Dream First, Details Later: How to Quit Overthinking & Make It Happen!

by Ellen Marie Bennett

"Ellen Bennett is the platonic form of a go-getter who inspires go-getter after go-getter to become a better go-getter."—Zooey Deschanel, actor and musician You’ll never know where to start…until you start. This gutsy guidebook will help anyone who's procrastinating on a goal, career change, or business idea stop the obsessive worrying and leap into action.As a 24-year-old line cook, Ellen Marie Bennett couldn't stand the kitchen staff’s poorly designed, cheaply made aprons. So when her head chef announced he was ordering a new batch, she blurted out, “Chef, I have an apron company”—even though she had no company, no business plan—just a glimmer of a design idea and a business license. Through hustle and a willingness to leap into the unknown, time and time again, she built that first order into a multi-million-dollar company called Hedley & Bennett, making aprons and kitchen gear worn by many of the world’s best chefs and home cooks everywhere. Dream First, Details Later shares Ellen's journey and her forged-in-the-fire personal playbook for starting before you stop yourself. If you've ever imagined doing something and immediately thought, "that's impossible," or "I wouldn't even know where to start," or "I'm not qualified to do that," in these pages, you'll learn how to shove aside your inner worrier and launch into action. This honest and bold illustrated book will be like having Ellen—your personal hype woman—there with you, all the while yelling, "Don't stop! You got this!" She'll share hard-won advice    •  Squashing doubts and reservations about venturing outside your comfort zone. (These doubts masquerade as rational, but they’re more likely coming from a place of fear.)  •  Saying screw it to the perfect plan and using creative problem-solving—and heart and guts—to conquer the shit storms as they come.  •  Eventually transitioning from the "flying by the seat of your pants" stage to the "well-oiled machine" stage.   You don't need to have all the answers to make your dream a reality. You just need to start before you're ready.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Personal Development, Biography, Personal Growth

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2021

Reviews

[erforscherin · Rating 3 out of 5]

First: I admire Bennett’s drive and energy - hers really is an incredible story! Some of the points she makes are good all-around career advice, especially for women (ask clearly for what you want; when faced with a no, don’t take it personally, and consider whether you can barter your way to a yes).

But this book... also makes me feel old, and deeply tired. I do admire the determination that powered her through three jobs around-the-clock, juggling sales calls on her lunchbreaks, but... what a grim, hustling existence. The further I got into this book, the more I wondered about all the less-glamorous bits around the edges that weren’t filled in: How the chaotic, just-in-the-nick-of-time management approach must have felt for the workers (my mind keeps returning to the woman whose brother was stabbed, but couldn’t take time off due to the company’s frantic deadlines). How low employee morale must have been, if being given health benefits and 401(k) match for the first time made “no difference”. Most of all: how utterly impossible this whole venture would have been at all if Bennett hadn’t been a carefree single woman but instead had a young family, or elderly parents who needed support.

[Leslie Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the book was moderately helpful, her writing style was just not for me. It also falls into the "this worked for me so it should work for anyone" category of self help that I'm just not a fan of.

[Christa Maurice · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF Bog-standard advice (not all of it good) for overthinkers from an underthinker. What a waste of time.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Ellen at the Cherry Bombe Jubilee in April of this year. She’s a powerhouse and true inspiration. This book is for anyone who has an inkling of a desire to absorb every bit of joy, excitement & opportunities that this life has to offer.

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review sums up my feelings about this book pretty succinctly.

[Amilia McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

favorite book! I have read multiple times. easy, same day read. inspiring.

[Lexi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book, but overall view it with respect for the author. This book could be encouraging to those in high school/in their twenties, as it talks about the "path" some people find themselves stressing about and problem-solving.

This text is definitely formatted as a pep talk in the form of short stories, advice + plans. It's easy to pick up or read in one sitting.

There is some unsustainable hustle culture that is continually discussed. I found myself shaking my head at the ‘plow through and succeed’ mantra, the consistent overworking to burnout, and the ‘this worked for me it should work for you’ language. I can tell the author meant well, though as well as it may have been, resonated deeply with ‘just work all the time and you may get here’.

