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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.

Join the discussion 9 Comments

  • Hannah TJ says:

    I love this. I’ve always dreamed of having my own business but I find that I’m never ready to make the full plunge. You are such an inspiration to me and watching your business grown and bloom continues to encourage me to really just do it, to stop overthinking it all and just…do it! Thanks.

    Hannah
    http://www.thelemonhive.com

  • Last year was the first year I really started to put the time in to really “work and grow” my small business. There are SO many things to learn and just when you think you have a grip on it all, there’s even more left unexplored and more to learn. It’s kinda crazy how our expectations are transformed when you stumble upon a true passion. I too, was not even thinking about owning my own business (I was in nursing school) and in fact, business bored me at the thought of it! After a couple years of digging deep into my creative outlet, it has astonished me how I even am where I am now and how much I really ENJOY business topics and advice.
    I absolutely adore your talent and where you’ve taken your shop! Thank you so much for sharing a little piece of your reflections and goals. You are so inspiring Julie!
    Have a beautiful week,
    Kayla
    Love Sparkle Pretty

  • xfallenmoon says:

    It’s so awesome that life has taken you where you need to be. You’re so good at what you do and I love the blunt honesty of your work. It’s refreshing. Can’t wait to see your little business evolve into something much greater!

  • You are inspiring 🙂

  • Bitter says:

    I’m all the way back at the beginning of this journey, but I often fantasize about the same things too. How to take this to the next level, what the future holds. Do I want a retail shop someday? Or am I happier online? I do know that I like making things with my own two hands, and I think I’ll want to keep that role as the business grows…. Hopefully one day I can get someone to do all the paperwork for me so I can focus on the art <3

  • I love this post! Glad you had a profitable Valentine’s and a nice break. Starting out in the “paper goods” business now is like a dream come true, but at the same time, I know there is such a long, and I’m sure hilly, road in front of me. But seeing success through your eyes makes this starting process seem worth it, and makes me remember that nothing happens overnight and that’s okay.

    -Chelsea
    chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

  • Nikki says:

    It’s so inspiring to read about your buisness journey 🙂 I’ve just started to think that I don’t HAVE to work for someone else all my life too! I’ve started to try and consider my own options. The thought of it does frighten me more than slightly though! Glad you enjoyed your break. N x

  • Two words: Shark Tank.
    Haha.

    Very excited for you. I’ll put my name on the list of employees for when you’re hiring! 😉
    I’ll even supply my own rum.

  • I love this! I dream of being fully self-employed one day, a dream I didn’t even realize that I had until recently and when I thought about it it was so glaringly obvious. Reading about your journey is inspiring, I hope all your dreams for your business come true!

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