Hello out there. It seems like the common theme of my posts these days is: "I'm sorry it's been such a long time..." So I'm going to skip ahead of that now and just tell you what I've been up to.
The holidays: it's an emotional time, but also a busy time! I've been trying my hand at craft fairs now that I've got more time to do such things, and I've been pleasantly suprised at how welcomed I've felt. The other vendors are lovely, and the customers are even lovelier! One of the dis-advangages about selling work online is that I don't get to hear the thought process of my potential customer. But at a fair, I can hear the conversation between two people that either results in a sale, or in a pass. I can gather information about price points, colors, patterns, design, and quality. And also the emotional reaction that folks have to certain things. All of this is great for helping me refine my product and its presentation.
This past year has been quite a challenge for me, and after Bronwyn's passing I was left feeling like I was blind to my purpose. But I've started to find my footing again, and after some soul searching I remember that I really do love the creative endevours that are BCharmer Designs and Mercy Me Designs. So my next task is to turn those hobby businesses into bona-fide businesses. My local community has a non-profit program called Enterprise for Equity, which offers business training to low-income entrepreneurs, and I've signed up to begin their training program in February. I'm thrilled! My hope is that I can turn something that supports my creativity into something that also supports me financially. I'll keep you posted (I really will).
In the meantime, I've found some new fabric to love (big suprise) and a fun little project to showcase it. The designer of this fabric is Lotta Jansdotter, and the line is called, "Echo" and I confess I fell hard for this whole collection before it was even released. I don't have a lot of it, but enough to make piecework zippered pouches and headbands. Isn't it delicious?
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| Suzanne and me at our most recent Craft Fair |
This past year has been quite a challenge for me, and after Bronwyn's passing I was left feeling like I was blind to my purpose. But I've started to find my footing again, and after some soul searching I remember that I really do love the creative endevours that are BCharmer Designs and Mercy Me Designs. So my next task is to turn those hobby businesses into bona-fide businesses. My local community has a non-profit program called Enterprise for Equity, which offers business training to low-income entrepreneurs, and I've signed up to begin their training program in February. I'm thrilled! My hope is that I can turn something that supports my creativity into something that also supports me financially. I'll keep you posted (I really will).
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3 comments:
Hi Colleen, your stall looks wonderful! I hope all your fairs have been really busy for you. Good luck with your business ventures too, how exciting, I am sure they will be a success - the course sounds like a great idea. I am so glad you are finding your footing a bit, and I hope you are enjoying the festive season. (and thank you for your thoughtful email)
Much love
Jane
I'm glad that the ground isn't such a slippery slope for you these days, and that you are finding your footing again. You have such a fabulous design sense, Colleen, and your attention to detail is spot on. I have no doubt in my mind or heart that you are going to realize all of your creative business goals and I look forward to following along on your journey!
Thanks so much for your support, Jane and Victoria. I love you both!
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