[Eli]

Picked this up after hearing the author on David Chang's Podcast.... https://www.theringer.com/the-dave-ch...

Really admire her grit & hustle. Even if some of the "advice" is pretty standard for this kind of "how I got where I am" book, she is a good storyteller & I thought the design of the book was engaging.

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book was very hard to follow with the way the pages are laid out. She throws a lot of chaotic mess into the middle of each chapter and story. You have to flip back and forth a lot depending on how you read.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ellen seems like a truly lovely person- I follow her on Instagram and think we'd get along swimmingly- but this book felt like a let-down. There is some great basic advice in her that can be applied to any creative or business endeavors, personally or professionally, namely to not worry about planning everything out perfectly because it will never be perfect *enough* to really get started. As a serious over-thinker, that was a good reminder for me and something I'll keep in my back pocket when I am stuck in an over-thinking spiral. It was also useful to hear about her own struggles and mistakes starting her business, establishing herself as a reliable professional, and the joy she was able to find as an entrepreneur.

Ellen is a stellar cheerleader for following your dreams, but there was too much common sense advice here, and a lot of details about fun projects like building tree houses and ziplines in her business headquarters, that I felt was not beneficial to me whatsoever. A quick listen and a good reminder that confidence and enthusiasm can take you a long way, but I wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for any real, serious advice on steps to start a business or project. If you are in the market for a light self-help / memoir listen, or maybe also just follow the author on Insta and think she seems interesting, this could be a good option.

[Natarajan Mahalingam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dream First, Details Later: How to quit overthinking and make it happen by Ellen Bennett, Founder & CEO of Hedley & Bennett (H&B), apron and kitchen gear creators, is a part autobiography and part startup knowledge & experience sharing book. Starting from a humble background and hustling, I mean really hustling her way through the startup ecosystem, Ellen shares her story from rags to riches. As she goes through her journey, she captures poignant memories and the lessons she learnt as advise for readers who wish to set upon their entrepreneurial journey

Written in a simple, easy-to-read, vulnerable, and relatable style, the book is a light read on learning/ understanding the tricks of the trade (startup) with relevant examples from Ellen's story. I finished the book over a couple of hours after getting out of a heavier, 2-week scientific read, so it was doubly satisfying to journey along with Ellen through this book! Good one on the startup environment and what traits or characteristics one needs to adopt for success!

[Robin Shilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick listen on a road trip. Good read for those either starting a business or who have a business that they have "backed in to" i.e. not started with a business plan! (Me!). I am already doing a lot of the things she mentions, but it's a good reminder. I skipped through a lot of the end of the book where she pats herself on the back for creating masks for healthcare workers, but mainly she's showing how quickly you need to be able to pivot your business. Good point, just didn't need to hear all the accolades haha.

[Reannon Muth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not an entrepreneur, but someone recommended I read this, and I found it inspiring and thought provoking nonetheless! It kind of made me wish I had a good idea for a startup, lol.

I liked that the audio book was short (4 hours) and I could listen to it over the course of a few days while I did the dishes.

I recommend it for millennial female business owners or anyone who has a big dream that they've been putting off for a while because they feel like they don't have a good plan in place yet. The book will help you make the leap and figure out how it's all going to work later.

[Amy Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how positive and non traditional this was as a business book. I already know I’m going to come back to it frequently because there were so many gems of lessons in it. I appreciated that it wasn’t all positivity and it was very real as well, especially with her journey through growing pains of her company and evolving as a leader which was very relevant to me. highly recommend, especially if you need a little push to take whatever leap you’re imagining 🌈

[Reem Saud · Rating 2 out of 5]

تصميم الكتاب وعنوانه حمسني أقرأه، هو عن ايلين مساعدة شيف بدأت بزنس مرايل طبخ بالصدفة لأنها كانت تحتاج مريلة ولما شافت انه كل زملائها بالعمل مريلاتهم عادية وغير مصممة لاحتياجهم.. ففكرت تبدأ البزنس بأسرع طريقة ممكنة وهي ماعندها اي خبرة.
للأسف الكتاب فيه تفاصيل كثيرة مالها داعي. تحس من كثر ماهي تتكلم ودك تقفل الكتاب لأن راسك عورك. عندها نصائح حلوة واقتباسات جيدة بس مايسوى احد يشتريه ويتكلف. لكن تصميم الكتاب والLayout يفوز

[Michelle Camp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love her story and the book is a fun quick read, but I don’t think it is necessarily super helpful for anyone who actually is an over thinker looking for practical advice and tips to move forward. She had a very fly by the seat of her pants approach that worked out for her in the end but seems very situation-specific and not a lot of takeaways besides generic “don’t give up” career advice.

