I closed my shop for a few days this week to make some adjustments in the production side of things. It felt really weird to come home from work and not immediately start printing orders.
It made me think more about my life on a day-to-day basis. I work my day job for 8 or 9 hours. Then I go home and tackle all the days orders and if I'm lucky, a blog post. Throw dinner, a shower and sleep in there and I realized I only spend 3-4 hours per weekday on my business.
I sit here and hope that my customers will love my product enough that the fact that every order is not tied in pretty twine will not matter to them. I hope that bloggers know that I'm still a fan even if I don't leave them comments. I hope these things don't come across as me "not caring" or "not trying."
Because I care so much and try so hard! I know when "The Day" comes when I do "That Thing" (are you following me?) I will have more time for the little details. But right now I'm working hard to just cover orders, blogging, and of course, working full-time. I hope you'll bare with me till I see it through! ;]
You are amazing girl! Every time I remember that you have a "day job" I still can't believe it! I also feel bad about not always being able to reply to comments or reading everyone's blog posts, etc. but we are living in the fast lane. You're time will come :) I know it!
ReplyDeleteI so understand, and I have stepped back some from my handmade to focus on building my chocolate business. My goal is to have a successful chocolate business, which will allow me to do 'that thing' and have more time for my handmade life. It is nice to not feel the stress of doing too much, but I feel like I'm neglecting one of the things I love. I just keep reminding myself that it's only for a time. T-minus 18 months and counting:-)
ReplyDeleteDon't stress about it, seriously! Putting 3-4 hours/day on your shop plus a regular full-time job is definitely nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, that's something to be proud of. Take some time for yourself and don't assume that other people/bloggers might be thinking less of you because you are busy, because, you know what, I would bet that that is totally wrong. Why do you think people blog? Because they have busy lives and want to share parts of them! So, just blog when you can, comment when you can, and let the other pieces fall into place when "the day" comes.
ReplyDeleteGirl you are doing incredible. I wish I had a pinky finger amount of the talent and beauty that you do. I can't keep it all together and I hard sell anything in my shop. Haha.
ReplyDeleteAnyways I think your packaging is beautiful and I should know since I can't stop buying your adorable and hilarious cards. Keep it going girl. You'll get THERE (wink) soon. I just know it!
Xo.
I totally understand, I also have a day job that takes up a lot of my time so what I'm able to do for my business is limited for the weekends. Don't feel guilty about comments. Lately I've been seeing a lot of "blog etiquette" posts and they always gotta stress responding to everyone, who does that?? I don't have to respond to every comment, even the few that I have. Anyway, your work is amazing and I love visiting your blog. You do what you gotta do to take care of YOU, don't worry about everyone else, we'll be ok. :)
ReplyDeleteWauw, that really something, that you Can handle All that! I'm amazed, and wonderful work and courage! Good luck with it all and have a wonderful Day!
ReplyDeleteDon't overthink about it, seriously! In a perfect world, we'd be able to respond to every one, to comment on all the blogs that we like, to have plenty of time to work and have our side job that we love and feel perfectly content in the end of the day. But that's not real life. It's amazing that you can handle all that! You should pat yourself on the back.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a pleasure starting to follow you and getting to know you and your business. I am in a similar situation and now exactly how you feel. It's nice to know I am not the only one.
ReplyDeleteAh, you're such a sweetie pie! Don't worry about it. I think you're doing a fantastic job! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/
Good luck! I wish you the best tackling "the thing"! Although I can tell you from experience, once you make "the thing" come true you definitely will not have time for all those extra things. Haha! I'm always wishing for more time to pay attention to every little detail of my business... Nonetheless, many more exciting things will take their place I'm sure :) Have fun living life!
ReplyDeletexx
you are doing fine girl and i know that it's tough b/c im totally with you in this crazy schedule! :)
ReplyDeleteI am new here but I can tell you this...you do not need to do it all. People will still read even if you don't comment back, and people will order your beautiful creations because they are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a great job, looking forward to your future.
Thanks for the tutorial help!
Elizabeth
Your schedule is OOC. I almost had a mental breakdown when I had to do all of that. You will get to where you want to be...just keep working at it! And maybe move back east, it is cheaper =). xo
ReplyDeleteLet me just say this a few words of encouragement.. I have followed SO many bloggers for the longest time and have wanted to start my own blog, but have always pushed it off because I dont have the TIME! It wasn't until I came across yours and something just came to me (maybe its the fact that we seem to have so many things in common that it's scary) and was like alright if she can do it then so can I! You have been so inspiring and work so hard and like my boyfriend has said to me all along, if you want something bad enough it will come, but you have to work your ass off to get there.. So keep up the good work and know that you are inspiring people and are making them want to do more whether it be craft, push themselves to do something they have always wanted to do (like move away ;) dress cute ;) or start their own little creative outlet/blog!... At least some of us that is! :) Keep it up becasue one day it will all pay off! :)
ReplyDeleteI think we all wish that we had more time for something or another. I wish I had more time to spend on my shop and that after almost 3 years it didn't look like I just opened it. Just know that you are doing your best and that you are truly an inspiration. Keep your chin up and remember that you are not the only one! We need to have lives outside of our shops sometimes too! Keep up the awesome work girl!! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're amazing Julie, really. You know how shocked I was when I found out you had a full-time job, right? This was the first blog I ever advertised on, and thanks to you, I felt like kind of a big deal. Ha! Your positivity and energy were so contagious. That is a real gift.
ReplyDeleteDon't sweat the twine!
Life is busy - I've done the full time job and part time job thing at the same time (it wasn't a home based business or crafting, so I know that makes a difference) and it is tiring. Everybody understands - and, here is the silver lining- when you do have time to make some comments, it will be a lovely and welcome surprise for that blogger! Chin up, you're doing OK at that juggling act stuff that is your life!
ReplyDeletei recently discovered your blog/shop and my co workers and i are just DYING over all of them but this one in particular: http://www.etsy.com/listing/66134745/funny-anniversary-card-i-love-you-card
ReplyDeleteexpect some orders!!! even though i dont have a significant other... it doesnt hurt to stock up and plan ahead righT?!
Time to up your prices on your art if demand is that high! You shouldn't ever have to feel like it's a pain to work on something you love. By upping prices, if demand continues, you could potentially scale back on your day job and have more time to put into your art job (because let's face it, that's what your Etsy shop is now - a second job).
ReplyDeleteI don't feel like it's a pain to work on what I love. I feel like it's a pain to work my day job!
Deleteoh girl, you are doing an amazing job!!! i feel ya though, that's kind of why i stopped my etsy shop, no time! but then again, a baby does take up A LOT more time!!!
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