January always brings renewed hopes for business success in the new year, but this particular year I find myself faced with many cut backs and one tough decision.
September saw the end of social media for me, as I deleted my facebook, twitter, and pinterest accounts. On Monday, I had to say goodbye to A Little Etsy Love, a blog I've been a part of for two years. That leaves for me this blog and my etsy shop.
Although I've just started to list new items into the shop, and plan to continue, I've decided that I'm no longer happy with running N. Fallon Design Studio as a business. To be frank, it's been a money suck. I know we in the crafty business are trained to persevere no matter what, but after 5 years of being in the red, I need to grasp the reality that what I do is a hobby and not a business, and I will act accordingly this year.
Lately I've really enjoyed building a new skill set in learning to sew, and plan to continue doing so. I'll finish the instruction book I'm currently working through, and go on to other tutorials, patterns, and books as well. But I'm no longer planning to look at what I make in terms of etsy or even in terms of what will sell or what I want to sell. Everything I make from today forward will be for me.
As for this blog? I really love blogging. I love the community I've built, I appreciate my readers, and I enjoy reading the blogs that I regularly visit and discovering new ones. But for now, I don't want to commit to a specific schedule of posting. I don't want to run this blog like a business. I want to stir in a bit of leisure, and come to find what I loved so much about it again. I'll be posting when I have something to say or to show you. And I'll be visiting blogs when I'm in the mood to read- much like reading a good book. I don't want to be so rigid about it; I want instead to enjoy it again. So that's what I'll do.
I hope you understand this change, dear readers, and why it's necessary for my mental health.
20 comments:
I'm with you! Blogging should be fun, not a chore (at least for me; I know there are people who blog for a living). Best wishes with your new outlook. These sound like good changes.
I hope these changes are just what you need to have fun blogging and creating again :) You really had a successful year last year with all you learned and accomplished with your sewing. I can't wait to see what you create and share with us next.
Actually I do! I've been slogging away for years, and I've only just reached my breakeven point...and only because I decided to open up a supplies shop in 2011. If I hadn't I would have had to close down everything.
I understand! I do hope you find joy in creating and blogging again because we love to see your designs and read your stories!
Hi Nancy, Sometimes we do need to evaluate what we are doing and go through a complete overhaul. Who knows what will come out of this for you! I hope you continue to enjoy learning and perfecting your sewing skills. Blogging should be more fun than anything so kudos to you making it a more casual, enjoyable experience!
I totally understand! I was and am where you are. I am with Duni too! I wouldn't have made anything much if I hadn't opened my supply store. I blog only because I want to. I don't do those treasury love posts, or a few others--they just waste my time. Since I changed my posts, I have been getting more views! I wish you good luck with your plans!
Nancy - I completely understand where you're coming from. That's why I enjoy blogging so much - because I'm doing it for myself. Can't remember the last time I sold anything on Etsy... Peace be to you. {:-Deb
Sometimes we have to make decisions that will be better for us. I'll bet you feel so much freer! I'm glad you will continue to blog and craft. Doing it for enjoyment is the best reason to do it!
Completely understand! This is a great time of year to shake things up and change patterns. Good luck to you and 'see' you soon :).
Looks like a theme ... blogging should be fun, if it feels like a chore the posts don't come as easily (at least for me). I have a very haphazard schedule to my blogging, but I wait until I have content. I hope this adjustment works to invigorate your creative lens :)
I am with you on that, Nancy! I am phasing out my jewelry shop...more for my hand issues than anything. I did see a little profit over the last several years, but not enough to make it worth my while. My button supply shop on the other hand? I dont have to market or anything...I list the buttons...they sell. Period. No fuss...no muss. I think Duni discovered the same thing. In this handmade market, you don't really get far unless you are supplying all the other handmade artists and crafters! So kudos to you for ditching the social media! I still have accounts, but I never use them!!! i should delete them, too! i hope you still plan on blogging. Even tho i don't comment much doesn't mean I am not reading :)
courageous!
I echo what Beaded Tail said!
You may notice that I don't blog very often. I have to have something meaningful (to me at least) to say.
I definitely understand where you are coming from. I've been re-evaluating my shop, and making changes. I hope the changes are what you need, and that you have fun sewing, blogging, and creating new things on your own terms.
Good for you for recognizing what is good for you and your mental health. It sounds like you have a good plan in place doing things that will make you happy. I look forward to seeing you around the blogging community and wish you joy and happiness in all your future projects.
Valerie
Everyday Inspired
I totally agree! I did the same thing with my Etsy shop for the same reason! Been missing you and hope to still see you around here every now and then! Hugs xxx
Oh... oh so many things to say. I'll save it up for in-person.
Blogging HAS to be fun or there is no use doing it. I have days where I don't want to read, so I don't. There are other days when I don't want to post or to even turn on the computer...so I don't. I don't want to resent the whole thing, so I take part only when I want to.
Sorry about the business--that's sad. But I'm sure you are going to move ahead in some new endeavor.
Don't be a stranger...I will miss you when you aren't here!
I understand completely! I hope that taking a different approach will make you feel better and more creative overall! I think your work is great, and now you can be free to make whatever strikes your fancy! I think it's exciting. :-)
I think that all of the decisions you are making, Nancy, will ultimately result in your having more time to do what's really important to you, and probably having more energy to do it. Good luck with your new goals!
I'm totally with you Nancy! I spent 2012 trying to make my shop into a business and I enjoyed it very much, but in the end I know it is best for it to be just a hobby. I want to be like you and just make stuff for me, I've made so many things for everyone but myself. I think you are so talented with your sewing skills and think that is so awesome all the things you can create!
I feel like being apart of the blog world has the competitive edge and so many people treat it as a business. I've distanced myself from the internet, blog world and reading blogs the past few months and find peace and happiness in living my own life. I think it is great you are going to be blogging freely as you choose! I'm doing the same. I think it is good for our mental health like you said. Anyway I'm in the same boat as you and totally agree with your perspective. Have a great day!
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