This would have been better as a memoir about her experiences rather than a forced self help book.

[FH · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rubbish ! Only browsed the second half but carefully (and painfully) read the first: almost making us feel guilty that we're not "fighters" like the author - who I'm sorry but got very lucky with a very niche business here. All we can say as there's no teaching us anything, no secrets revealed, just boring us to death with her aprons stories sounding very fake (your timelines are not even consistent!) dipped in huuuuge ego sauce... à l'americaine.

[Maddie Gats · Rating 2 out of 5]

My grandma lent me this book after I told her I was interested in the Hedley and Bennett aprons. It was a quick read about the story of how she started her company and she provides some tips to growing entrepreneurs about how to get their brand started.

I don’t know how else but to describe it as painfully “millennial coded” lol. The conversational/corny speak, the brightly colored pages, and huge bubble text. Idk it was kind of distracting and I found myself skipping pages that looked more like a motivational instagram post as they didn’t add to the narrative.

[Teagan Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, easy read with substantive asides with visuals and lists. The book is geared heavily towards "making it happen" in terms of starting a business and entrepreneurship, which doesn't neatly translate to the music industry, but it was still helpful. I wouldn't pin it as a must-read, but is good for anyone looking to get inspiration on starting their business.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will admit I mostly skim read this book for the main points. The author’s writing style didn’t really work for me. I don’t understand the new trend in business/self development books to use foul language. It lessens my respect for the message.
The author has made a success of her life and business through trial and error and not being too afraid to get out there and try.

[Tricia Lee McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this at a time when I really needed some inspiration. I listened to it while traveling and the second I was done listening to it, I bought the hard copy and read it. I’ve given it out to half a dozen friends and told so many people to take the time and dive in. Inspiring, practical and uplifting!

[Mandi Dorrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was fine. She offers a lot of good sound advice, but it just didn't align with anything other than establishing a start-up and that isn't for me. I think the title should have mentioned start ups.

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s well with the read - for entrepreneurs yes, but also really for anyone who works in business or serves customers/clients. Ellen breaks down the material wonderfully well, and makes it easily digestible. Would 100% recommend.

[Julie Akeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this fascinating book on following your dream to whatever project you have. In Ellen's case it's her apron making company and whatever you are going for in life her story will help you to continue in being inspired.

[Jon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some books should have been shortened to magazine articles; this one should have been shortened just to its title! General exhortations to just put yourself out there, told through the author's very specific story building an apron company.

[Brienne Coughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved and admired H&B products and Ellen’s work for some time now. Getting to read her story and how she got started was really refreshing and I loved her writing style. It was conversational, real, honest, and inspiring. Definitely a book I’ll be re-reading in the future.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story of what it means to start a business with heart! This is a beautiful, colorful, and direct account of starting to live one’s dream and truly figuring out the details later. Inspiring! I’m 100% sure Ellen Marie Bennett and I would be friends in real life if given the chance!

[Oliver Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me fue difícil identificarme con este libro y como la autora describe sus batallas y éxitos; sentí, quizá soy yo, pero sentí mucho ego y praise por la hustle culture.

A pesar de eso, tiene buenas frases y consejos para empezar proyectos y seguir trabajando en ellos ;)

[Megsbookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great positive story! I hadn’t heard of @ellenmariebennett who started a highly successful apron business. I loved it! She is so honest and really believes in the message… good is better than perfect because you can always improve. What a motivational read!

[Stephanie Dreyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved hearing the behind-the-scenes story of Hedley & Bennett, and through it, an inspirational “manual” of sorts for entrepreneurs. It read like a memoir and as someone obsessed with all things food and cooking adjacent, I soaked up every word.