Chaos, Christmas and ISO Support Group
I wanted it, I asked for it and man I got it.
My hope was that December was going to be a big month for my Etsy store. I have literally done nothing else but make products, prep, pack up, photograph, stamp, write key words, work on SEO, edit, upload and design.
Ask my friends — I’ve not had my margarita night with my girls in a few months!! The guys at El Camps are probably wondering what happened.
Making the choice to put 1000% of everything into creating this mobile, and online business has been a whirlwind of panic, frustration, sheer joy, happiness, chaos and just blown away by the response and the connections I have made with buyers.
Since many of my items are custom, I’ve had lots of requests to confirm what they wanted was available. I finally — FINALLY got the National Park Map designed and made exactly as I wanted. I listed it and the orders began to pour in, I actually ran out of the canvas paper I use. It’s now thankfully back in stock, but the rush is done. Cause if you haven’t ordered, or plan on ordering tonight, well let’s just say — it’s not gonna arrive on time.
I know it’s the holidays and it will probably significantly tank but… as of January 1, 2024, I will be a star seller on Etsy. It’s really not supposed to do much other than indicated to buyers that I am a reliable seller and checked off a series of boxes to achieve this goal. Is it paying for all my bills. No, but it’s a lot closer. I’ll take it. My current conversion rate is 4.4%!! According to Invespcro.com: The latest survey and studies in 2023 show that the global average website conversion rate is 3.68%. The average conversion rate in the e-commerce market decreased by 0.91% from 1.65% to 1.64% in February 2023 compared to February 2022.
So I’ll take that 4.4% and know that I am definitely heading in the right direction.
Wanderlust and Wit — If you haven’t browsed yet, you really should. After January 1st, expect to see new work and one-of-a-kind paintings.
Remember when I said, I’m diving back into my art roots? I’m really getting back into those roots!
Getting ready for 2024.
I have 2 weeks until I need to be ready for my next show on January 5th in Canal Fulton. This time, my space is bigger and I’ve already got plans in mind for how I’m going to fill it. I’ve always been the one that set up event tables for other companies I worked for, making sure that what people are looking at stands out. Since there are always multiple vendors and others selling their wares, most people and customers quickly glance at tables with out “really” seeing the table. Unless it has food. If it has food, especially breads — it sells quick.
Engaging customer as they walk by is key. Saying hi, smiling, be the approachable seller. Someone that can make you laugh. I’ve seen at events I attended as a vendor and a consumer, tables where the seller’s look tired or unhappy and seem unengaged. If I’m buying something, I want the person, I am buying from to be friendly and someone I feel we could have a great conversation.
My mom has told me a couple of times, that my brother and I have this ability. She says we got it from our dad. I say, they both pushed us to chase our dreams and when you do that, when you encourage someone to create, work and chase something they love. It comes naturally.
On that note:
If you are over that hangover from New Year’s or recovered from the Christmas chaos, stop by and see me in Canal Fulton on January 5th (5-10pm) and check out 50+ vendors and their passion.
Elm Ridge Party Center
469 Elm Ridge Ave
Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614
Honestly, as a vendor I’m not expecting much, I’m hoping but it’s right after the holidays. Having grown up with a January 7th birthday — I am painfully aware of the lack or desire of people wanting to shop or really do anything.
That’s ok, every show I do, I figure out how to make things easier for pack-up, how to carry, what to take, what to leave. How to set it up. How to display my work and designs. Each show is a massive learning lesson in making it easier and less a pain in the ass. I say that with the fact that I'm out of shape, the back hurts, and most times everything hurts. I love it though and the only way I know how to get through it; is just by doing.
Yesterday and today, I am in the middle of rearranging my room / studio. Making it work for the chaos I just experienced before the holidays. I have an entire built in shelf system that I need to use, so I’m moving books, and rearranging EVERYTHING. I’m making my room work for how I get orders, package and ship product.
It’s what I do. I constantly re-arrange my space.
Sometimes I can’t, so I’ll change the decor. Sometimes it’s happens at midnight, or 10pm, or 5pm. Sometimes I can’t sleep until it’s all put away and organized. I have learned what I can physically move and when I need help.
Anyone know if there is a support group for people like me?
