Burning the candle.
Late nights. Long Days.
In my 20s I was often warned not to burn the candle at both ends.
I never listen.
My mind can’t take a break.
I thought this past Saturday was Friday. It wasn’t until 1 pm that I realized that it was an actual weekend. Trying to find a balance has been a struggle. It seems time slips between my hands and I have no way to stop it. Part of it is relearning a skill I haven’t used in decades, the other part is trying to build a business. My camera roll once filled with places, is now filled with product and photos of product and video of product.
The truth is this business was created out of necessity, I was let go from 2 jobs within 2 weeks of each other. It was a BIG wakeup. I was relying on these to pay bills and cover expenses. I was 6 months away from having almost no debt. I had been working very hard, putting in long hours for other businesses and diligently to pay off one credit card at a time, wiping as much debt as I could. Now back in the American dream — Surviving on the minimum, living in debt, not spending any money on anything other than bills & food and hoping that the trailer sells so I can remove that “factor” from the monthly budget. This led me to decide that my next rig, is cash only. No financing.
Amazon has allowed me the ease of purchasing anything I needed to begin my business. Supplies ordered on Amazon. Delivered. I had a ton of maps. I have all the “things” needed to make many of my custom orders. However, making sure I have the inventory and being prepared for potential orders is a different story. A lot of upfront expenses. Trying to find that “thing” that everyone must have. Still working on it. Still trying to find the right events because as I have quickly discovered not all events are created equal.
The maps are a hit, but since groceries have become stupidly expensive. People are not buying. Not really. Nothing like trying to create a business in the midst of an economic breakdown.
I’m loving it but also doubting myself in many aspects of the development. Normally, when I am frustrated, I can’t seem to walk away, stop, or move on to something else instead of setting something down. I hyper-focus on completing that “one” task. Over the past month, I’ve improved quite a bit.
In January I began a night class to learn how to make jewelry. This added a project and creative adventure, allowed me to reset. Weird, I know, but it disrupted the nightly routine. I was doing something that was teaching me a new skill. I loved it.
I’m also trying to make sure that I perform specific tasks on the same day each week. Build a muscle memory regarding becoming productive but also understand that taking breaks is needed. Now, if I’m tired, moody, just not feeling it, or amped, pumped, and overfollowing with ideas. I go with it.
Monday — write the blog day.
Tuesday — post the blog.
Wednesday — handle appointments/explore
Thursday — create
Friday — create
Saturday — create
Sunday — house chores/explore
When I’m not doing the above, I’m working on listing products on Etsy, building my Amazon Handmade store, researching keywords, processing orders, working on client projects, helping my mom, and still applying for part-time remote work.
Today started great. We went for our morning walk. Checked emails, and I had finally completed two watercolors of the famous Pixar house. Quickly got frustrated with math ( not my forte ) which put my mood in a bad direction. I’ve figured a few things out, but I didn’t want to stop until I was done with the first concept. I’m already changing it. Learning from what I did today and tweaking a few of the steps to simplify the final product. I was hoping to have it ready for the next event ( Sunday ) but I don’t think I’m going to make it. I need to have the product listed on Etsy, built out with photos, a description, and information on how to order. I can then display my samples, so potential customers can custom order the product through my Etsy Store.
My plan, have a wall where the samples hang, with a sign that states how they can order. At each show, and each event, I learn a new way to display my products and have figured out that less is more. Over crowded tables are chaotic and look unorganized. Having the display stand custom-built by my friends' husband, has allowed me to simplify the magnets.
My next show is in 5 days. I will not be ready to add this really fun idea to my custom orders - I’ve scoured Etsy / Amazon Handmade / Pinterest — absolutely no one has done this or at least posted it. So it needs to be perfect before I will offer it to customers.
This show I will be selling my photography, reproductions of my paintings, map magnets, keychains and push-pin maps. If you are local, stop by, it’s free to walk through and see what local artisans and crafters are making. I can guarantee, there will be food, 3D dragons, tumblers, crocheted something, and jewelry. Those are the top 5 items that always seem to be sold at events. While my travel maps and magnets are unlike any other items at events, it’s been very interesting to see “what” is bought.
Lake Cable Women's Club Spring Craft Show
Lake Cable Woman’s Club
5725 Fulton Drive NW
Canton, OH 44718
Sunday 10:am to 3pm
Happy Spring and hope to see you there!
