Catch Up

Having taken a few days off after Valentine’s Day, I’m feeling pretty refreshed. I’ve spent the last week working on things that were on the back burner over the last month….everything from wedding planning to every day cleaning. I re-organized the studio because it’s impossible to keep it clean when things are busy. I ate a lot of pizza. Drank a lot of rum. Went out with friends. Little things.

Valentine’s season was stressful as usual but I honestly think it could have been a lot harder. As years go by, my business is evolving. I’m learning and making changes accordingly. I’m transforming my little Etsy shop from a hobby to a real profession.

It was never my dream to own my own business. I never took a business class. It was not on my radar. I just thought I would work for someone else my whole life because that’s “what people did.” This path was definitely an unforeseen one but I’m glad I found my way to it.

I think the unconventional route is more rewarding because it’s often more difficult. Being self-employed is so demanding. It is a constant battle of staying relevant, known, good, inspired. It is a constant job that never ends, no matter the time or the day of the week.

There are so many keys to having a good business that are far beyond the product. You have to consider things like efficiency, value, credibility, demand…I’ve been thinking a lot about all of this lately.

I feel like I have a solid base for my business but there are still so many ways to improve and grow. There are so many possibilities outside of Etsy that I never dreamed of before. Things I’m still learning about. That’s what this year is about for me. Taking these steps to turn my online shop into a more profound, professional business.

I dream of trade shows. Sales reps. A team. An outside office space. A new website.

I have a lot of work to do. It never ends does it?

But…I wouldn’t have it any other way.