoughts. 🙌
Do you know Mika, I often think of you by way of an example of how we might start something because we follow gentle nudges but that ultimately, there is something waaaaay bigger than us going on. Like the Universe has even better plans for us than what we started with.
🪄
Yes, you followed the nudges to write on Substack because your soul called you to do so but then the ripple effect of that as regards community building, aiding others, spurring others on is something so much a part of some greater good, it’s incalculable and in a way, not even explainable, because magic rarely can be put into words.
Thank you for sharing this Suzy. I love feelings you shared. I sometimes wish I could open to the last chapter and have a sneak peek, but I know that’s not the point of it all. There is something about bravely trying something new, and then stepping forward and trying something new again. All the while extending kindness and patience to oneself. I love that I can share this all real-time. Thanks again for your lovely words. They were so uplifting!
Many congratulations on reaching 1000 subscribers - what an amazing achievement. I can’t even imagine that for me right now. Personally I find it helpful to see how you’ve progressed in your updates and with the numbers. Very inspiring 💚
Thank you for your kind feedback Bronwen. It’s been an interesting journey and I’m so glad that I still love it and that I’m still getting so much out of it. I think writing it about my journey also made me make sense of it. It’s so easy to get in your head about things and let it weigh you down - especially when you’re starting something new and are not sure what you’re doing. Doing the Substack diaries has been a safe space for me to lay it all out the challenges and triumphs and ultimately, while always reminding myself that it’s the writing and the connection that is the most important.
Oooh I got a mention! Thanks Mika. Really interesting post, I’m going to spend a little more time giving it a thorough read
Thank you so much for your support Han! It’s very much appreciated! I hope you enjoy it when you get a chance to read it.
Congrats Mika! You’re doing some great work here and sharing excellent advice, so thank you too 🤩
That means a lot Sarah, thank you so much! 💕
Thank you for the tag Mika, your story is inspiring and yes your writing and thread chats have made me feel less alone on my substack journey and in life journey, in general. Forever grateful for that :)
I’m so glad. I also love how your are building your own community as well. It’s been so fun to watch.
Yes it is fun for me to experience as well 💚
Mika! Congratulations! I am just catching up with some Substack reading! And I just love that you reached 1000 subscribers! That is incredible and I am so proud of you and pleased for you. I love the honesty in your writing, and have found Musings by Mika so refreshing and inspiring. I hope you celebrated this milestone!
Thank you Emily, this means a lot. 💕 Do you have some sort of schedule for your reading etc of Substack newsletters? I bet you have a lot to go through.
I do! I tend to read a couple of pieces in the mornings, both ones I subscribe to and any new people I've discovered. I save interesting posts/newsletters throughout the week and then go through these properly and catch up on Sundays! How about you?
I don’t have a schedule at the moment, so it’s nice to hear what others are doing 😊
Congrats on the 1000 subscribers!
Thank you so much Sophie! I appreciate your encouragement!
Thanks for sharing your journey so openly and generously, Mika! I always find so much solace in your words 😊
You are so so welcome. I appreciate your support and love having you on the journey with me. 💕
I listed to a workshop by Sarah Faye where she had a guest straight from Substack who gave the advice to make your best work free. Such good advice - helps to bring people into your world without a barrier. I am now making all of my issues without a paywall. It feels good. I am working on my paid strategy, which will likely deliver 1-2 biggger issues a month of a given topic (such a gut health) with a recipe book, menu plan, actionable health coaching tips, etc. Something with a bit more juice to it. I am part of a membership like that - the monthly issues are amazing and I love the format (social curator). Although I won't be charging $60 a month!! I am truly LOVING Substack and having most issues for free feels right for me at the moment.
Thanks for sharing that. Let me know how you get on with your paid strategy. Also, hurray for us for finding a HOME that we LOVE on SUBSTACK!
Is a work in progress! I am excited about it! It really has to be sustainable for me to create while also working a 9-5... but also super valuable to my audience :-).
Congratulations on your 1000 subscribers and handful of paid ones. I am about 3/4 of the way to 1000, which makes me feel 'not quite there' as one of the Big Boys, but on the large side for SmallStack which gives particular attention to the under 500s.
When i turned on the paid option, making it clear that i) no one would be excluded – I give paid and unpaid exactly the same material (this is sometimes called 'the Wikepedia model' and ii) the income would all be given to charity, I had roughly 30-35 people unsubscribe immediately. That was a shock. I later heard from a European friend that she would happily pay me, but she didn't want to pay into an English charity and then that made her feel guilty and she nearly unsubscribed. How complex people are!
Guess what Ann. After reading your comment, I went and had a look at my subscriber count, and I think I lost about the same amount of subscribers as you. I’ve never really really counted to work it out before. It was a bit of shock. I’m trying really hard not to focus on it, but it’s interesting how some things repel people. I guess it’s a good thing that people who want to stay, stay and the people who don’t want to, leave. 😊
Yes, I am growing at a reasonable rate and think I will make 1000 in time, perhaps – but not necessarily – by Christmas! BUT the drop-outs over paid subscribers really really irked me, because they weren't losing anything. I was thinking of writing a post about it, but then decided it looked churlish and is only of interest to people with their own Substacks (and I get a lot of subscribers from outside). The sad truth is that only a few of our subscribers really read what we write, so we think we have an audience, but it is probably very small. Sarah Fay (do you subscribe to her?) says few people read past 300 words or something like that - don't quote me, I don't have the figures in front of me but they are quite chastening.
Mika, you are wonderful! So inspiring! So honest! ❤️
Awww thank you Avril. You’re so kind! 💕
I love seeing your growth! And as someone who talks about money alll the time, I think as long as you're mindful and talk about upgrading as a invitation for others so they choose to, it's fine by me. People have the option of scrolling past the spiel ;)
Thank you for your feedback Sarah, that’s so helpful!! Much appreciated!
Ooh so many thoughts and feelings I recognize Mika!
And it's funny, I have a line in my newsletter from today that is so close to what your write: 'Nurture your community'. That's the right focus I believe and you are a prime example on how to do that 🧡 Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!!
Thank you Marie. I love being on the journey with you! It’s been great fun to meet amazing people through Substack. Feeling super blessed!
Feeling the same 😍 I love the community! Everybody is so supportive!
Ugh, I just want to say how much I appreciate you. 💛 Your energy gives so much positivity and warmth and it inspires and uplifts all around you. Thank you for being you, for showing up, and sharing your thoughts. 🙌
Thank you for your lovely words and encouragement. It really helps when people take the time to leave such uplifting comments. Thank you so much!
Wow, May was such a big month for you! Huge congratulations - and thank you for sharing what you’ve learnt, so that we can benefit too 🥰
It’s one of my fav things to do! I’m so glad that I started sharing my journey from the beginning, so people can follow along from the start.
Congrats on hitting 1000 subscribers! Hurrah!
Thank you so much Anne! Thank you again for inspiring me on Substack!
Do you know Mika, I often think of you by way of an example of how we might start something because we follow gentle nudges but that ultimately, there is something waaaaay bigger than us going on. Like the Universe has even better plans for us than what we started with.
🪄
Yes, you followed the nudges to write on Substack because your soul called you to do so but then the ripple effect of that as regards community building, aiding others, spurring others on is something so much a part of some greater good, it’s incalculable and in a way, not even explainable, because magic rarely can be put into words.
💫✨
Huge well done you Mika!✨🤸🏼♀️👌🏻
Thank you for sharing this Suzy. I love feelings you shared. I sometimes wish I could open to the last chapter and have a sneak peek, but I know that’s not the point of it all. There is something about bravely trying something new, and then stepping forward and trying something new again. All the while extending kindness and patience to oneself. I love that I can share this all real-time. Thanks again for your lovely words. They were so uplifting!
Many congratulations on reaching 1000 subscribers - what an amazing achievement. I can’t even imagine that for me right now. Personally I find it helpful to see how you’ve progressed in your updates and with the numbers. Very inspiring 💚
Thank you for your kind feedback Bronwen. It’s been an interesting journey and I’m so glad that I still love it and that I’m still getting so much out of it. I think writing it about my journey also made me make sense of it. It’s so easy to get in your head about things and let it weigh you down - especially when you’re starting something new and are not sure what you’re doing. Doing the Substack diaries has been a safe space for me to lay it all out the challenges and triumphs and ultimately, while always reminding myself that it’s the writing and the connection that is the most important.
Writing things out definitely helps to make sense of them 💚